Northstar Commuter Rail

• published: 04 Jul 2015
• views: 36

The Northstar Commuter Rail Line (route 888) runs from Big Lake, MN to downtown Minneapolis. Operated by the Twin Cities' transit operator Metro Transit, this line sees approximately 700 000 riders annually. On weekdays, train are run during the rush hour periods, and are run only a few times per day on weekends and holidays. Check www.metrotransit.org for schedule and train information. While I was on a trip to Minneapolis, I had the opportunity to catch a few of the beautifully painted Northstar (reporting mark MNRX) Trains. Over Saturday and Sunday, I caught four Northstar Trains arriving then departing Coon Rapids Station in Coon Rapids, MN. Sit back, and relax and watch as Northstar trains scurry to and from downtown Minneapolis. Day 1: Saturday June 27: Train 1 (0:01): MNRX 505 (MP36PH-3C) and MNRX 503 (MP36PH-3C) are in charge of a three car Saturday Train. Stopping for less than a minute at Coon Rapids Station, the train is attempting to make up for lost time, and is currently running 5 minutes late. Train 2 (1:45): BNSF 5345 (C44-9W) and BNSF 9257 (SD70ACe) lead a long manifest freight west on the Staples Subdivision. BNSF freight operations are stopped during Northstar Service hours. There won't be another northbound Northstar train through the Station for another few hours, so BNSF is taking full advantage of this window. Train 3 (4:19): MNRX Cabcar 601 is leading as the southbound Northstar train emerges from behind the westbound freight. Powering the short train is MNRX 503 (MP36PH-3C) and MNRX 505 (MP36PH-3C). Before allowing the passengers to disembark, the train reverses to line up with a higher platform, so that a disabled passenger may board. Upon departure, the engineer takes full advantage of the two locomotives and throws them both into notch 8. This train will be cruising at 80 MPH in no time. Day 2: Sunday June 28: Train 1 (6:49): MNRX Cabcar 601 is still on the point of a southbound train the next day, as it leads a short train into the Coon Rapids Station. Quickly getting on with the rest of the journey downtown, the two MP36PH-3Cs (503 and 505) put out all the power they can muster. Train 2 (8:24): MNRX 505 (MP36PH-3C) and MNRX 503 (MP36PH-3C) arrive at Coon Rapids Station with a trio of Bombardier Bi-level coaches in tow. Thanks to the engineer for the friendly wave! Thanks for watching in HD! If you enjoyed what you saw, please comment, like and share this video! Be sure to Subscribe for more! ©2015 Jack Hykaway