Kansas City Southern ES44AC 4709 and TFM SD70MAC 1659 lead a fast (empty?) grain train north of Kansas City on the afternoon of December 22, 2012. The line is the former Burlington (now BNSF) main and the first (runby) scene is at Rushville, Mo. while the second (pacing) scene is approaching the outskirts or south side of St. Joseph, Missouri (population 80,000). The roadbed is well maintained here and it is a "hot spot" for train activity. Concrete ties support the rails and the trains do not slow down much for St. Joseph as the rail line runs along the western edge of the downtown area near the eastern banks of the Missouri River.
watch?v=JDOXpHVDh5M
How fast was the train moving?
My best guess would be somewhere between 63-66 mph. The speedometer was at 63 mph when the pacing sequence started but closing on the outskirts of St. Joseph, the highway speed limit drops from 60 mph, to 55 mph, to 45 mph. The train would probably slow to 40 mph until it cleared St. Joseph. This footage would have started in the 60 mph zone and perhaps ended in the 55 mph zone.
Looks empty based on the springs on the trucks of the grain cars.
Nice video, thanx for sharing.
I am always amazed when viewing videos with GE power - the whine from the traction motors always seems louder than the exhaust noise from the prime mover.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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