SD70MAC led coal train climbs Mullan Pass

Greenhorn Trestle is graced with the elegance of an Executive SD70MAC-led 125 car coal train. Oh and some other locomotives too.

[@gsp0113]

For whoever's curious, that's 125 gondola cars of coal or a total of approximately 15,125 tons (121 tons net carrying capacity * 125 cars). Damn!

[@yankeesforlife24]

Actually each of those cars are roughly 143 tons loaded. A full 130 car set will be roughly between 18.1 and 18.5 tons and cars combined.

[@gsp0113]

@@yankeesforlife24 Thanks. I know little about freight trains and coal, but I was amazed at the quantity of coal seen in this video. I recounted the train's gondola cars, and the number (per my first count) is exactly 125. Your figure of 143 tons loaded is confirmed online; the source I found broke that down as 37 tons for the gondola car, with a load limit of 106 tons. Assuming all 125 gondola cars in this video are fully loaded (which looks to be the case), that a grand total of 13,250 tons of coal. My limited understanding is that coal trains like this run regularly to the U.S. West Coast, where the coal is loaded on ships bound for China.

[@gilasquiggy7846]

@@yankeesforlife24 Ok, how much revenue on a pull like that? Just a guess.

[@shak0009]

My wife and kids are on vacation and im home alone drinking a cold one and I have my Bose speakers turned up to max enjoying this, what I call the best train video on you tube. FANTASTIC

[@ScottHiddelston]

Ride Auto Sales Finance thanks so much for those very kind words !! I appreciate it. If you’re interested take a look at my video of MRL SD45’s at the same spot. Unique sound indeed. Thanks again

[@smartyjones7459]

Ditto good buddy... back at ya...

[@grindfreakmike5754]

Bose are overated but i get your point.

[@grindfreakmike5754]

Guess I'm like my dad ?we prefer thr sound of a steam engine

[@andrespalanco1771]

@@ScottHiddelston 6i

[@stewiepid4385]

I had my 700W Subwoofer system running on this video. I am a Metal Guitarist. I am in Heaven!

[@Neilf10]

What a great video. No horns or bells, just great power on display. Nicely done

[@daveblakeney4657]

The unalderated sound of horsepower transferred through the exhaust of these monsters pulling coal up a grade is music to ones ears...Great catch🖒🖒

[@samdunnock]

Yes sir

[@flflgh]

Great video! There's a huge amount of horsepower there, and they're not wasting any time getting up that hill. I still love the sound of those EMD's most of all. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@Angry.General1461]

8:15 What are they trying to hide with that rectangle?

[@MrTrashmasterfx]

I counted around 8 locomotives with around 4000 hp ( i think) which makes 24000 total. Really hat to laugh about the single engine at the back

[@Posttrip]

A magnificent concert! The choir was in excellent singing in perfect harmony. Bravo!

[@craigymac5386]

Sitting watching this in Scotland, These trains and videos are just amazing. I love the look of those SD70 Macs. Great footage 👍

[@ScottHiddelston]

Craig Calibra thanks Craig. Scottish myself !! Eaglesham and East Kilbride. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@craigymac5386]

@@ScottHiddelston Hi Scott, I'm not that far from there, I'm in Baillieston. I'm in the middle of building an HO American layout so these videos are giving me plenty of ideas. 👍

[@jimgemmell2831]

I'm a bit further west, down on the Ayrshire Coast. Ardrossan

[@duncan5mcleod]

Amazing ! The power it takes to get this train must be colossal !!

[@9carcottrell246]

duncan mcleod umm running several v16. Fiat Alice tug boat engine with 3000 brake wheel horse power each wheel full lockers and sand spreader deployment, 850,000 lbs. tractive drive. On average 660,000 pounds per rail car. Let's go with throttle up. Notch 7. LETS PULL

[@oxolotleman7226]

That's why there are 5 sd70aces, 2 gevos, and an sd70mac.

[@Angry.General1461]

8:15 What are they trying to hide with that rectangle?

[@a1harrogate]

@@Angry.General1461 a feral sasquatch

[@jimgemmell2831]

See that comment from 9 car Cottrell? He's talking bullshit. Check the comment from yesterday from one X Recon usmc. Almost identical. This clown is all over YT spouting bullshit on train vids, Concorde vids (ex Concorde pilot), mining videos with bulldozers and minehaul trucks, Australian train vids and heavy haulage videos. Only thing he drives is his vivid imagination :)

[@carlosignatov5903]

¡¡ TREMENDO TREN SUPER CARGADOS sus 125 WAGONES con 8 MÁQUINAS , HERMOSO y TAMBIÉN la BELLEZA del PAISAJE !!! . Bendiciones desde URUGUAY 🇺🇾❤🇺🇾❤🇺🇾

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thank you Carlos

[@d2sfavs]

nothing beats EMD this is great with the long sound effects in the distance nice n slow with a heavy load from above and no silly disruptions of horns blowing. thanks for sharing

[@Beatlefan67]

As someone watching this in England, it is just plain staggering to see when you chaps come to shifting stuff by rail!

[@meanmrmatt]

As an American, I know nothing abouti railroading, but I’m fairly certain “Plain Staggering” was by Thomas Paine.

[@traceybonds8794]

@@meanmrmatt Thomas Paine from Lewes in england. Just plian staggering. Wonderful web site y'all

[@ScottHiddelston]

They were howling weren't they? I could smell them as they passed. Nice to see that new Ace earning its keep at the back too.

[@MrWestdayable]

Incredible! Seriously. Scott's train videos are best I have ever seen on KZbin or anywhere. And each one is better than the last. With a large monitor and good speakers I feel like I'm trackside. Masterful job! This one is my favorite of all.

[@ScottHiddelston]

A sincere thanks for your kind words Dan. I really appreciate the comment.

[@NorfolkSouthernES44AC]

Another killer video Scott, one of my all-time favorites on KZbin.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

The best part is the two-stroke growl of the 4 MRL and the BNSF SD70Aces in notch 8. Very cool to see 4 MRL SD70Aces all at once and here on the west coast we virtually never see any BNSF EMD units (usually all GE). Great surprise. Brilliant video and audio work too! Thanks!

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks Michael.

[@ScottHiddelston]

I agree with all your comments. The EMD's really sound like they are working hard. MRL are EMD exclusively.

[@ScottHiddelston]

No, the middle ones have a crew. The middle locos are only in the train for the 17 or so miles climbing Mullan Pass. During this time the crew in the lead loco control the front and back locos. The front and back locos can handle the train throughout the rest of the journey. Thanks for watching.

[@vrmntthb]

It may be old hat to the engineer(s) and all in a days work...but the f&cken responsibility and stress for this mother of a load has to be tremendous for a non seasoned employee of such trains as these. Awsome in its own right and thanks for a great catch..

[@ScottHiddelston]

I agree Todd. These guys are a class act.

[@9carcottrell246]

Todd Brown thanks sir

[@DL541]

Uphill is usually easier than down hill, sometimes boring. Down hill will make your hair stand on end, leave grip prints on the auto brake handle and sometime a ridge in the seat.

[@rancidbeef582]

@@DL541 I imagine so. There's probably a very fine line between "slow enough" and "too fast".

[@tinnybird1971]

WOW! That is one long train! I wouldn't mind just getting a chair and sit by tracks and watch those trains all day. I sometimes do it when I have Borden time. Love those engines and this video.

[@rickeyhall5468]

I Miss Southern Pacific Coal Trains with Tunnel Motors and sd45s, Rio Grande coal cars.

[@jimbos1567]

Oh my!! What a nicely done video. You have another subscriber for sure. This is one of the few train video's that didn't bounce around all over the place. Nice and steady, and what beautiful country. thank you sharing this with us.

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks very much Jim. I appreciate the comment

[@jimbos1567]

It's well deserved Scott. That's one of best video's I've watched, and I look forward to many more.

[@johnparker7874]

Just spent a week on Mullans pass, and this was the only spot I couldn’t get to. Now I wish I had tried harder.

[@donnebes9421]

The crew of that train have the best office view on the planet.

[@gp3829]

I really enjoyed watching and listening to this video. Executive SD70MAC livery is the finest. Also, Montana RL is good too.

[@Trainlm]

Great video! Beautiful scenery, mid train helpers and DPU. Awesome.

[@jeffwhite3021]

That front loco is beautiful 😍!

[@tonywaldon7801]

Front locomotive, "the executive Mac" Known as EMD SD-70 MAC

[@ScottHiddelston]

I had to mask out someone who showed up after I started filming who didn't want to be photographed. I didn't like it either.

[@talusranch990]

Screw that person, he is in public and has no right (or reason) to cry.

[@hughjardon5869]

People in public settings have no say on whether they get photographed or not.

[@Goldarr1900]

@@hughjardon5869 very true.

[@WaterburnerActual]

Today, with cameras on every city block, and half a dozen in between, One Has No Expectation of Privacy Outside Their Own Home. Additionally and most importantly, I do believe this is the best exhibition of locomotive power video Ive watched.

[@neilybobmojo_railfanning]

Beautiful scenery, amazing sound and great camera work make for another winner! Favorite for sure. Interesting exhaust sound mix of the EMD and GE as they move upgrade. Thanks for sharing.

[@linvanscott2108]

Great works.

[@johnmoore8016]

Love those long train with a lot of power plant monving them. thanks for the video.

[@georgetarabini6552]

Nice fade away, thanks for sharing

[@joseluispereznicolas615]

Excelente video saludos desde Queretaro México 🚂🚂🚂👍👍

[@Nicola636128]

Great video and epic sound of EMD locomotive!

[@MilePost106]

Your videos are kick ass! Keep them coming! I love Montana, hauled lots of grain back in the day across the state.

[@RetigrT]

72 cars first half, 53 - second.

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks for counting!

[@CarolinaCorrea-gl4sy]

Que lindos Videos .me encanta Ver el tren . Calientes California, Union .muy bonitos Videos Paisajes hermosos.❤❤ Ciemore sigo estos Canales de lindos lugares.desde Chile🇨🇱Saludos.

[@MrAdrianc100]

These loco's really hang in there on these grades. Great stuff and no grade crossing chimes either...even better!

[@ScottHiddelston]

+Adrian C Thanks again Adrian. I appreciate the comment

[@mikelowery5741]

That hum is everything smh raw power

[@baltazarquevedo1920]

WHAT A MOST FASCINATE VIDEO HAS MADE ME REMEMBER MY CHILDHOOD PLAYING WITH MINE TOY

[@TrainTrackTrav]

3x4x1, that's quite a consist. Lovely sound too!

[@michaelpass2176]

One engine, two power units, might more units at the end of train, four units in the middle of train could be used for braking go down hill and one unit a the end, is being used for power going up hill. Could be use as a switch engine when coming to siding to off load some of the coal cars.

[@BUNCHofxs]

Now THAT, is a coal train...

[@1MTSRider]

Wow, for once I actually heard a great sounding GEVO. That #6271 is putting on quite a show.

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks MTSRider I appreciate the comment.

[@lawrencekedz]

Never seen anything like this. Finally, at 7:00 minutes, I thought I saw the end car, the caboose. But nooooooo, it's another freaking engine. Wow !!! But I do love a nice caboose, if ya' know what I mean. Know what I mean?

[@waseemahamad1820]

Itni badi train to mai apne life me kabhi bhi nhi dekha tha

[@kens.3729]

Diesel Electric engines are a very efficient method for transporting goods across the US, Canada and Mexico. There are few limits on what can be shipped in a very efficient and timely manner. Thank GOD for the the many Railways past generations built with their hands. They were Real Workers!

[@marcocamberos6093]

Yessss !!! Thats incredible man...I call to this American Muscle...😃

[@samdunnock]

Hell of a long train

[@carlosturren2683]

... ¡ Que buen video !. Muchas gracias.

[@telcelmagdalena6288]

Eso estuvo perfecto. Nada como el ruido original de la makina y los vagones. Dedo arriba.

[@Cj-kh5po]

Thank you so much for filming the entire train. In 2022 I hauled freight back and forth across I-90 and always enjoyed seeing MRL helping BNSF trains over the pass. Does anyone know when the pass at Butte was put out of service, and why? I have hiked a small amount of the line, but would love to do more of it when time allows.

[@richardgordon8110]

any locomotive that can handle this many coal wagons with out stalling has got my vote for loco of the year.

[@9carcottrell246]

RICHARD GORDON I'm running v-16 fiat Alice tug boat engine with 3000 brake wheel horse power each car. 660,000 pounds per rail car, full inter axel wheel lock deployment and sand spreader deployment, 850,000 pounds of tractive drive LETS PULL GOOOOO WITH THROTTLE UP

[@jimgemmell2831]

You're running fuck all 9 car. You probably need a train this long to carry all the bullshit you comment on here.

[@ralph5407]

What you really want is not this unearthly noise of a diesel but the sheer music of well driven steam locos, OK so they don't haul as much but the sight and sound far exceed anything a smelly diesel can provide.

[@nxtyrjrslm]

Best view of sd70 ever, (the helper)

[@MrDogTales]

nice vid just the right amount of power it looks like.

[@jkthomas1245]

I'm surprised that even eight locos can pull that many heavy coal cars up that grade! Surely, they semi-retire the helpers to level track, not let them entirely wear out? Working that hard day-after-day has got to be very hard on them. Railfan & Railroad says MRL bought 16 new locos in 2002, and 12 more since. Pretty much proves my point. New locos are more reliable, and wear-and-tear is less harmful on new equipment. Are those standard, or extra-heavy-duty models? Also, it's got to be a challenge keeping them cool.

[@trenesporjarucoyotrasprovi4694]

Excelente video y un lugar espectacular para poder realizar filmaciones. Saludos desde Cuba 🇨🇺👍📸.

[@Zuiderzee-Lives]

Full house, GEVOs full of ACes...

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks Rebel. Haven't been up to much lately.

[@babyboygio7841]

All that power for a coal train

[@daveskinner5131]

Good audio, a tripod and NO SHAKEYS. Atta boy!

[@ScottHiddelston]

Dave Skinner Thanks Dave !! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@daveskinner5131]

I did. I shoot stills, and good still practice makes good video as well. I hate the morons that post wind noise and blur as a "must see." What they should do is look at Kooistra, Benson, Harrop, Steinheimer and other greats, and frame their shots like that. Like I said, good work. Glad someone is recording what will be history someday.

[@FishplateFilms]

Welcome back Scott!, great work as usual mate, how'd you know I love Exec's..LOL.. Those traction motors are really singing! Looking forward to more vids?? Cheers Gregg

[@deliabenitezgonzalez1692]

Excelente viendo video desde Paraguay

[@rodfaragini7110]

Great video Scott

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks Rod

[@RailFanJon]

nice catch man! 9051 is one of their new SD70M-2's where before they were SD70ACE's now they have both lol :P

[@paso4808]

Awesome video love the engine sound

[@TrainsNStuff]

Wow!! Loud!!! Awesome catch! RUN 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On my recent trip, I wanted to railfan in Montana, FOR THIS REASON, but I didn't get the chance :(

[@TrainsNStuff]

By the way, I subbed.

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks Trains N' Stuff, I appreciate you commenting. Those trains are still there and waiting on you showing up!

[@TrainsNStuff]

No problem!!! I don't know HOW LONG it will be before I go there again, but I hope I will soon (Soon=next 3-5 years lol)

[@TheMetGuy]

That's one heavy train

[@bobsilleck6797]

Pretty impressive. 😎

[@drloran01]

Lots of Pushers...... Very nice Video.....

[@videophotography2794]

Wow you have beautiful videos! :)

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks, Video Photography, I appreciate the comment

[@uncleethel2558]

The Mid train MRL units are not DPU's They are manned helpers. The unit on the rear is a DPU.

[@fhowland]

Incredible! So much weight.. just wondering, does each set of locomotives have engineers, or are they hooked up to be operated in sync from the head engine?

[@ScottHiddelston]

Fred Howland the lead and tail locomotives are operated by the engineer in the leading loco, and the mid-train locos have their own crew. Thanks for commenting

[@DJshekky]

boy, that is one king hell mighty dog of a coal train...

[@everettrailfan]

Why are there 4 mid-DPUs for only 125 cars?

[@ScottHiddelston]

It’s a 2.2 percent gradient for 18 miles with sharp curves. . And they are manned helpers, not DPU’s. They will be removed from the train at the top of the hill and will head back to Helena for the next train. Thanks for watching

[@ronbrennan4632]

Thanks Scott now that is a coal train for sure great 'video ron rdzl om616 mb dzl

[@jeffwhite3021]

If this ran on coal, how many cars would be empty by the time it crested the pass?

[@ZoiPana]

Excellent video! ♥

[@ScottHiddelston]

Thanks Danai !!

[@ZoiPana]

Scott Hiddelston ♥

[@RobRob5656]

great movie!

[@geoffreylee5199]

Why is there a censor mark covering something on the other side of the tracks?

[@formidable38]

Holy shit that was cool and superb videography!!!

[@umae19871]

Nice diesel locomotive, and doesn`t smoke!

[@JosephCee]

what are you bleeping out? is there a woman on the other side of that train flashing as it passes or something?

[@Er.Sunil.Pedgaonkar]

Fantastic

[@thatoneguy611]

That’s a lot of EMD’s

[@christopherdibble5872]

The engineers don't wave from the trains anymore, not like they did back in 1954.

[@andrewwerner2061]

Where is the front engine from? I mean the company? Just wondering

[@RailfanTubeNetwork]

FANTASTIC! That was cool!

[@ScottHiddelston]

I appreciate the comment Railfan.

[@ostlandr]

Thanks! Great catch.

[@johnmoore8016]

was the lead unit paint job a new or old one. (looked better then the other units) h ow many power units can they control fron the front unit? beautiful country. thanks for a very outstanding video.

[@ScottHiddelston]

John Moore when Santa Fe and Burlington merged they tried different paint schemes and this was one of the ones that didn’t make it. I think it looks outstanding and I’m sorry it wasn’t chosen. Thanks for commenting

[@simonvaughan788]

Is it a runaway i mean not one blast of the horn.

[@ScottHiddelston]

Simon, it’s out in the middle of nowhere with no crossings, and the engineer I’m sure is buried in his gauges watching the tractive effort of the locomotives. I’ve often wondered why they don’t toot the horn but I’ve started looking in and they’re always staring at their screens

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

What is it that was being digitally blocked out when looking down the hill when there were gaps between the locomotives?

[@Zachary-yn9yu]

Could be deceased wildlife.

[@neworder18]

That was one heck of a train! Also, nobody cares that you parked your car just below the tracks, so why hide it? Everybody in the real world sees it anyways.

[@sillenHDsportster]

Hm !?! I don´t think that it was a car he hide ! Look more like it was other people standing there .

[@p.h.562]

Is that what the white square at 8:20 was?

[@ScottHiddelston]

The place is the best, Sierraferro. Heavy trains, steep hills, lots of curves, friendly people. Thanks for commenting

[@jamieharmer5654]

Awesome...

[@zahan5683]

How long is the train?

[@judefernandez827]

The banking loco looks like it just rolled out from the factory 🏭

[@jamesstallings2007]

Wow !!!!

[@scottc702]

I always have thought that BNSF should have gone with the cream and green scheme on the 70macs for everything. Not a big fan of all the orange...

[@margaritaagudelo92]

Porfabor si sesiste un tren contos bagones?

[@thetigerstripes]

180 degree turn ?......couldn’t get my Lionel to do that. Flatcars always derailed.......unless I put a stapler or silverware on them.