Spreaders, Flangers, and Doublestacks on Donner Pass!

This is winter railroading on Donner Pass. While winter storms dump snow in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, Flangers and Jordan Spreaders work hard to keep trains moving. Not just flangers and spreaders are featured here, we also include doublestack and unit grain trains plus Amtrak's California Zephyr rolling through winter's white.
These scenes were taken from our 2010 DVD release: "Donner Pass: Stacks in the High Sierras" which is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Download by visiting this link here:
www.7ideaproductions.com/prod...

[@chrismair8161]

Grand Daddy spent 35years working as a Fireman in the Caboose. Still have all the letters he mailed to his wife. My Grandma.

[@7ideaproductions]

What a treasure that is!

[@3vpme2]

Do you think ol granny would eat his bum after a sweaty long days work

[@ShahadatAlam-tf5om]

Q​@@GurpreetSingh-fw8wh

[@gregsmith1719]

Boy, those double-deckers with the brown sides set so low they look like sleds on the snow -- really cool!

[@galinkrastev4427]

Who else can appreciate the raw power of truly built American muscle...I love this shit

[@benediktmorak4409]

i would say, hat off to the camera team who had to brace the cold, snow and what not, to give us such a nice video!

[@dennisnickoloff1723]

In the 80's a friend and I used to sit on one of the tunnel capstones as trains crawled up the mountain. The power of the locomotives was unforgettable

[@7ideaproductions]

Back in the good ol' SP days! That would have been awesome!

[@rbfishcs123]

I'm glad I don't work on the RR anymore, but seeing the snow dumping down on the rails brings back the memories.

[@krystalstarrett6760]

Been through Donner many times truck driving, often thought of hard work of railroaders... Now retired, God bless you, be safe, and have fun.

[@probablynotmyname8521]

Being a driver for those trains is a crazy job.

[@mikemarley2389]

I remember going over Donner Pass in my dads truck .And riding shotgun 60 years ago was pretty scary looking down Echo Summit on the looking down side way up in the cab as a young kid.I have seen 40 ft drifts in that area.

[@catlover2368]

have Donner pass on my train simulator one very fun and dangerous route!

[@dixieboy5689]

I remember going to an undergound rail yard near there , with a friend. It was cut out of the rock. Quite impressive. I forget the name of the yard. It was 50 years ago.....

[@7ideaproductions]

You might be thinking of Norden. Workers lived there even in the winter when it was buried in snow. It had a turntable inside the snow sheds.

[@dixieboy5689]

@@7ideaproductions >>>> Yes, thats it. Thanks. Id love to go back some day.

[@maryables6752]

I agree trains and trucks are our life line. Thank you for being there for 🇺🇸

[@timbarner7413]

I got caught driving from Reno to Sacramento with rain turning to blinding snow as I approached Donner summit, followed by a downpour of rain all the way to the Sac airport. It was like two different worlds, but I made my flight just in time.

[@az8theist977]

Hi Tim. May I ask what time of year that was? I'm thinking of taking some vaca time and exploring that area.

[@community1949]

34 feet of snow falls up there - wow!!!

[@albutterfield5965]

I lived not too far from Truckee in the 60's and 70's keeping interstate 80 and the train tracks open is almost a full time job in a normal winter. we had friends that had a house at Soda Springs and in the winter one would enter the thru the second story deck

[@schwags1969]

That is a lot of power pushing a lot of snow.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

7idea is what inspired me to create my own railfan production company and I am forever grateful for their impact. Brilliant video, guys, as always. -Drayton

[@7ideaproductions]

Wow that's pretty cool!

[@JF-lt5zc]

@@7ideaproductions If you haven't watched DIB videos, 7idea, you should. Quality stuff.

[@kishascape]

Lol "company". At least you have a real name that doesn't sound like some cheap chinese off brand.

[@williamh.jarvis6795]

@@user-bd7ql8ct1w Dad says the samething (or very similar) about the length of today's commercial breaks, unlike those of back then, (in his younger years).

[@lance31415]

Snow in Donner Pass is no joke. It's not just the depth (3' - 6' events are common), but the density especially in the late season storm in Feb - March. Keeping the pass open (UP tracks and I80) is tough work.

[@kaylahyshka6135]

Eunos triangles 200 mph even a Canadian national even in Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific

[@bobbysolo5411]

I saw a TV story about I-80 snow removal teams and they said there are things in the concrete so snow plows can drive by instrumentation when visibility is nil. When it's all snow, the road can just be anywhere. How cool is that? Why isn't it national so we could GPS our way anywhere we like on auto navigation.

[@Squalus1477]

Am I the only one that would love to ride that train when it is clearing the rails. That would be awesome.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

For anyone interested, the strange looking circles on the glass in the snow plow cabs are actually spinning marine windows manufactured by Visiport. They spin to keep them clear versus using windshield wipers.

[@ph11p3540]

Commonly spotted on ice breaker ships and Newfoundland Fishing boats

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@ph11p3540 Yes, or industrial machinery such as an enclosed waterjet.

[@epistte]

What is the strange contraption on the roof of those locomotives?

[@lloydzierlein4492]

Good stuff

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@epistte I was wondering the same if you're referring to the wire looking structure on top of the cab. My guess would be to deflect hanging tree branches weighed down by snow and ice?

[@ge45gecalled39]

Truckee, had a coffee/restaurant that had pancakes that stacked high enough to please any lumber jack, that was 58 years ago, going over donner pass could be your last meal, the rigs then were nothing like they have now.

[@philliphall5198]

My uncle said they would think that would be there last meal and joked about it

[@bobjohnson1587]

I haven't seen my railway run a spreader or snowplow on the mainline on my division for decades! They just let us plough it with the locomotives! Cheap!

[@dennishilmas1331]

I'm a former locomotive mechanic and I enjoy this stuff.

[@JackCarsonsRailroadVideos]

I owned y'all's cascades and shasta DVDs growing up. This bring back so many memories thank y'all for what y'all do.

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you for watching!

[@CriticoolHit]

Magnificent. With both wings extended that's a whole lotta snow movin' real quick.

[@ronaldstephens5405]

What an interesting film I certainly enjoyed this verry much. I remembered when I was a boy I watched the train widening the dirt sides on the clearance for the train with a steam locomotive and the rail moved and the engine fell on the ties. They had to bring a crane in from the other end and lift the engine back on. There was no diesel engines back then.

[@naqashhaider3469]

I started watching this as I was in a hot mid eastern desert but then this became an obsession.

[@DanMeyer80]

Guy in Midwest, "I'm sick of all this snow, I'm heading out to California where it never snows!!" Meanwhile in California:

[@7ideaproductions]

Northern California

[@OmahaTom]

This makes me want to ride the Zephyr through there in the winter. I've riden the pass a lot but usually in the summer.

[@7ideaproductions]

Winter is the time to see it for sure!

[@fhowland]

Every time I drive from Sacramento to Truckee I’m amazed how gradually the scenery changes from lush and palm trees to 10’ of snow. Such a cool part of the country. Some of the best winter railroading footage I’ve ever seen!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thanks!

[@skimmer8774]

Awsome view @ 21.35. Snow vs power. That's a WOW.

[@paulkoza8652]

Nothing warmer than being in the cab of a diesel on a cold day. Great video.

[@jeanmariehovancik3298]

Nothing warmer than just retiring and setting in your own house and not having to get out in the cold. Lol

[@williamh.jarvis6795]

@@jeanmariehovancik3298 Yeah! My dad feels the same way. I have just a little more time until my chance becomes reality.

[@markchwala2913]

I just love trains period and these work very hard to keep the tracks clear.I cant believe they can do this the engines must be very powerful!

[@markthomas6436]

When four GP-38's are used, it's 8,000 hp. 😊

[@drats1279]

I lived in Carmichael during high school in the mid-sixties and made the trip to Truckee and beyond numerous times. Always beautiful and fun. Great video and trains. thanks for sharing.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

It's crazy how the horns sound in snow without any reflections. It's a very dry sound.

[@mariolopez-ri8wd]

Donner Pass beautiful scenary lots snow nice

[@wendell6468]

first time here. looks very interesting. ive always loved trains. i grew up on the south side of Chicago many years ago and there are several rail yards around my area. this is something very new to me, as i am an old USAF munitions veteran. totally different but still cool, only in another way.

[@joemc111]

Nice production, You guys are real fans to be out there in that kind of weather.

[@johnrobertfox7775]

EXCELLENT VIDEO ! SP LIVES

[@michlo3393]

There are only a handful of places ON EARTH that get as much or more snow as the Sierras and Cascade mountains.

[@charlietrece7958]

The Artic and the Antarctic .

[@sherrysaunders3758]

I’m 78 female I grew up loving trains half of my family worked for railroad in West Virginia I love all any trains. Let’s use them more.

[@bigtex144]

I love Truckee and Donner Pass. In the summer, I'll spend all morning hiking and exploring the summit tunnels, then the afternoon with a craft beer and a meal on patio near the tracks to watch trains go by. Never been in the winter (too difficult to get there and back in this kind of weather) but boy I'd love to experience a winter adventure like this someday! Incredible shots, thanks for posting

[@7ideaproductions]

When it comes to shooting trains, Donner in winter is one of the most difficult and the most rewarding.

[@cory109]

I grew up there. Once you see it in the winter you will never want to leave again.

[@7ideaproductions]

I don't blame you!

[@hanscom0790]

Im always broke living paycheck to paycheck so I can't afford buying the full length videos. Thank you for posting this as I've always wanted to see the full length version of the Snow Fighters.

[@7ideaproductions]

You're welcome! Thanks for checking in.

[@kishascape]

Nothing like a nice day of railroady fun in the snow :3

[@sherrysaunders3758]

What a beautiful sight!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏 please be careful employees.

[@2puffs770]

I really have taken for granted all the hard work and dedication of the railroad workers that keep our products moving. Whether by rail, sea, or sky.....it all boils down to the big rig operator delivering to our stores. Great job, everyone.

[@glennyoung1251]

Great railroad footage. And falling snow makes the video all the more pleasing to the eye.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*Absolutely breath taking scenery and photography !*

[@Cassie4486]

With that amount of snow, its a shame it can't hit Lake Mead & clear that lake of the drought.

[@phuturephunk]

I love US railroading. Excellent video.

[@rdozzi6682]

Great job. Scenery is fantastic. Photographer knows his stuff.

[@rolacase]

The wheel's of industry turning. This is what keeps our world and life as we know it constant.

[@youknowme8578]

Without trains and truckers this county would be screwed, thanks to all of you to keep America running!

[@leolauzon9205]

As a truck driver thank you and your welcome

[@bumfit5491]

There’s a lot of trades that people don’t realize how important the work is and has been for generations …. Sanitation , industrial plants , power plants ..

[@u2mister17]

@@bumfit5491 Now if we could get the unions to start working for America instead of the left.

[@bumfit5491]

@@u2mister17 a union is only as good or bad as its members. All the officers are elected by vote of the membership. All contracts are approved by vote. All money matters are voted upon . Sounds kinda democratic …

[@bumfit5491]

@@u2mister17 PS union craftsmen built this country , built the power plants built the mills and refineries.. built the skyscrapers in NY and the golden gate in SF …. Everything in between ….

[@nancysmith2295]

I lived in Reno, Nevada growing up. We went up to the Truckee area year round to visit, drive through, and play in the snow in winter and the lakes in summer. Occasionally watching the clearing of the tracks of snow in winter was awesome. I enjoyed watching this video as it reminded me of the area. I now live near Yreka, California which happens to be quite a bit like Reno when I was a child.

[@SedatedByLife]

Car drivers - "on no! A snow flake! Better drive 15mph in a 45." Truck drivers - "meh, it's a few inches." Semi truck drivers "go the speed limit at least. It's just a foot." Trains - "hold my case of beer"

[@ShortArmOfGod]

Hate to break it to you but they're on rails.

[@spencercohen2673]

It’s crazy how the winter window design hasn’t changed in 70 years.

[@benth162]

In the mid fifties trains would get stuck in the heavy winter snows. One time I remember they had send out rescue teams. We used to frequent a Cabin on I-40 before it became I-80. Sometimes we walked up the hill behind the cabin at about 35 degree angle, and when we reached the top we could look down on those tracks which were 1/2 way down a 50 degree slope. The cabin was only one to two mile north-east of Immigrant Gap before the grocery and gas station were moved to the opposite side of I-80. I-80 took out the cabin and anything else that was on the north side of I-40. Our Cabin was the last one on the left side of the road. we actually got our pictures in the Sacramento Bee because it snowed almost five fee over night and we had to shovel our car out of the drifts, that was when the photographers were driving up the mountain to see just how bad it had gotten. Ah yes, those were the days when our ski boots had to be oiled because they were made out of leather unlike those today which are made out plastic.

[@Jobratedman]

you mean US 40, before I-80, right?

[@benth162]

@@Jobratedman Yes exactly. Thank You.

[@danburch9989]

31:24 3rd engine #74 was one of the units involved in the Joplin, Montana derailment in Sept 2021.

[@tonydavey3741]

Thank you very much for braving that weather to bring us a glimpse into what go's on on the pass in the fight to keep it open, living in England we never see snow like that, if we get a few wet leaves on the track the trains stop LOL

[@davemcmahon8140]

Thats a well earned paycheck 👏

[@rr7firefly]

Seeing that spreader in action is a real treat, especially for someone from Flatland. Mountains in the winter are visual wonderlands. I rode Amtrak one winter between Los Angeles and Seattle. When we were in the mountains in Oregon there was so much snow on the ground. Snow everywhere. I remember how sound outside was muffled. We were moving through the landscape at reduced speed as well, compounding the sense of being suspended in time and space.

[@7ideaproductions]

Those of us who live in or near the mountains often take them for granted. Thanks for your comment!

[@rr7firefly]

@@7ideaproductions It's a very different world from the one most of us know. And I noticed the lack of visually offensive graffiti on railroad cars. In urban areas that scrawl gives everything a hopeless appearance. Misguided youths vandalizing property.

[@Prionel]

Very interesting! Thanks for posting.

[@EJS1970]

Mt Rainier holds the record at 1000 inches

[@mec2512]

I really miss the Southern Pacific, but UP has done a great job restoring traffic levels along this route

[@ronfogarty3888]

Awesome I love that snow keep it up

[@OutdoorsSC]

We would just like to have snow, let alone see a cool train in it. We love our train videos in Clemson SC, Go Tigers! Keep it up

[@samyadeepbasu1570]

ột bài hát rất hoài niệm , nhớ những ngày bồng bột của tuổi trẻ, chút kỷ niệm của tình yêu, lời chia tay vội vàng đúng như cái bồng bột ấy. Đức Phúc cover lại bài hát này tâm trạng quá !

[@Tipi_Dan]

The power and the majesty can only be surpassed with steam.

[@whiskeymike5154]

You guys must be crazy. But the results are beautiful.

[@7ideaproductions]

I agree with both things you said. Thanks!

[@royal552]

Great Video Thank You, Sir!

[@heinzbreuer2674]

Super Winter Impressionen Video toll gemacht weiterhin good Lucky Train

[@railwayjade]

I admire your dedication! Great video! Greetings from South Africa

[@buddyboy66]

This is SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for filming this.

[@alwayssearching1882]

At 63 I just got fascinated with trains.

[@danielkennedy1524]

A railfans dream! Thank you!

[@SKYFORCESWORLD]

Amazing footage

[@OmahaTom]

GREAT video!! I couldn't look away!

[@dougkubash8673]

The camera crew is definately dedicated! Really enjoyed the video!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thanks! Still thawing out.

[@robertschmidt6383]

That was one awesome video. Love snow plowing scenes such as these. Keep that freight moving.

[@horacecrowe3520]

very impressive and beautiful images

[@jeffreymcconnell6794]

Absolutely fantastic video! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!!,

[@rajmaity]

I love everything about trains...it's horn , engine, engineering and everything

[@ralphbyles142]

A Great presentation. Nothing like this in Australia! Different challenges with different skills. Fantastic!!

[@dirtydishes2148]

Some amazing shots, thank you!

[@chriskeentechnician]

16:34 you guys are certainly committed to your craft! 💪😄 Great video as always

[@jamesweidman7462]

Excellent video. I’m not fond of the winter but I would love to see the action up there. That would be a great vacation week to watch trains in and out

[@UlliStein]

Yes but taking that route onboard the California Zephyr in September was also great

[@richardpeters7136]

An absolutely outstanding video

[@haroldsmith45302]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@johnmay2786]

What stunning locations and weather! We never get conditions like that here in the UK. Thanks for braving the weather to bring this to us all.

[@loghog4392]

Welcome to sunny California!

[@geoffreylee5199]

Donner is like this every winter, more or less …

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

WOW!, Spectacular video and footage of then railroad action during the winter season plus the nice scenery out that way.

[@J3scribe]

Awesome video! Meanwhile on parallel I-80, traffic has come to a complete and hopeless standstill.

[@nancysmith2295]

The street plows seem to move much slower. Many drivers don't prepare for the Transition from dry or wet surfaces to snow by chaining up much sooner. Might want to carry your next meal with you. We got stuck with a flat with axle issues. We had just gone shopping. We fortunately had our dinner aboard...sushi and strawberries as we waited four hours for a tow truck. That meal is now a good memory from a difficult long wait in the heat!

[@J3scribe]

@@nancysmith2295 Nice story!

[@transylvanianite3391]

Bring more beautiful snow , thanks to Gods work

[@johnbarney7431]

The bull dozer operations occurring along the pass are intense. There is a lot of snow removal occurring on that line. It really piles up on some corners and there is a lot of effort going into moving it around. The amtrack over the summit is incredible

[@laurieharper1526]

Great stuff. I'm watching this in the UK. My hat is off to your railroaders for operating successfully in such harsh winter conditions.

[@jlmccabe5416]

Great stuff. I have a number of your videos and have enjoyed them immensely.

[@number8485]

Very impressive and spectacular!

[@Woodland3947]

Awsome video. thanks for sharing the wonderful shots. I know this was a challenge to make.

[@paulmadruga9786]

wow! Outstanding documentary! Thank You.

[@rafaelfernandez8311]

Excelente video. Gracias por el gran trabajo realizado.