BNSF 2001 Is Live

Peter L spotted BNSF 2001 (GP38-2) and BNSF 2886 (GP39M) doing some switching today around noon. I have to assume that 2886 will be heading south soon... but you never know. How nice of BNSF to supply a pumpkin-coloured unit, just in time for Halloween!

CEMR, VIA, BNSF, oh my!

I went to the St. James Junction area today at noon to see the Hudson Bay. I heard that BNSF 2001 was at Fort Rouge last night, so I was hoping to see that too. I got more than I bargained for! I set up at the Waverley Street crossing.

At 12:17 I saw a westbound freight round the corner at Portage Junction. It turned out to be CEMR 4001, ANY 5232, and CEMR 4002 leading the westbound freight to the CEMR Carman Subdivision.

I had a look at the photos afterward, and I see the engine crew were gesturing as they went by.

I'm glad they had TWO fingers up!

Right after that, a CN local went down the Letellier sub to switch the industrial area around Chevrier. They had one engine (likely a 7200 series GP9), one slug, and about a dozen cars.

At 12:25 the Hudson Bay (VIA 693) made its appearance.

The consist was 6456, 6445, 8600, 8110, 8100, York, Chateau Radisson.

Finally, at 12:40 the BNSF transfer went east to Fort Rouge with BNSF 12580 leading and BNSF 2886 pushing. By then I was out of time so I couldn't wait to see 2001 return. Here they are, with a fairly long train.

New Kid in Town

BNSF 2886 is the new engine for BNSF Manitoba. BNSF 2743 has apparently gone south for its inspection. I spotted BNSF 2886 pulling the transfer back to their yard at lunch today.

It is definitely lettered differently than 2743 was. For comparison, here was BNSF 2743 on September 9.

Also, it is currently running backward from 2743's normal orientation.

I wonder if it will be a long-time resident, or just a stand-in for 2743?


EDIT: Added video.