EMD Thunder in Northern Maine- MNR 901 South w/ Heavy Wood Train -1/6/24 and 1/7/24

On January 6th, 2024, we would take a trip to Aroostook County in search of some Maine Northern action. Just at the break of dawn, we would hear a 901 southbound calling for paper between Squapan and Oakfield with one of the new green GP40-2's on point. Setting up at Masardis, they would roll through just after dawn with three four axle EMD's of both turbocharged and non-turbo variety, and a heavy 63 car loaded wood train in tow. We would pursue, as they battled the grades on the way south. At Oakfield, they would continue toward Millinocket to make the connection with the Brownville Jct based 910, and we would chase until Dyer Brook. Later the following day, we would find 901 northbound at Soldier Pond with two out of the three units from the day before- they had dropped 6942 at the brand new engine house at Millinocket. We would chase until light ran out- this crew would have papers all the way to Van Buren before the day was out. I hope you enjoy this excellent chase of some four axles on the MNR Madawaska Sub!

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

Great video ❤❤😍😍

[@MarcelosalivaTRENESArg]

Awesome capture my friend Excellent video 💯 fantactic locomotive 😍 Like 👍🏻 And Greeting 🙋🏻 my support 💪🏻

[@jackseamon7064]

Great video! You certainly captured the feeling of cold winter days and trains crawling along making progress. Thank you for sharing.

[@Steve-xf4uv]

Beautiful winter railroading shots. Fantastic scenery in Northern Maine. Makes railfanning easy too when track speed is 10 mph. Not sure the crew would agree though.

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

It's actually 25 for this line, however between the heavy train and the yard limits they were going much slower.

[@randycampbell8961]

Unit 3095 is clearly marked GP40-2....I remember reading somewhere where someone stated NBSR didn't have any GP40's on its roster.....I guess this proves otherwise.................

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

They are new acquisitions.

[@Maine_Railfan]

They bought 3 from CSX (69xx series) and 3 from NS (30xx series) back in 2022 and they have slowly arrived over the last year. They also have a few 3050 series GMTX GP40N's on lease.

[@randycampbell8961]

Thank You for the useful info...Much appreciated !@@Maine_Railfan

[@Kendallian132]

Cool! I wonder where all the sawdust is going and what it's being used for?

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

It goes to Saint John, for use in paper and particle board mills afaik.

[@Kendallian132]

@@BranchlineGeepProductions Makes sense. I can't believe how much things have changed (for the better) rail-wise in Saint John over the past few years. Irving seems to run its rail operations with a considerable amount of pride and efficiency.

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

@@Kendallian132 For sure, Saint John is the main reason for both Class I's coming into Maine.