Producer: Machines of Iron
Locations: Auburn, Ellensburg, Yakima…
Timeframe: 1996
Length: 69 minutes
Source: Rob Simpson
BNSF had reopened Stampede Pass after a decade of closure. This famous Northern Pacific line was constructed in very rugged country. Now refurbished and upgraded. Here is a first look at the BNSF operation.
This route is between Auburn and Yakima, Washington. A map outlines the mainline through the Cascade Mountains. Easton, Cle Elum and Ellensburg are some key points. Brief history begins the show. An intense 2.2% grade is in both directions with a 1.8 mile at the summit..
A single DVD-R. Pro shot video. Live environmental audio.
Main Chapter Menu subdivided into numbered chapters. Narrated by Rich Melvin.
To the Trains… 👉
BNSF 1086 (C44-9W) as it works upgrade at Martin. This is near Stampede Pass.
BN 6369 (SD40 -2) still wears a whiteface BN livery. The train eases into Yakima Yard on an Eastbound.
Burlington Northern 3058 leads a GP50 as it traverses with empty hoppers through Yakima Canyon.
BNSF 1045 fronts a string of bare tables as it rounds a curve along the Yakima River. 700
BN 6808 crosses an old bridge which was built in 1906 at Ellensburg. The 5 unit lash-up pulls 46 cars.
A sidebar is narrated by Don Hoyt. Operation at Cargill Grain Elevators in Seattle. Unit Grain cars the subject matter. Old Electro-motive switchers are used here. Short and sweet segment.
Train 1105 Eastbound exits the Stampede Pass tunnel. DPU power is tested with unit 1086 back in the consist. A concrete snowshed protects the line from the waterfall.
Here is a shot for Model Railroaders. Good action spot in the canyon with several trains traveling along the river.
Cabride aboard the Dash 9 locomotive. Bridge crossing at the Green River. Incidentally, the EMD plate inside the cab has a manufactured date of 1996. Rain is frequent on the route. This show ends at Auburn.
BNSF has a key connection to the Seattle line at Auburn. Engine 990 (another Dash 9) enters the busy yard with a Pasco- Tacoma move. Checkout the standing double-stack.
A weathered wide vision caboose is parked on a work train.
The Return of Stampede Pass
A show loaded with plenty of action and rugged scenery. Burlington Northern locomotives in original paint front many of the trains. BNSF Dash 9 units are in a good percentage, as well.
Videography is excellent. Variable views from trackside to scenic vistas. Strong live soundtrack with balanced narrative.
This is an intelligent program. The variety of scenes will stand-up to repeat viewings. Narrator has a well written script.
This feels like a longer show than it actually is on the clock. A result of a tightly edited and always moving production.
Stampede Pass is one to add to the collection. Should have crossover value to many Railfans and Model Railroaders. A top tier Machines of Iron release!
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 