Spreaders, Flangers, and Doublestacks on Donner Pass!

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  • čas přidán 17. 01. 2022
  • This is winter railroading on Donner Pass. While winter storms dump snow in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, Flangers and Jordan Spreaders work hard to keep trains moving. Not just flangers and spreaders are featured here, we also include doublestack and unit grain trains plus Amtrak's California Zephyr rolling through winter's white.
    These scenes were taken from our 2010 DVD release: "Donner Pass: Stacks in the High Sierras" which is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Download by visiting this link here:
    www.7ideaproductions.com/prod...
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 508

  • @chrismair8161
    @chrismair8161 Před rokem +16

    Grand Daddy spent 35years working as a Fireman in the Caboose. Still have all the letters he mailed to his wife. My Grandma.

  • @galinkrastev4427
    @galinkrastev4427 Před rokem +4

    Who else can appreciate the raw power of truly built American muscle...I love this shit

  • @gregsmith1719
    @gregsmith1719 Před rokem +4

    Boy, those double-deckers with the brown sides set so low they look like sleds on the snow -- really cool!

  • @krystalstarrett6760
    @krystalstarrett6760 Před 2 lety +19

    Been through Donner many times truck driving, often thought of hard work of railroaders... Now retired, God bless you, be safe, and have fun.

  • @maryables6752
    @maryables6752 Před rokem +11

    I agree trains and trucks are our life line. Thank you for being there for 🇺🇸

  • @benediktmorak4409
    @benediktmorak4409 Před 2 lety +12

    i would say, hat off to the camera team who had to brace the cold, snow and what not, to give us such a nice video!

  • @dennisnickoloff1723
    @dennisnickoloff1723 Před rokem +21

    In the 80's a friend and I used to sit on one of the tunnel capstones as trains crawled up the mountain. The power of the locomotives was unforgettable

    • @7ideaproductions
      @7ideaproductions  Před rokem +4

      Back in the good ol' SP days! That would have been awesome!

  • @rbfishcs123
    @rbfishcs123 Před rokem +7

    I'm glad I don't work on the RR anymore, but seeing the snow dumping down on the rails brings back the memories.

  • @probablynotmyname8521
    @probablynotmyname8521 Před 2 lety +5

    Being a driver for those trains is a crazy job.

  • @JackCarsonsRailroadVideos

    I owned y'all's cascades and shasta DVDs growing up. This bring back so many memories thank y'all for what y'all do.

  • @DelayInBlockProductions
    @DelayInBlockProductions Před 2 lety +194

    7idea is what inspired me to create my own railfan production company and I am forever grateful for their impact. Brilliant video, guys, as always. -Drayton

    • @7ideaproductions
      @7ideaproductions  Před 2 lety +39

      Wow that's pretty cool!

    • @JF-lt5zc
      @JF-lt5zc Před 2 lety +13

      @@7ideaproductions If you haven't watched DIB videos, 7idea, you should. Quality stuff.

    • @kishascape
      @kishascape Před rokem +2

      Lol "company". At least you have a real name that doesn't sound like some cheap chinese off brand.

    • @williamh.jarvis6795
      @williamh.jarvis6795 Před rokem +1

      @@user-bd7ql8ct1w Dad says the samething (or very similar) about the length of today's commercial breaks, unlike those of back then, (in his younger years).

  • @mikemarley2389
    @mikemarley2389 Před 2 lety +17

    I remember going over Donner Pass in my dads truck .And riding shotgun 60 years ago was pretty scary looking down Echo Summit on the looking down side way up in the cab as a young kid.I have seen 40 ft drifts in that area.

  • @CriticoolHit
    @CriticoolHit Před rokem +4

    Magnificent. With both wings extended that's a whole lotta snow movin' real quick.

  • @dennishilmas1331
    @dennishilmas1331 Před 2 lety +7

    I'm a former locomotive mechanic and I enjoy this stuff.

  • @2puffs770
    @2puffs770 Před rokem +2

    I really have taken for granted all the hard work and dedication of the railroad workers that keep our products moving. Whether by rail, sea, or sky.....it all boils down to the big rig operator delivering to our stores. Great job, everyone.

  • @fhowland
    @fhowland Před 2 lety +79

    Every time I drive from Sacramento to Truckee I’m amazed how gradually the scenery changes from lush and palm trees to 10’ of snow. Such a cool part of the country. Some of the best winter railroading footage I’ve ever seen!

  • @catlover2368
    @catlover2368 Před 2 lety +3

    have Donner pass on my train simulator one very fun and dangerous route!

  • @drats1279
    @drats1279 Před rokem +6

    I lived in Carmichael during high school in the mid-sixties and made the trip to Truckee and beyond numerous times. Always beautiful and fun. Great video and trains. thanks for sharing.

  • @glennyoung1251
    @glennyoung1251 Před rokem +5

    Great railroad footage. And falling snow makes the video all the more pleasing to the eye.

  • @eugeniustheodidactus8890
    @eugeniustheodidactus8890 Před 2 lety +17

    *Absolutely breath taking scenery and photography !*

  • @joemc111
    @joemc111 Před 2 lety +11

    Nice production, You guys are real fans to be out there in that kind of weather.

  • @rdozzi6682
    @rdozzi6682 Před rokem +6

    Great job. Scenery is fantastic.
    Photographer knows his stuff.

  • @schwags1969
    @schwags1969 Před rokem +2

    That is a lot of power pushing a lot of snow.

  • @phuturephunk
    @phuturephunk Před 2 lety +11

    I love US railroading. Excellent video.

  • @hanscom0790
    @hanscom0790 Před 2 lety +22

    Im always broke living paycheck to paycheck so I can't afford buying the full length videos. Thank you for posting this as I've always wanted to see the full length version of the Snow Fighters.

  • @mariolopez-ri8wd
    @mariolopez-ri8wd Před rokem +1

    Donner Pass beautiful scenary lots snow nice

  • @royal552
    @royal552 Před rokem +1

    Great Video Thank You, Sir!

  • @skimmer8774
    @skimmer8774 Před 2 lety +4

    Awsome view @ 21.35. Snow vs power. That's a WOW.

  • @Guillotines_For_Globalists
    @Guillotines_For_Globalists Před 2 lety +50

    For anyone interested, the strange looking circles on the glass in the snow plow cabs are actually spinning marine windows manufactured by Visiport. They spin to keep them clear versus using windshield wipers.

    • @ph11p3540
      @ph11p3540 Před 2 lety +5

      Commonly spotted on ice breaker ships and Newfoundland Fishing boats

    • @Guillotines_For_Globalists
      @Guillotines_For_Globalists Před 2 lety +6

      @@ph11p3540 Yes, or industrial machinery such as an enclosed waterjet.

    • @epistte
      @epistte Před 2 lety +5

      What is the strange contraption on the roof of those locomotives?

    • @lloydzierlein4492
      @lloydzierlein4492 Před 2 lety +3

      Good stuff

    • @Guillotines_For_Globalists
      @Guillotines_For_Globalists Před 2 lety +7

      @@epistte I was wondering the same if you're referring to the wire looking structure on top of the cab. My guess would be to deflect hanging tree branches weighed down by snow and ice?

  • @community1949
    @community1949 Před rokem +2

    34 feet of snow falls up there - wow!!!

  • @ronaldstephens5405
    @ronaldstephens5405 Před rokem +1

    What an interesting film I certainly enjoyed this verry much. I remembered when I was a boy I watched the train widening the dirt sides on the clearance for the train with a steam locomotive and the rail moved and the engine fell on the ties. They had to bring a crane in from the other end
    and lift the engine back on. There was no diesel engines back then.

  • @wendell6468
    @wendell6468 Před rokem +5

    first time here. looks very interesting. ive always loved trains. i grew up on the south side of Chicago many years ago and there are several rail yards around my area. this is something very new to me, as i am an old USAF munitions veteran. totally different but still cool, only in another way.

  • @sherrysaunders3758
    @sherrysaunders3758 Před rokem +1

    I’m 78 female I grew up loving trains half of my family worked for railroad in West Virginia I love all any trains. Let’s use them more.

  • @danielkennedy1524
    @danielkennedy1524 Před rokem +1

    A railfans dream! Thank you!

  • @paulkoza8652
    @paulkoza8652 Před 2 lety +7

    Nothing warmer than being in the cab of a diesel on a cold day. Great video.

    • @jeanmariehovancik3298
      @jeanmariehovancik3298 Před 2 lety +3

      Nothing warmer than just retiring and setting in your own house and not having to get out in the cold. Lol

    • @williamh.jarvis6795
      @williamh.jarvis6795 Před rokem

      @@jeanmariehovancik3298 Yeah! My dad feels the same way. I have just a little more time until my chance becomes reality.

  • @nancysmith2295
    @nancysmith2295 Před rokem +5

    I lived in Reno, Nevada growing up. We went up to the Truckee area year round to visit, drive through, and play in the snow in winter and the lakes in summer. Occasionally watching the clearing of the tracks of snow in winter was awesome. I enjoyed watching this video as it reminded me of the area. I now live near Yreka, California which happens to be quite a bit like Reno when I was a child.

  • @rolacase
    @rolacase Před 2 lety +1

    The wheel's of industry turning. This is what keeps our world and life as we know it constant.

  • @ronfogarty3888
    @ronfogarty3888 Před rokem +2

    Awesome I love that snow keep it up

  • @kishascape
    @kishascape Před rokem +5

    Nothing like a nice day of railroady fun in the snow :3

  • @naqashhaider3469
    @naqashhaider3469 Před rokem +1

    I started watching this as I was in a hot mid eastern desert but then this became an obsession.

  • @bigtex144
    @bigtex144 Před rokem +9

    I love Truckee and Donner Pass. In the summer, I'll spend all morning hiking and exploring the summit tunnels, then the afternoon with a craft beer and a meal on patio near the tracks to watch trains go by. Never been in the winter (too difficult to get there and back in this kind of weather) but boy I'd love to experience a winter adventure like this someday! Incredible shots, thanks for posting

    • @7ideaproductions
      @7ideaproductions  Před rokem +1

      When it comes to shooting trains, Donner in winter is one of the most difficult and the most rewarding.

    • @cory109
      @cory109 Před rokem +1

      I grew up there. Once you see it in the winter you will never want to leave again.

    • @7ideaproductions
      @7ideaproductions  Před rokem

      I don't blame you!

  • @albutterfield5965
    @albutterfield5965 Před 2 lety +6

    I lived not too far from Truckee in the 60's and 70's keeping interstate 80 and the train tracks open is almost a full time job in a normal winter. we had friends that had a house at Soda Springs and in the winter one would enter the thru the second story deck

  • @tonydavey3741
    @tonydavey3741 Před 2 lety +5

    Thank you very much for braving that weather to bring us a glimpse into what go's on on the pass in the fight to keep it open, living in England we never see snow like that, if we get a few wet leaves on the track the trains stop LOL

  • @markchwala2913
    @markchwala2913 Před rokem +2

    I just love trains period and these work very hard to keep the tracks clear.I cant believe they can do this the engines must be very powerful!

    • @markthomas6436
      @markthomas6436 Před 3 dny

      When four GP-38's are used, it's 8,000 hp. 😊

  • @Prionel
    @Prionel Před 2 lety +7

    Very interesting! Thanks for posting.

  • @dixieboy5689
    @dixieboy5689 Před rokem +4

    I remember going to an undergound rail yard near there , with a friend. It was cut out of the rock. Quite impressive. I forget the name of the yard. It was 50 years ago.....

    • @7ideaproductions
      @7ideaproductions  Před rokem +3

      You might be thinking of Norden. Workers lived there even in the winter when it was buried in snow. It had a turntable inside the snow sheds.

    • @dixieboy5689
      @dixieboy5689 Před rokem +2

      @@7ideaproductions >>>> Yes, thats it. Thanks. Id love to go back some day.

  • @Squalus1477
    @Squalus1477 Před 2 lety +6

    Am I the only one that would love to ride that train when it is clearing the rails. That would be awesome.

  • @youknowme8578
    @youknowme8578 Před 2 lety +67

    Without trains and truckers this county would be screwed, thanks to all of you to keep America running!

    • @leolauzon9205
      @leolauzon9205 Před rokem +12

      As a truck driver thank you and your welcome

    • @bumfit5491
      @bumfit5491 Před rokem +7

      There’s a lot of trades that people don’t realize how important the work is and has been for generations …. Sanitation , industrial plants , power plants ..

    • @u2mister17
      @u2mister17 Před rokem

      @@bumfit5491 Now if we could get the unions to start working for America instead of the left.

    • @bumfit5491
      @bumfit5491 Před rokem

      @@u2mister17 a union is only as good or bad as its members. All the officers are elected by vote of the membership. All contracts are approved by vote. All money matters are voted upon .
      Sounds kinda democratic …

    • @bumfit5491
      @bumfit5491 Před rokem

      @@u2mister17 PS union craftsmen built this country , built the power plants built the mills and refineries..
      built the skyscrapers in NY and the golden gate in SF …. Everything in between ….

  • @laurieharper1526
    @laurieharper1526 Před 2 lety +9

    Great stuff. I'm watching this in the UK. My hat is off to your railroaders for operating successfully in such harsh winter conditions.

  • @transylvanianite3391
    @transylvanianite3391 Před rokem

    Bring more beautiful snow , thanks to Gods work

  • @heinzbreuer2674
    @heinzbreuer2674 Před 2 lety +1

    Super Winter Impressionen Video toll gemacht weiterhin good Lucky Train

  • @timbarner7413
    @timbarner7413 Před 2 lety +12

    I got caught driving from Reno to Sacramento with rain turning to blinding snow as I approached Donner summit, followed by a downpour of rain all the way to the Sac airport. It was like two different worlds, but I made my flight just in time.

    • @az8theist977
      @az8theist977 Před 2 lety +3

      Hi Tim. May I ask what time of year that was? I'm thinking of taking some vaca time and exploring that area.

  • @sherrysaunders3758
    @sherrysaunders3758 Před rokem +1

    What a beautiful sight!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏 please be careful employees.

  • @lance31415
    @lance31415 Před 2 lety +50

    Snow in Donner Pass is no joke. It's not just the depth (3' - 6' events are common), but the density especially in the late season storm in Feb - March. Keeping the pass open (UP tracks and I80) is tough work.

    • @kaylahyshka6135
      @kaylahyshka6135 Před 2 lety +4

      Eunos triangles 200 mph even a Canadian national even in Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific

    • @bobbysolo5411
      @bobbysolo5411 Před 2 lety +5

      I saw a TV story about I-80 snow removal teams and they said there are things in the concrete so snow plows can drive by instrumentation when visibility is nil. When it's all snow, the road can just be anywhere. How cool is that? Why isn't it national so we could GPS our way anywhere we like on auto navigation.

  • @SKYFORCESWORLD
    @SKYFORCESWORLD Před rokem +2

    Amazing footage

  • @davemcmahon8140
    @davemcmahon8140 Před 2 lety +6

    Thats a well earned paycheck 👏

  • @roberthenry9319
    @roberthenry9319 Před 2 lety +16

    This is truly a fabulous video. The knowledge, planning, editing and photography involved here are mind boggling. Cannot thank you enough.

    • @bobbysolo5411
      @bobbysolo5411 Před 2 lety +1

      I agree. HOW you can photograph and relocate and catch the same train at another vantage point is some planning and moving quickly.

  • @railwayjade
    @railwayjade Před rokem +2

    I admire your dedication! Great video! Greetings from South Africa

  • @ge45gecalled39
    @ge45gecalled39 Před 2 lety +3

    Truckee, had a coffee/restaurant that had pancakes that stacked high enough
    to please any lumber jack, that was 58 years ago, going over donner pass could
    be your last meal, the rigs then were nothing like they have now.

    • @philliphall5198
      @philliphall5198 Před rokem

      My uncle said they would think that would be there last meal and joked about it

  • @victorcontreras9138
    @victorcontreras9138 Před 2 lety +17

    What a great video! Never realized how snow could be such a problem for the rails until I saw this! Much is appreciated on the work they do. Thanks.⚠️

  • @johnmay2786
    @johnmay2786 Před 2 lety +9

    What stunning locations and weather! We never get conditions like that here in the UK. Thanks for braving the weather to bring this to us all.

    • @loghog4392
      @loghog4392 Před 2 lety +2

      Welcome to sunny California!

  • @horacecrowe3520
    @horacecrowe3520 Před rokem +1

    very impressive and beautiful images

  • @Fatal_Inertia
    @Fatal_Inertia Před rokem +1

    It's crazy how the horns sound in snow without any reflections. It's a very dry sound.

  • @bobjohnson1587
    @bobjohnson1587 Před rokem +1

    I haven't seen my railway run a spreader or snowplow on the mainline on my division for decades! They just let us plough it with the locomotives! Cheap!

  • @brentcovert1531
    @brentcovert1531 Před 2 lety +35

    Well, aside of the negative comments, I could care less when this was filmed..I think it's awesome. Great job. Thanks for posting.

    • @mistzy8435
      @mistzy8435 Před 2 lety

      *there are negative comments?*

    • @brentcovert1531
      @brentcovert1531 Před 2 lety +1

      @@mistzy8435 just some complainers..saying it's old stuff..

  • @buddyboy66
    @buddyboy66 Před 2 lety +27

    This is SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for filming this.

  • @paulmadruga9786
    @paulmadruga9786 Před 2 lety +2

    wow! Outstanding documentary! Thank You.

  • @richardpeters7136
    @richardpeters7136 Před 2 lety +4

    An absolutely outstanding video

  • @ralphbyles142
    @ralphbyles142 Před 2 lety +20

    A Great presentation. Nothing like this in Australia! Different challenges with different skills. Fantastic!!

  • @rajmaity
    @rajmaity Před rokem

    I love everything about trains...it's horn , engine, engineering and everything

  • @jamielacourse7578
    @jamielacourse7578 Před 2 lety +3

    I admire your commitment. Plus I love being out in the snow. 21 years of Edmonton winters will do that.

  • @OmahaTom
    @OmahaTom Před měsícem +1

    GREAT video!! I couldn't look away!

  • @alwayssearching1882
    @alwayssearching1882 Před 2 měsíci

    At 63 I just got fascinated with trains.

  • @geoffreylee5199
    @geoffreylee5199 Před 2 lety +4

    Best flanger footage …

  • @mark140
    @mark140 Před 2 lety +2

    Wild

  • @russellsteele9675
    @russellsteele9675 Před rokem +1

    Awesome video. I love trains. Thank you.

  • @Mythocentric
    @Mythocentric Před 2 lety +17

    Amazing to watch these guy's getting on with the job regardless. I can only reflect on our own railways here in the UK where much less severe conditions bring our system to a complete halt. Much kudos to you for your dedication in producing such an excellent film. Respect!

    • @marykrauthamel7559
      @marykrauthamel7559 Před 2 lety +4

      Much of this was created because of World War II. The route over the Sierra was important for the war effort, aqnd tunnels were guarded by soldiers to this end.

    • @susanaobeid6770
      @susanaobeid6770 Před rokem +1

      Are you from UK?

  • @spencercohen2673
    @spencercohen2673 Před 6 měsíci +1

    It’s crazy how the winter window design hasn’t changed in 70 years.

  • @rr7firefly
    @rr7firefly Před rokem +1

    Seeing that spreader in action is a real treat, especially for someone from Flatland. Mountains in the winter are visual wonderlands. I rode Amtrak one winter between Los Angeles and Seattle. When we were in the mountains in Oregon there was so much snow on the ground. Snow everywhere. I remember how sound outside was muffled. We were moving through the landscape at reduced speed as well, compounding the sense of being suspended in time and space.

    • @7ideaproductions
      @7ideaproductions  Před rokem +1

      Those of us who live in or near the mountains often take them for granted. Thanks for your comment!

    • @rr7firefly
      @rr7firefly Před rokem +1

      @@7ideaproductions It's a very different world from the one most of us know. And I noticed the lack of visually offensive graffiti on railroad cars. In urban areas that scrawl gives everything a hopeless appearance. Misguided youths vandalizing property.

  • @dougkubash8673
    @dougkubash8673 Před 2 lety +21

    The camera crew is definately dedicated! Really enjoyed the video!

  • @michlo3393
    @michlo3393 Před 2 lety +5

    There are only a handful of places ON EARTH that get as much or more snow as the Sierras and Cascade mountains.

  • @johnrobertfox7775
    @johnrobertfox7775 Před rokem +2

    EXCELLENT VIDEO ! SP LIVES

  • @Tipi_Dan
    @Tipi_Dan Před rokem +1

    The power and the majesty can only be surpassed with steam.

  • @michaelhudecek2778
    @michaelhudecek2778 Před rokem +1

    Wonderful!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️😊😊😊😊😊😊

  • @worldtravelrafhat7886
    @worldtravelrafhat7886 Před 2 lety +5

    Such a lovely snowy day!

  • @DanMeyer80
    @DanMeyer80 Před 2 lety +10

    Guy in Midwest, "I'm sick of all this snow, I'm heading out to California where it never snows!!" Meanwhile in California:

  • @Cassie4486
    @Cassie4486 Před rokem +1

    With that amount of snow, its a shame it can't hit Lake Mead & clear that lake of the drought.

  • @gregsmith1719
    @gregsmith1719 Před rokem +3

    Love the telephoto shots!

  • @mec2512
    @mec2512 Před 2 lety +7

    I really miss the Southern Pacific, but UP has done a great job restoring traffic levels along this route

  • @danburch9989
    @danburch9989 Před 2 lety +4

    31:24 3rd engine #74 was one of the units involved in the Joplin, Montana derailment in Sept 2021.

  • @EJS1970
    @EJS1970 Před 2 lety +2

    Mt Rainier holds the record at 1000 inches

  • @robertbeck97850
    @robertbeck97850 Před 2 lety +15

    Great video, you really did a super job on the narration. If You didn’t say it was shot in 2010 I would have thought early 2021 or even late 2021 with that huge storm that dumped over 100 inches up in the Truckee area. Keep your videos coming. You really don’t see a lot of that spreader videos. There is a spreader in the Lagrande Oregon yard (UP) in the blue mountains of eastern oregon but it does not get out too often.
    Robert in Lagrande Oregon

  • @jamesweidman7462
    @jamesweidman7462 Před 2 lety +17

    Excellent video. I’m not fond of the winter but I would love to see the action up there. That would be a great vacation week to watch trains in and out

    • @UlliStein
      @UlliStein Před 2 lety +4

      Yes but taking that route onboard the California Zephyr in September was also great

  • @willrobbinson1
    @willrobbinson1 Před 2 lety +1

    AMASSING what happening to the lines open , truly amassing

  • @scootosan
    @scootosan Před rokem +2

    Spectacular video. To those that participated in this production, well done.

  • @johnbarney7431
    @johnbarney7431 Před rokem +3

    The bull dozer operations occurring along the pass are intense. There is a lot of snow removal occurring on that line. It really piles up on some corners and there is a lot of effort going into moving it around. The amtrack over the summit is incredible

  • @geoffreylee5199
    @geoffreylee5199 Před 2 lety +6

    Donner is like this every winter, more or less …

  • @OutdoorsSC
    @OutdoorsSC Před 4 měsíci

    We would just like to have snow, let alone see a cool train in it. We love our train videos in Clemson SC, Go Tigers! Keep it up

  • @davidlaroche4537
    @davidlaroche4537 Před 2 lety +3

    Amazing train video, given wintry conditions!

  • @OmahaTom
    @OmahaTom Před měsícem +1

    This makes me want to ride the Zephyr through there in the winter. I've riden the pass a lot but usually in the summer.