Western Railroad Discussion > New BNSF snow plow

I saw this picture on Facebook in the "Galesburg Railroad News" group of an SD70MAC turned into a MOW snow plow. It is currently sitting in the yard at Fort Madison, IA attached to the end of H KCKNTW 09 per the photographer Cass Hornbaker



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/25 11:20 by Spoony81.

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I have to say I like the color.

Is the power train inert on this? If so I assume the dead weight is helpful versus ripping out the prime mover, alternators and traction motors. Unless of course they pulled those pout as parts spares and filled the engine room with concrete to ballast it.

Ha! That’s awesome, I wish I could get called to run that!

At least BNSF realizes that they need a “beefy” no BS locomotive that can get a tremendous amount of work done in extreme conditions. Too bad they don’t understand this concept in the day to day moving of freight. These engines are great!

Powered or unpowered, this thing is impressive! These pictures are from Mid America Car and Locomotives Facebook page. They are the ones who built it. 

Link to MAC&L post on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FDRc8xmfP/

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Texican65 Wrote:
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> Ha! That’s awesome, I wish I could get called to
> run that!
>
> At least BNSF realizes that they need a
> “beefy” no BS locomotive that can get a
> tremendous amount of work done in extreme
> conditions. Too bad they don’t understand this
> concept in the day to day moving of freight. These
> engines are great!

This plow still needs locomotive(s) to push it per the builder

Surprised it isn't fully powered to be run by m of w personnel like KCS and some others.
JB

3rdswitch Wrote:
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> Surprised it isn't fully powered to be run by m of
> w personnel like KCS and some others.
> JB

I figured it was as well until I went back to the post and saw replies that I didn't see months ago

A lot of numbers and initials on the side of that cab.   Those aren't within the normal BNSF plow/spreader series.   Anyone able to decipher the intent of the numbers and initials for us?   

Sorry to see the SD70-MACs coming out of the power pool but this is better than the scrapper's torch. 

James Nelson
Thornton, CO
www.flickr.com/mojaveflyer

I am skeptical. I am sure something will break on it the first time they try to use it. Like everything else around here. Looks like it’s going to ride really well with all of that steel on the nose too.

Milwaukee Wrote:
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> Anyone able to decipher
> the intent of the numbers and initials for us? 

BNSF 95280 is the standard rolling stock reporting mark and number. The X number is a MOW work equipment ID-just like what a tamper or spike puller has. I would guess there must be some bits and pieces that are the responsibility of work equipment mechanics to maintain.

3rdswitch Wrote:
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> Surprised it isn't fully powered to be run by m of
> w personnel like KCS and some others.

It wouldn’t really be within the MOW operating rules to plow at speeds required to really throw snow. At the same time, how often are rules changed just to make something work?!

3rdswitch Wrote:
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> Surprised it isn't fully powered to be run by m of
> w personnel like KCS and some others.
> JB

Since it does require additional non-mow locomotives to move it probably cant be driven by MOW crew

It's BNSF's new semi-truck removal device for constipated road crossings...

Greg Stadter
Phoenix, AZ

Made specifically for Unstoppable II

It was BNSF 9528 the Locomotive parts are all still there but I have know Idea if it runs.
I delivered it Monday night on the K20 transfer from the CPKC to the BNSF at Kansas City.

E25 Wrote:
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> It's BNSF's new semi-truck removal device for
> constipated road crossings...

Love it & UP could use one also!   ROTFLMFAO

Tim Hanesworth
Santa Rosa, CA

MP555 Wrote:
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> Milwaukee Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Anyone able to decipher
> > the intent of the numbers and initials for
> us? 
>
> BNSF 95280 is the standard rolling stock reporting
> mark and number. The X number is a MOW work
> equipment ID-just like what a tamper or spike
> puller has. I would guess there must be some bits
> and pieces that are the responsibility of work
> equipment mechanics to maintain.

was wondering if the long # was the plow number?

bend the frame on that unit no big deal crew i, great crew safety, maybe  NEC  type rock screen from the seventies in front of the front winshield or, make ones that could flip down.

I would like to know which Jordan Spreader gave up its nose blade for this.  

sixaxlecentury Wrote:
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> I would like to know which Jordan Spreader gave up
> its nose blade for this.  

It's an all-new blade.