RCPE 3423 leads MMNAU directly into the last rays of the setting sun, on what ended up being a great chase.

MMNAU is seen here West of Lake Benton. We were fortunate that the train showed up when it did. The shadows of the hillsides were rapidly closing in on the railroad right of way.

MMNAU is about to duck under State Highway 23, as the train makes its way towards Aurora, SD.

RCPE 3423 has crested the grade and heads West past MP 244 on their way to Aurora.

After completing their work in Tracy, the crew of MMNAU takes their train West.

RCPE 3423 and company negotiate the siding at Tracy.

MMNAU is approaching Tracy where they will stop to dig a no bill car out of the Westbound train.

RCPE 3423 leads the Mankato turn through the bowl just West of Walnut Grove.

MMNAU has just reemerged into sunlight after dodging scattered thunderstorms. These storms created quite a dramatic contrast in the sky.

MMNAU has turned out of Mankato, MN, and is now cruising West, ultimately bound for Aurora, SD.

RCPE 3423 leads a quartet of engines through Mankato. The train has just left the Union Pacific yard, and the return trek to Aurora, SD is underway.

RCPE's Mankato to Aurora manifest heads west into Judson with a 4 pack of SD40-2s. The train left Mankato later than usual due to UP's MSSDM manifest having engine trouble leaving town.

MNAU heads west out of Cobden as the day comes to a close.

RCPE's Mankato to Aurora manifest heads west through New Ulm, past the old CNW depot and grain elevators.

Just emerging from an intrusive cloud shadow, seven SD40-2s throttle up as they accelerate out of Tracy with a westbound train back in May 2020. During this phase of the early pandemic, with traff... (more)