Western Railroad Discussion > Need Minnesota and Dakotas Shortline Info

Part of my summer cross country trip will involve a drive across the northern Great Plains.  I'd like to catch some of the Draper-taper units that are running on short lines in that area.

Can anybody supply info on where they are running, and perhaps some tips on finding them in action?

Any others tips on interesting short lines would be most welcome as well.

All help appreciated.

Check out the Dakota, Missouri Valley, & Western based in Bismark, ND. They are primarily a M-F operation. I've found the staff in the Bismark office to be friendly and helpful, especially if you bring donuts! They start early (6-7 AM). They run former CN SD50Fs, SD60Fs and other second generation EMD power.

You are also in range of the Red River Valley & Western.

We had a great trip to that area in 2019.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimkleeman/albums/72157711437707758

1. The turn to Max putting their train together in the yard at Bismark just after 7 AM on a frosty October morning in 2019.

2. A pair of SD45s putting together a "Corn Train" in Fullerton, ND.

3. The "Corn Train" heading west through Merricourt, ND with an SD50F, SD60F, SD45, and SD45 leading

Jim Kleeman

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Nice DMV photos.  RRW you can check out Breckenridge, MN which would be as you enter Dakota's.

Bob

Knockout photo there!  I’ll have to remember to bring the moon with me. 

Well deserved IOTD. 

Additional thoughts:

DMVW - agree with stopping by HQ on E Rosser in Bismarck. They run a coal shuttle between Underwood and Spiritwood. BNSF crews operate the train from Bismarck to Spiritwood. These trains use DMVW power and the coal hoppers are covered because the coal is pulverized at the mine. DMVW also has BNSF trackage rights from Great River (Bismarck) to McKenzie where their own Napoleon Sub branches off. DMVW uses "jack rabbit" conductors. If you see a white DMVW SUV sitting somewhere, there's likely a train nearby. DMVW also has a shop/ crew base in Wishek.

RRVW - has trackage rights on BNSF from Casselton to Jamestown. From Jamestown they go north to Carrington. RRVW switches the pasta plant there. While around Carrington, you may catch one of CP's 2-3 miles-long trains passing at track speed.

PCBill

What are "jack rabbit conductors"?    


Very nice photos.  The color scheme is uncomplicated-- Good looks. 

Rule99 Wrote:
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> What are "jack rabbit conductors"?    
>
>
> Very nice photos.  The color scheme is
> uncomplicated-- Good looks. 

Conductors on the DMVW don't ride on their trains. Instead they close switches and derails behind their trains and then jump ahead  in a company  vehicle and wait for their train at the next switch point. They do stay in radio contact with the engineer but rarely "pace" the train. The conductors are always near should a problem arise and vehicles carry knuckles, air hoses, etc. Jack Rabbit is the term used on the DMVW. Other roads with similar arrangements may use something else.

PCBill 



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/23 13:45 by bmarti7.

The jack rabbit conductors are what the Class Ones want to switch to. Big difference between doing this around 10MPH slow orders shortline and a Class One.