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The News
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Here you will find current news about the TC&W and the MPL since both railraods
work so close together. I tend to hear quite a few rumors that either aren't true or don't pan out for whatever reason and because of this
I won't post anything that I have very little information on. I will however post things without a lot of information if it comes from a
reliabe source. If you know anything that isn't posted, please pass it on.
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New Customer in Glencoe
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New Customer in Glencoe and Maybe Another Soon
December 18, 2007
The TC&W has a new customer in Glencoe and might get another soon. The first new customer is Medalion Kitchens, located in the ex-Young America Corp. building a couple blocks west of the engine shop in Glencoe. Medalion Kitchens recieves inbound loads of kitchen cabinets in boxcars. The traffic is coming from the UP, but I'm unsure of the originating station. Four cars have already been delivered to the newly built spur and hopefully many more are on the way.
The second customer is a company from Finland and would like to build in the business park in Glencoe and use rail service. Hopefully it happens. Thanks to Robert T. for this information, I appreciate it!
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BNSF Trains Using DPUs
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BNSF Trains Using DPUs
September 3, 2007
The BNSF trains, ethanol and coal, have been using DPUs lately. The last loaded ethanol train ran on 9/25/07 and used a DPU. The returning empty however, did not use a DPU.
The most recent coal train ran on 10/17/07 and also used a DPU. Power was the BNSF 5945 EMD 9053 and the BNSF 5913 as the DPU. Unfortunately, this train under the cover of darkness.
I'm fairly certain the all future loaded ethanol trains will use a DPU, but I'm not so sure about the coal trains. The coal trains come from Spring Creek Mine and SD75I/Ms, SD60Ms and Oakway SD60s are commonly used there and those of course are not DPU equipped. We'll see what happens and sorry, no DPU photos but I did add four to the photos page.
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RailRunner Operations Have Begun
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RailRunner Operations Have Begun!
September 3, 2007
The first NSI train (NorthStar Intermodal) to run with RailRunner ran on Saturday August 25th, with the crew on-duty at 1700 at Montevideo. The train arrived at Shoreham Sunday morning at 0255. For at least the first RailRunner train, the operating practices and times have remained the same as the COFC trains.
The train was 27-cars/trailers long and performed as expected from what I know. RailRunner will only be used for 40ft containers and the COFC that ran prior to RailRunner will remain in service for the 20ft containers. The next train to use RailRunner isn't supposed to run for another week. According to my count, a total of 33 trains to Shoreham have run thus far.
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ILSX 1389 Arrives, Finally
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ILSX 1389 Arrives on the TC&W
July 13, 2007
After roughly two and half months of waiting, the ILSX 1389 arrives. The unit is a ex-Kennecott GP39-2 that is being leased from Independent locomotive Services (ILS) in Bethel, MN. This is the third EMD to currently be operating on the TC&W and is most powerful (2300 HP) of all the engines in use.
The ILSX 1389 was received from the BNSF through the MNNR at their Midway yard. The St. Paul Turn pulled the unit into Hopkins for the first time on the afternoon of July 12th, 2007. Unsure if the unit is going to be put into immediate service or not, but I doubt much time will be wasted in putting it into service.
Prior to coming to the TC&W, the ILSX 1389 was being leased by the San Luis & Rio Grande (SLRG) in Colorado. The unit, along with the ILSX 1390, was being used in passenger/tourist service. While working on the SLRG, the ILSX 1389 was wearing its UP colors but has since been repainted by the WSOR at Horicon, WI into ILS livery. Even after the repaint, the unit still retains its Kennecott features; high chop nose, high clearance fuel tank, extra window on door, overhang on top of the cab, etc.
The ILSX 1389 sister unit, ILSX 1390, also has come off lease at the SLRG but has been leased elsewhere. Once the current lease on the 1390 expires (one year I think), the TC&W may begin to lease it in addition to the 1389. We'll what happens.
Finally, some more EMD power!
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RailMate Tests on TC&W
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Minneapolis based company American Surface Lines tests RailMate technology on the TC&W
June 27, 2007
Minneapolis based company American Surface Lines is utilizing the TC&W tracks to test their new bi-model technology called RailMate. This new type of bi-model (Truck and Rail) technology resembles the traditional RoadRailer with a bogie system but was developed primarily for heavy aggregate use. RailMate can also be used for virtually anything shipped in a semi trailer. The big advantage that RailMate has is that it doesn't require any type of platform or equipment to load or unload the trailers. All that is required is a crossing of some sort of for the trailer to rest its wheels on.
Testing began on June 18th in the east-end of the siding at Sacred Heart. RailMate first arrived in Hopkins on the 22nd (pictured-cloudy) where a truck detached the trailers. Future tests are running this week between Sacred Heart and Hopkins and are set to arrive in Hopkins on today on Friday (6/29). More tests are likely. Rock quarries at Ortonville and Granite Falls are possibilities for future revenue service.
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Intermodal Update
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Intermodal Update
June 27, 2007
As on June 26th, 2007, a total of 14 runs have been made into Shoreham. The first on March 5th and the most recent on June 25th. The week of 6/17 saw three runs into Shoreham, the most so far. The empty train out of Shoreham on 6/20 was the first to use 40ft. containers, rather than the normal 20ft. containers. The train was also 25 cars long; 50 containers, the biggest so far. These are being used to load soybeans and are said to be faster to load. It only took eight-hours to load 50 containers for a 25 car train. The next run on 6/23 saw the normal car count of 18 cars but with the 40ft. containers. The empty on the 26th went back to using 20ft containers. Normal days of operation seem to be Monday and Thursday.
Using 20ft. containers I capture my first photo of a loaded train. |
With almost no sun left 40ft. containers are headed west. |
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600 Loads of Pipe For a Natural Gas Line
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600 Carloads of Pipe for Natural Gas Line
June 27, 2007
The TC&W has begun shipping loads of pipe for a natural gas line. The pipe is being sent to Cologne where it is off loaded and taken to a staging area just west of town. The pipe is coming from the CN through the Minnesota Commerical (CN). Shipments began the first week of June and should continue for a few months. The staging area west of Cologne is almost full so shipments have stopped for the time being but could start back up any day.
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HLCX GP38-2 moved from Chaska via TC&W
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HLCX GP38-2 is trucked from isolated track in Chaska
June 27, 2007
On March 23rd 2007 a Union Pacific local was headed for United Sugars in Chaska. While negotiating the Minnesota River area, a bridge collapsed underneath the train dumping about 5 cars loaded with sugar into the river water. Thankfully, the engine made it across safely and the crew was uninjured.
The line ends at United Sugars in Chaska, effectively making the engine (HLCX 3836) and a few cars stuck with no where to go. It is unknown weather or not the UP will rebuild the bridge or abandon the line. After roughly two and half months, a decision was made to put the engine on a truck and bring it to Cologne where it was put on TC&W rails. The TC&W brought it to St. Paul where it was handed back to the UP.
If the UP decides to the abandon the line, it could mean increased traffic on the TC&W. The city of Chaska has expressed interested in the UP abandoning the line and to help the sole customer, United Sugars, the city will pay the TC&W $850,000 to build a transload facility in the business park in Jonathan. A contract would need to be signed by the TC&W and United Sugars. The transload facility would also be built to handle other commodities.
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First DDG Train with UP Power
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First 6-axle power on the Cedar Lake Line since C&NW SD18s
April 27, 2007
Correction: I have been informed that I've made an error. The UP 8033 and UP 6771 were not the fist axles to roll on the Cedar Lake Line since the SD20s. The SD20s never ran on the Cedar Lake Line as they were off the roster in 1997 and the the TC&W switched from the Milwaukee's Depression Line to the Cedar Lake Line in August of 1998. So the UP power was the first six-axle power since the days of the C&NW SD18s and the MNVA SD35 and SD24 which ran no later than 1995.
For the first time in roughly 10 years, 6-axle power was on a TC&W train on April 25th, 2007. The last 6-axle units used on the TC&W were the SD20s that left the property in 1997. The last six-axle power on the Cedar Lake Line was C&NW SD18s that operated no later than 1995. Power was the UP 8033 (SD9043MAC) and UP 6771 (AC4400CW) for a loaded DDG train. Previously, TC&W power was used to bring the DDG trains to UP's yard in S. St. Paul.
A TC&W crew was cabbed to the UP's East Minneapolis yard where the power was waiting. After some fuss, both engines were running and once permission was granted from the BNSF West Hump, they were on their way. The St. Paul Turn tied onto the West end of the DDG train in "The Creek" and shoved it to the beginning of the Cedar Lake Line in Minneapolis, a distance of roughly 2 miles. The UP power then tied onto the East end of the train and pulled it down to the Cedar Lake Parkway crossing with the St. Paul Turn still tied on. The St. Paul Turn was left on the train so the DDG train wouldn't have to get BRT on the Bass Lake Spur. The CP only OKed this move for 10 car lengths on the Bass Lake Spur.
The St. Paul Turn power then cut off and attempted to arm the marker but ran into problems. A UP carman ended up having to come to help with the FRED. Four and a half hours later, the train was finally on the move.
The DDG train ran on the usual route to St Anthony and took the CP Merriam Park Sub to Hoffman Ave. The train pulled into the UP Belt Yard where the TC&W and UP changed crews. The train is bound for Bliss, Idaho with a symbol of GBS4BN-25. Thanks to Ken Schmidt for the symbol!
Pictures are almost arranged chronology. The last two are out of order, they should number two and eight.
  
   
 
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New Power for the TC&W
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Ex-Kennecott Copper GP39-2 for the TC&W
April 25, 2007
The directors board gave the OK and the papers have been signed to lease the ILSX 1389 (Photos). The engine is one of two GP39-2s Independent Locomotives Services (ILSX) currently owns. The unit was built for the Kennecott Copper railroad in September of 1978 and served on the UP before becoming apart of the ILS fleet.
The unit is powered by a 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 engine rated at 2300 Horsepower. This will be the 3rd EMD engine (excluding the 1503) and the only turbocharged engine on the TC&W roster.
The ILSX 1389 is currently in Horicon, WI on the Wisconsin & Southern (WSOR) receiving a fresh coat of paint. The other ILSX GP39-2, number 1390, might also be leased but is being used elsewhere at the moment.
I'll be sure to update as to when the engine is going arrive.
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UP Power for DDG Trains
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UP Power for DDG Trains
April 25, 2007
Possibly starting as early as today, future DDG trains will be using UP power out of Hopkins/St. Louis Park. The UP power will come into the Bass Lake Spur light power and tie onto the train and take it to St. Paul. The reason for doing this is the UP didn't like having to change power in St. Paul so the forces have agreed to do it in the Bass Lake Spur. The UP power will be used for loads leaving and empties returning. The power will only go as far into the Bass Lake Spur as necessary.
You may have noticed that in the CP timetable, 6-axle power is not permitted on the Bass Lake Spur but the CP gave this operation the OK. (The track is more than capable of handling 6-axle power)
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RailRunner Update
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RailRunner Update
April 25, 2007
The first intermodal train ran on March 5th. The train was 10-cars, seven of which were flat cars loaded with containers and the remaining three cars were empty from the first supply train. The train arrived at Shoreham a little after 0400 Tuesday morning. No RailRunners were used. Power was the RRVW 4106. Tuesday evening a train of empty containers headed for Montevideo out of Shoreham.
The second train ran Thursday night (3/08/07), arriving at Shoreham Friday morning at 0130. Again, no RailRunners were used, just flats with containers. Power was the RRVW 4105. An empty didn't run until the night of April 19th.
The biggest train so far, 15-cars, ran the night of April 23rd, arriving at Shoreham at 0320 the following morning. Yet again, no RailRunners were used. An empty ran on April 24th, departing Shoreham at 1820. Both trains had the RRVW 404 for power. Photos of this empty are on photos page.
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Supply Trains out of Shoreham Begin to Operate
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Posted: March, 29, 2007
On March 25th, 2007 two light engines (TCWR 2008 and TCWR 302) ran light power to CP's Shoreham Intermodal yard in N. Minneapolis. At Shoreham the TC&W picked up three flats containing supplies needed for the Northstar RailRunner project in Montevideo, MN. The equipment is for loading containers onto on the "bogies" so they can be moved by rail. The train ran to Glencoe where the cars were dropped off for the next days Ruebel Turn. The power was then run to Cologne where it was left for the MPL. The RRVW 404 was brought back to Glencoe.
   
On March 28th, 2007 a second supply train ran out of Shoreham. Like the first, light power ran into Shoreham (TCWR 2004) but unlike the first trip, actual containers were picked up from the CP. A total of 9 cars were picked up, each carrying 3 empty containers. This technically would be classified as a baretable train since all of the containers were empty. There was a work window on the BNSF Wayzata Sub. causing severe delays. Due to the delays, the train didn't make it past Hopkins where the crew tied up. The cars were put on that nights Glencoe Turn.
  
The actual first RailRunner train should run within 2 weeks. Sorry for the quality of the photos. The weather was not cooperating.
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Unit Ethanol and DDG Trains
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Posted: January 22, 2007
Update: 1/25/07
The ethanol train ran as planned (except they brought 62 cars to Cologne for the MPL instead of running light) and is currently en route to Watson, CA on the BNSF.
The first DDG train is scheduled to run on Monday, in the morning I would guess. The train is going to be handed off to the UP at either South St. Paul, Belt Yard or Western Ave. My guess is South St. Paul at State Street.
On 1/23/07 the MPL/TC&W will be running their first unit ethanol train from the Heartland Corn Products
ethanol plant in Winthrop on the MPL. Cars are being brought to Colonge and assembled into a 96-car train destined for Watson,CA. The TC&W will hand off the train to the BNSF at Cedar Lake Jct. Once in the hands on the BNSF, the train will be symboled G NTWWAT7 23A (Northtown-Watson, CA) and will be routed via Willmar. Once it arrives at Watson, CA, the train will be given to the LOMITA RAIL TERMINAL LLC to be off loaded.
The train will be running in the evening and should start out in Hopkins running lightpower. The G NTWWAT7 23A is currently estimated for a call time of 1900 and a departure of 2100 at Northtown.
Since the unit train is being built at Colonge, the MPL
will be running into Hopkins to do their interchange on the same day.
The first unit DDG (covered hoppers) train will be running on either Thursday (1/25/07) or Friday (1/26/07) out of Hopkins. The train is being built at Dominic (West end of Hopkins) and should be a
little smaller than the ethanol train. I would assume it will run in the morning.
It has been said that these trains will be running once every two weeks or so. With the Hopkins area running at near capacity and not much room anywhere else, it will be interesting to see how things work out.
More updates as they become available.
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TC&W Acquires SW1200 for Heartland Corn Products
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Posted: December 22, 2006
The TC&W has just taken delivery (12/22/06) of a SW1200 for the ethanol plant in Winthrop on the MPL. The 1206 is
currently on short term lease with the option to buy. This is being done because TC&W is just testing to see if a SW1200 will be
a good fit for what they need. By the sounds of it, everyone seems pretty confident that it will do well. The unit was recently
fitted with remote control technologies to assist in switching at Heartland Corn Products. The 1206 is replacing the TCWR 3516 as
the dedicated switch engine at the plant.
As of 12/26/06 the TCWR 1206 is sitting in Glencoe for an inspection I assume. There was a 4-car
derailment at Green Isle that was cleared on the 28th sp expect the 1206 to be headed for Winthrop very soon.
The unit came from Mankato, MN where it served elevator duty for Cargill. Before that it was the ex-Dakota Rail 1206 that was run
between Wayzata, MN and Hutchinson, MN. Many thanks to Robert Ball for this great photo!
The then DAKR 1206 pulls a small train on the ex-GN branch that has since been ripped up.
For photos of the 1206 in it's current paint,
click here.
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MPL Derails Four Cars at Green Isle
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Posted: December 21, 2006
The TC&W has done a lot of work to improve the ex-M&ST.L line, but it still isn't perfect. Last Thursday the MPL was headed eastbound with a train to interchange with the TC&W at Colonge. As the train was headed through Green Isle it derailed causing 4 covered hoppers (DDG cars) to derail and fall on their sides spilling DDGs everywhere.
The cause of the derailment is said to be a broken rail. After a car went over the break, the rail jumped up into the air and went into a rail car.
Being so close to the Holidays, Hulcher isn't able to get out to Green Isle until the 26th to clean it up and get the line operating again.
Update 12/28/06: The line is now open but more work still needs to be done to get the track to acceptable standards. .
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North Star Rail Intermodal LLC Breaks Ground in Montevideo For New Intermodal Facility
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Posted: December 13, 2006
Edina, MN based North Star Rail Intermodal LLC and the TC&W broke ground in Montevideo on December 13, 2006 for a new intermodal facility on the former Milwaukee Road yard.
Containers will be filled with specialty grains and DDGs and be shipped worldwide with operations beginning in March. The TC&W is investing $500,000+ in the building
of the facility.
The trains will be handed off to CP at the Shoreham intermodal facility in Minneapolis, MN to be shipped to their final destination. Some traffic will be sent to Chicago for interchange with other railroads while the rest of the traffic will be sent to Canadian port connections in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Montreal, Quebec. Currently one train per week is scheduled to run with
projections of 6 trains a weeks within a few years. The facility will be able to load 6 trailers an hour utilizing RailRunner technology. Current traffic is being trucked into the Twin Cities to be loaded onto trains.
The TC&W will be using the new technology RailRunner. This system is in use in only one other location, Kansas City and Montevideo will be the first intermodal facility to be located on a short-line railroad.
The RailRunner is a lot like a traditional roadrailer. No lifting of trailers or containers will be needed. The only equipment needed is a "bogie" and a slightly modified trailer, plus the container itself. This technology is largely what's making this possible since it offers the benefits of intermodal without the huge costs of a traditional facility.
Photo courtesty of RailRunner. Visit RailRunner.com for more details and a video.
With seven ethanol plants within 70-80 miles and quick access to U.S. Highway 212, U.S. Highway 59 and MN Highway 7, Montevideo is a prime location for an intermodal facility. The closest ethanol plant is Granite Falls and is currently operating at 40 million gallons a year with the option of 45 million. Granite Falls Energy LLC is now seeking approval for 60 million a year. The ethanol plant located on the MPL in Winthrop, MN has just expanded to 90 million gallons a year.
The TC&W is budgeting for more workers to serve the facility plus and an additional locomotive.
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Site Info
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This website was made by hand and I recommend viewing this site at 1280x800 in 16 or 32 bit color for proper display.
If you have any comments, questions, corrections, contributions, etc. please e-mail me at MikeyB09@gmail.com
Copyright 2007 Mike B. All rights reserved.
Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image.
This site and I are in no way connected with the Twin Cities & Western Railroad Co., Minnesota Prairie Line Co. or Red River Valley & Western Railroad Co.
All information posted on these pages was gained from individuals, e-mail lists, other web sites, or my own observations. Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.
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