ELLENDALE, Minn. – Two Union Pacific trains stuck in deep snow near Ellendale are free this week following the efforts of railroad and contractor crews to free them. Ellendale is located on the so-called “Spine Line” between Minneapolis and Des Moines, Iowa, about 30 miles north of the Minnesota-Iowa state line. The work took place throughout the day on Feb. 26, with the locomotives finally becoming free in the late afternoon.
Finally, the stuck equipment is pulled free, but still wears a heavy layer of snow. This view is reminiscent of the celebration a Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869!
Bob Jordan
Power from a southbound freight was used to pull the stranded northbound engines free from the snow.
Bob Jordan
Hulcher Services equipment has lifted a stranded locomotive to unpack snow from its running gear. The train had not previously derailed.
Bob Jordan
Amazing pictures
Zoom in and take a closer look Robert. I see two vehicles in there with yellow striping on them. The rest appear to be more than likely from the contractor that supplied the side boom Cats.
Look at all those company vehicles in the second photo. Does every UP employee have their own company vehicle? Looks like a government operation.