Vintage Railroads of Minnesota’s Iron Ore Country: The Films of George Niles and Fred Crissey

In this video, C. Vision Productions presents the classic films of George Niles and Fred Crissey captured in Minnesota’s Iron Ore Country from the 1950s to the 1970s. Beginning with the Northern Pacific, we’ll see several movements in Duluth before we shift our focus to the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range. George documented a good variety of DM&IR steam and diesel operations in the late 1950s, with coverage of many interesting locations across the system. Mighty Yellowstones, SD9s, SW9s, and various other steam and diesel locomotives are featured. We even see one of DM&IR’s “Jitney” cars transporting company personnel around Proctor. We’ll also cover several smaller operations in the region, including Hanna Mining, Oliver Iron Mining, Mesaba Cliffs Mining, Duluth & Northeastern, and Balkan Mining. As an added bonus, the video concludes with scenes of the DM&IR, Reserve Mining, Erie Mining, and Burlington Northern in the late 1970s, from the camera of cinematographer Fred Crissey. Vintage steam, diesel, and even electric operations are all here for you in this C. Vision video presentation.
More to watch:
Milwaukee Road, Rock Island, CB&Q, and CGW in the 1950s - The Films of George Niles
• Milwaukee Road, Rock I...
LTV Mining Railroad: F-Units, Alcos, and Baldwins in Minnesota’s Arrowhead (1991-2004)
• LTV Mining Railroad: F...
Southern Pacific Steam in the 1950s - FULL VIDEO
• Southern Pacific Steam...
Classic Chicago & North Western, Vol. 1 "The Alco Line" 1977-1981 (FULL VIDEO)
• Classic Chicago & Nort...
The Milwaukee Road in Montana - FULL VIDEO
• The Milwaukee Road in ...
Rock Island’s Mid-Continent Route in the 1960s - Bonus MN&S Footage
• Rock Island’s Mid-Cont...
Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway, The Last Days - FULL VIDEO (2004)
• Duluth, Missabe and Ir...
SD40-2 Stronghold: EMD Locomotives in Minnesota's Iron Ore Country FULL VIDEO (2018)
• SD40-2 Stronghold: EMD...

[@nssrrailfan6443]

Thanks for another DM&IR video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome!!! Thank you for watching it!

[@kelvintorrence5994]

great old school video again

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Kelvin!!! We’re glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@MinnesotaRailProductions]

Amazing video! Love that coverage of the D&NE in Cloquet and Saginaw too! Sure has changed since then!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!! And yes, the D&NE had a fascinating little operation. We’re grateful that Mr. Niles had the foresight to capture it before everything changed. We appreciate the comment.

[@MinnesotaRailProductions]

@@CVisionProductions1 thanks! Have you guys ever considered revisiting the lakes sub?

[@CVisionProductions1]

We did a few years ago, and that video is on KZbin, but you probably already know that.

[@MinnesotaRailProductions]

@@CVisionProductions1 yea I saw that one . Pretty awesome , what about like a 2024 revisit or something like that

[@CVisionProductions1]

We won’t rule it out! Thanks again for the suggestion. Most of the videos in line for the rest of the year will feature older footage.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

Amazing gems in the Missabe Range of Minnesota!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, MJ!!! We’re glad that you appreciate the video.

[@PaulKampe]

Great video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Paul! Much appreciated.

[@J3scribe]

Dieselized street car to shuttle employees. You gotta love that sort of creative thinking. I've often said that, if you look around long enough, you can find a railroad prototype for just just about anything.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, it was quite the creative repurposing for that streetcar. The DM&IR was always known for being an efficient and resourceful railroad. We have to wonder where this idea came from. Perhaps similar personnel shuttles were in use up at the mines? Thank you for the comment.

[@J3scribe]

@@CVisionProductions1 Someone had to think of it first, may as well have been them.

[@GEVOlutionCPKC]

Great memories 📸👍🏼🚂🔝✔️🫶🏼

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! We’re happy that you enjoyed this look back in time.

[@mwand89]

Thank you for posting another classic video!❤

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@derrickwong5337]

That's a good story!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, Derrick! The Iron Range of Minnesota has many interesting stories to tell. As always, we appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.

[@derrickwong5337]

@@CVisionProductions1 You're welcome!

[@BuckeyeNationRailroader]

Is your video "Rails Along the Rolling Prairie" gonna go up on KZbin at some point? That is one I think people would like to see

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, that is in the works! We responded to your other comment as well. Recommendations and suggestions are always appreciated. Thanks again.

[@BuckeyeNationRailroader]

@@CVisionProductions1 I didn't see your other comment. KZbin being KZbin lol

[@CVisionProductions1]

We responded today, so all good! Thanks again.