Channel Title: Bobby Harvey Video Productions Channel Description: I film and produce railroad-related videos in the United States. Videos include feature-length compilations and documentaries, plus shorter clips of various trains. My full-length videos include: • Trains of Class I freight railroads and Amtrak in various locations • Profiles of shortline and regional railroad operations • Documentaries of Amtrak train trips across the US • City transit, including subways, light rail, and commuter trains • Steam trains, railroad museums, and railroad-related attractions • Model trains in operation and layout building, in O scale and HO scale Thanks for visiting, and I hope you enjoy the videos! All videos, photos, and thumbnail images on this channel Copyright © 2008-2025 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. <video> The Trains at Old Threshers, 2023 - Mount Pleasant, IA Description: On Labor Day weekend, there's no better way to celebrate than by making a visit to the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion! Located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the Old Threshers Reunion is held for 5 days leading up to Labor Day each year, and features living history on display, with volunteers demonstrating everyday life in rural America from years gone by. Perhaps some of the greatest living history in action at the Reunion is a pair of railroads, complete with their own unique collections of equipment. On the narrow-gauge Midwest Central Railroad, volunteers operate trains for passengers to ride around the main grounds, powered by 2-6-0 steam engine 6, and diesel locomotive D-9. On the standard-gauge Midwest Electric Railway, visitors can ride to the Log Village and through the campgrounds on many different cars, including streetcar 1945, interurban 320, open-air trolley 1718, and recently restored streetcar 9. While taking in all the sights trackside over four days of the 2023 Reunion, plus riding both railroads across the grounds, we'll also be visiting other popular Old Threshers attractions, including the Steam Powerhouse, carousel, and the gas engines area. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:01 Midwest Central introduction 2:02 Engine 6 introduction and run-by's 4:08 Engine D-9 introduction and run-by's 5:34 Midwest Central shops, engines 9, 14, and other equipment 8:28 Trains arriving at the South Station 10:11 Train ride to North Station 13:54 Trains arriving at North Station 16:49 Horse barns and trains passing 19:53 Train ride to South Station 22:06 Steam Powerhouse 23:56 Midwest Electric introduction 24:36 Round-trip ride on streetcar 1945 28:45 Trackside scenes of trolleys 1718 and 1945 31:58 Trolleys passing north crossing 34:34 Carousel 35:19 Midwest Central trains around grounds 42:32 Gas engines - corn mean demonstration 43:34 Midwest Central trains around grounds 52:12 Conclusion I hope you enjoy this look at the 2023 Old Threshers Reunion. Be sure to check out my videos from previous years, linked below! The Trains at Old Threshers 2022: https://youtu.be/P3sdNSFmryw The Trains at Old Threshers 2021: https://youtu.be/L5qBac1FOu8 The Trains at Old Threshers 2019: https://youtu.be/uxkuKtR5P4I The Trains at Old Threshers 2018: https://youtu.be/L9S8MaKkwWM Many more previous years can also be viewed on my YouTube channel by checking out the "Historic Trains" playlist. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to my channel as well! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Amtrak 174 and 161 Lead 22-hour Late California Zephyr at Ottumwa, IA 4/8/24 Description: It's been a while since I've been able to capture two specially-painted locomotives on the same Amtrak train, but it happened again on the morning of April 8th, 2024. Several days before, Amtrak's Phase I "heritage unit" 161 went west leading the California Zephyr. In Colorado, the Zephyr picked up extra locomotives and cars to take back to California, after the completion of Amtrak's "Winter Park Express" train's operating season. One of the units picked up from the WPE consist was Amtrak locomotive 174, the first P42 diesel to be repainted into the new "Phase VII" livery. Upon arriving in California, the cars used on the WPE were taken out of the consist, as well as some of the extra P42's. For the Zephyr's eastbound return to Chicago, departing on April 5th, locomotive 174 was put on the front of the train, with Phase I unit 161 trailing. The train was scheduled to arrive back in Chicago by early afternoon on April 7th. However, this didn't happen. Incredibly heavy winds in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado halted all train traffic on UP's Moffat Tunnel route on April 6th and part of the following day. The California Zephyr was running about 4 1/2 hours late once it got to Fraser, CO, just west of Moffat Tunnel and the Continental Divide. Across the summit, and downgrade towards Denver, winds gusted close to 100 MPH for sustained periods of time. Finally, in the early afternoon April 7th, the winds subsided enough to open the line again, and the Zephyr departed Fraser, almost a whole day behind schedule. Not much more time was lost by the time the train reached me as I filmed it arriving into Ottumwa, Iowa, as the sun rose after 7 AM. By the time the train departed, they were running over 22 hours late. A couple hours later, the regularly scheduled Zephyr for that day arrived, running just 35 minutes late. I'm not sure I'd want to be on a day-late train, but it definitely provides for some unusual operations to document! In Ottumwa, platform work is progressing at the station. Workers are removing and replacing the platforms with new ones, while also refurbishing the old platform canopies to be used on the new sections. Since a portion of the platform is being worked on, the Zephyr had to make two stops for sleeping car and coach passengers, respectively. The work on the platforms is expected to continue through the rest of this year. To see a video of unit 174's first westbound run in its new Phase VII paint, check out my video from March 2024: https://youtu.be/nvhEgyChigo Be sure to subscribe to my channel for more Amtrak videos, and trains around Ottumwa and surrounding areas! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> My one time filming an NS RoadRailer train - Hannibal, MO 4/15/07 Description: The "RoadRailer" was a concept tried out by several railroads, and involved special truck trailers that could be fastened together and lowered onto train wheels ("trucks" or "bogies"), instead of being placed on flatcars. Because of this, RoadRailer trains were much lighter than standard freight trains and could operate more efficiently. They could also be separated quickly in railyards by unfastening the rail trucks and pulling them away at ground-level. Although tired by many different railroads in the US and Canada in the past 30+ years, Norfolk Southern (and previously Conrail) operated the most with dedicated "Triple Crown" trains throughout their system. The service has operated pretty much the same way for a long time, but in recent years the specialized truck trailers have started to show their age. Over time NS has gradually reduced the frequency of RoadRailer trains, and by 2024 there was just one pair remaining, running between Detroit and Kansas City. With increasing costs in maintaining the trailers (and I believe there are no longer replacements available), NS finally decided to end RoadRailer service altogether, with the last westbound train to Kansas City operating on August 25th, 2024. Over the years I'd seen quite a bit of RoadRailers in service, but ironically, most of these instances were when they were used on Amtrak trains (their RoadRailer service ended in 2004 when the mail & express business was closed). As a kid and teenager, my family and I would make periodic trips to Hannibal, Missouri, the closest point from where I lived where there was a Norfolk Southern rail line. I knew of the RoadRailer trains they operated, but even at this time, the trains must have typically come through Hannibal at night, because I only saw them two times - once on our first trip to town in 1999, and again eight years later in 2007. Luckily, by 2007 I was well into taking video of trains, and I had my camera along to capture this westbound RoadRailer. Little did I know at the time, this would be my one and only time capturing these trains on video. I made an attempt to get one of the last RoadRailer trains going through Hannibal on August 24th, but the train didn't arrive while I was in town for the evening. I recently revisited the footage I took way back in 2007, featured in my DVD "Trains in the Heartland Volume XIV". For my one and only shot of this train, and the fact that I was still early in my videotaping days (I was just 15 at the time!), the video turned out pretty good. With the RoadRailer trains now history, I figured now was a good time to share it on YouTube! The video begins with a view up the tracks along the Mississippi River, with the train rolling into view after entering Missouri from Illinois (if you look closely, you can still see the train crossing the BNSF in the background). Then the train heads south towards us and curves into Hannibal's downtown, paralleling the BNSF tracks for a few blocks along the riverfront. Initially seeing the front of the train passing the Hill Street pedestrian crossing, I move closer to the BNSF side for a broader view with downtown in the background. The lone diesel pulling the train, NS 8315, is a former Conrail Dash 8-40CW. This unit and the rest of its class were pulled from Norfolk Southern's active roster in 2020. In the background, you may hear a lot of chatter and noise/yelling. There was a group of boys nearby as I was filming, riding scooters and bikes and attempting a bunch of stunts and things near the tracks. As the train approached, one of them took pictures as the others raced across the tracks in daredevil fashion. While certainly NOT advised, they seemed to be having a good time and were respectful, clearing the tracks well in advance of the train arriving. I hope you enjoy this video! Subscribe for more train videos around the Midwest and beyond. @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2007-2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> CPKC's 2024 Holiday Train Arriving in Ottumwa, IA 11/27/24 Description: CPKC's annual Holiday Trains started touring North America in late November, 2024, logging thousands of miles across the majority of their network. The trains, decked out from front to rear in incredible animated Christmas lights, feature free entertainment at certain stops along the way, while the railroad gathers donations for local food banks to help families in need during the holidays. This was the 2nd year the train has operated since the CPKC merger, and continues the Holiday Train tradition started in 1999 by predecessor Canadian Pacific. Per usual, two trains cover the majority of the CPKC network north of Mexico, with one train primarily serving Canada, and the other visiting US cities (CPKC also continues to operate its separate "Holiday Express" in the southern US, originally a Kansas City Southern train). The US train made its way through Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before arriving in Iowa on November 27th. After making performance stops in Clinton, Davenport, and Muscatine, the train continued south towards Ottumwa for the night. Traffic on CPKC's Ottumwa Subdivision delayed the train significantly while making its Muscatine stop, departing almost 45 minutes behind its intended schedule. This would make its arrival into Ottumwa much later than anticipated. Regardless, its after-dark arrival guaranteed seeing this train at night all lit up, which is, of course, what I always want to see. A little after 10:30 PM, I ventured out to Ottumwa to wait for the train to pull into town. Train traffic in Ottumwa was also significant during this time. I arrived at my viewpoint of choice, CPKC's Gateway Drive crossing on the west edge of Ottumwa, after the tracks drop down Rutledge Hill and cross over BNSF's Ottumwa Subdivision that runs east-west here. BNSF had two trains lined up to cross before any CPKC traffic could, starting with a westbound empty coal train, and then a full eastbound coal train immediately afterwards. By then a northbound CPKC freight left the yard, sand train 655, that would run up the hill and meet the Holiday Train at Rutledge. Once pulling into the siding there, the Holiday Train got the green light to come down the hill to the Ottumwa yard. Myself and a few other railfans were at various positions waiting for the train at Gateway Drive, and it finally arrived about a quarter to midnight. Although it was a pretty cold night, it was worth it! The video begins with the train just reaching the bottom of Rutledge Hill as it whistles at the West Second Street crossing. Then the train curves around, crosses the BNSF double-track main, and then passes me at Gateway Drive. Behind me, the train would cross the Des Moines River before reaching the CPKC Ottumwa yards. On November 28th (Thanksgiving Day this year), the Holiday Train would make its official Ottumwa performance stop, before continuing towards Kansas City, and ultimately Shreveport, Louisiana in the following days, before turning around to head north again. This was my forth time catching the Holiday Train passing through southeast Iowa. In 2023, I filmed the train crossing West Second Street in Ottumwa (the crossing shown at the beginning of this video), as shown here: https://youtu.be/a9TB6pDVT1E In 2022, I caught the train a little farther up the line in Washington, Iowa: https://youtu.be/kYXcYSP6wr4 And my first time seeing the Holiday Train is featured in my full-length special "CP of the Midwest: The Holiday Train and Other Trains of Winter", with the train dropping down Rutledge Hill in Ottumwa, and departing the next day: https://youtu.be/8Ss0HCK-Tw8 If you want to see more CPKC action from the beginning of the merger, check out another full-length video I've produced, "Arrival of CPKC: Celebrating the Major Railroad Merger in the Midwest" by clicking here: https://youtu.be/UQve7ygjAsc Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for more railroad-related videos uploaded regularly, including more CPKC and other trains from southeast Iowa and beyond! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Amtrak 174 leads the California Zephyr, west of Batavia, IA 4/14/24 Description: Amtrak locomotive 174, in new "Phase VII" paint, leads the eastbound California Zephyr through the countryside west of Batavia, Iowa, on the morning of April 14th, 2024. The train had just departed from its previous station stop of Ottumwa, Iowa, and is making good time along BNSF's Ottumwa Subdivision. This location is in between Batavia and Agency, near a point known as the "Eldon Y", where state highway 16 begins at US Highway 34 and heads south towards Eldon. The highway 16 bridge is visible in the background at the opening of this video. 174 was the first P42 locomotive repainted in Amtrak's latest Phase VII livery. I caught the engine as it made its first run on the Zephyr in Phase VII, in March 2024 (see this video: https://youtu.be/nvhEgyChigo), and also leading an incredibly late eastbound on April 8th (see here: https://youtu.be/-KxIHlot1Gk). Following 174's repaint, three more P42's have been repainted as of this video's publishing, including units 82, 167, and 138, with all but 167 taking turns leading the California Zephyr at some point in the past month. Subscribe to my channel for more Amtrak videos, and many more videos of other trains, including feature-length documentaries and more! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Santa Fe Warbonnet Diesels Lead 6-unit Lashup on BNSF Train 664, Ottumwa, IA 3/30/24 Description: As I was getting in position to film Amtrak's California Zephyr on the evening of March 30th, 2024, I missed BNSF's eastbound local freight train 664 (Eddyville, IA - Galesburg, IL) as it crawled through Ottumwa, Iowa, after crossing from main track 1 to 2 on the west side of town. I went ahead and got Amtrak from where I was, knowing the local would probably stop and do switching in the yard on the other side of Ottumwa. Sure enough, after Amtrak's passage, I drove across town to Iowa Avenue, near BNSF's small Ottumwa yard, and the train was still there finishing up its work. Here I was able to film the train as it continues its eastbound trip, throttling up as it passes through the crossing and out of the city limits. Of note leading today's local is a pair of former Santa Fe Dash 9-44CW locomotives, BNSF 685 and BNSF 636, still in their original "Warbonnet" paint scheme. Though both units' paint is faded and peeling, it's always great to see these locomotives still running around the BNSF system in this classic Santa Fe livery, and it's becoming more and more difficult to see them with many of these engines being stored, repainted, etc. And apart from small BNSF stenciling (that's also starting to fade), the units are completely original in appearance. Not only were the Warbonnets a special treat to see, but the whole lashup was noteworthy, with a total of six units, fairly unusual for this short train. Following behind the two Dash 9's is BNSF 541, a former Santa Fe Dash 8-40BW, followed by FXE 4079, in Ferromex's latest paint scheme, along with BNSF 9384 (original "Thundercab" SD70ACe) and BNSF 5738. Notice that 5738 has the current "swoosh" BNSF logo on the sides, but the Santa Fe-inspired "cigar band" of the BNSF Heritage II paint scheme on the nose. It's been several years since I've seen Warbonnet diesels leading through here, but the last time I did it was also on this train, in Agency, IA, as seen in this video: https://youtu.be/Rjqq0Oe3CA4 For more trains in the Ottumwa area and beyond, be sure to subscribe to my channel! ​⁠@BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Amtrak 82, the next "Phase VII"-painted P42, Leads the California Zephyr, Ottumwa, IA 3/18/24 Description: In early 2024, Amtrak has started to repaint some of its class of P42DC locomotives into the railroad's latest "Phase VII" livery. This brand-new paint scheme was first applied to Amtrak's new ALC-42 long distance "Charger" locomotives, that are in the process of being manufactured and delivered from Siemens, with an over 100-unit order. The first P42 to receive the Phase VII paint was locomotive 174, which made its first run westbound on the Cardinal from being overhauled at Beech Grove, Indiana in late February. This diesel then led the California Zephyr as far west as Denver, before being put on the Winter Park Express for its last few weekend runs in March. A couple weeks later, Amtrak released another locomotive with fresh Phase VII paint from Beech Grove, P42 diesel 82. The locomotive was towed to Chicago as part of the Cardinal's consist, then trailed behind locomotive 19 for a round-trip on the California Zephyr between Chicago and Emeryville between March 12th-17th. Then on the 18th, the two units were flipped around, with 82 to lead the westbound Zephyr from Chicago. Although losing 30 minutes west of Chicago, thanks to Daylight Savings Time the train arrived in Ottumwa, Iowa shortly after sunset, still with plenty of light to get some good pictures of the train! My video begins in between Green and Market Streets, shortly before the Ottumwa station. As the Zephyr makes its station stop, I jump ahead to McLean Street, the second crossing west of the depot, to get the train departing and passing another time. Having seen both locomotives 174 and 82 in the past couple weeks, I'm really liking the Phase VII paint on the P42's, it's very colorful and fits these units well! Amtrak is planning on releasing more P42's in Phase VII through the rest of this year, as well as other pieces of equipment, including passenger cars. To see my video of 174's inaugural run in Phase VII on the California Zephyr, click the link below: https://youtu.be/nvhEgyChigo Subscribe for more train videos and documentaries from the Midwest and all across the United States! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Check out my "Amtrak Special Appearances" playlist for many more videos of specially painted Amtrak locomotives and other unique sightings. Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. #amtrak #phasevii #californiazephyr #ottumwa </video> <video> Trains & Trolleys at Old Threshers in Mt Pleasant, IA! | Livestream replay 8/30/24 Description: (Trains begin at the 4 minute mark!) This video originally streamed live during the second day of the 2024 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, on August 30th, 2024. I've made a full-length documentary of the trains and trolleys that run at the Reunion in Mount Pleasant, Iowa for almost two decades. In 2024, I decided to also record a special livestream during the event. The video begins on the Reunion's rainly Friday afternoon, along the Midwest Central tracks on the south side of McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant, near the South Station. We'll see two trains arrive and depart here, pulled by steam locomotive 6, and diesel locomotive D-9. Then I walk through the South Station, briefly showing some of the equipment that's inside, before walking out across the yard tracks near the Midwest Central shops, and setting up for another pair of run-by's. After that, I walk the short distance down to the northern end of the Midwest Electric Railway, for some trackside shots of the three trolleys that were in operation. We'll see streetcars 1718 and 1945, and interurban car 320, the three cars that I saw in operation during the 2024 Reunion. I end the stream shortly after the last trolley passes. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:24 MCRR train with engine D-9 arriving at South Station 18:55 MCRR train with engine 6 arriving at South Station 22:27 Walking through the South Station 26:16 MCRR train with engine 6 departing South Station 28:50 Overview of equipment in front of MCRR shops 41:50 MCRR train with engine D-9 passing shops 57:05 MCRR train with engine 6 passing shops 1:00:00 Walking to the Midwest Electric 1:07:51 Midwest Electric streetcar 1718 1:13:00 Midwest Electric interurban car 320 1:22:13 Midwest Electric streetcar 1945 1:26:18 Conclusion Subscribe to my YouTube channel for other livestreams of trains in the Midwest, along with my large collection of feature-length programs filmed with my video equipment @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions During the stream, I run into another YouTuber volunteering at the Midwest Central Railroad's ticket counter. Subscribe to his channel here: @MatthewLappTrainGuy683 Follow my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Trains in Ottumwa and Blakesburg, Iowa on the last day of summer 2024 | Livestream replay 9/21/24 Description: (Trains begin at the 5 minute mark!) This video originally streamed live on September 21st, 2024, the last day of summer, as I watched trains in the Ottumwa, Iowa area. Beginning just west of downtown, I'm waiting for trains at McLean Street when I hear a possible movement on the CPKC over the radio. At the same time, I'm notified of a westbound BNSF train that's getting close. I drive over to Clay Street as the train approaches, and have just enough time to turn around and pull up to the crossing as the gates come down. The train turned out to be an intermodal stack train, that I believe was heading to Omaha. Once the train clears, I drive back around to Gateway Drive on CPKC. I was anticipating the train I'd heard earlier going through. However, getting closer to Amtrak's arrival, I wondered if BNSF had Amtrak lined up and they'd be first. So, I eventually get back in the car and head through town to get ready for Amtrak's arrival. I decide on the Vine Street crossing to get the train arriving. While waiting, I discuss the projects BNSF is working on right now in Ottumwa, putting in new signals in preparation for new crossovers going in on the east and west sides of the Amtrak station. Eventually, Amtrak passes, and there are a couple private cars on the end of the train as well. These were the two "Patrick Henry" cars that can also be seen on a previous livestream I did a few weeks earlier (follow this link to see that stream: https://youtube.com/live/o5Gkq9Q2If4). I leave Vine Street to jump over to Clay Street to see Amtrak's departure. Along the way, I look over towards McLean Street and see the crossing gates dropping for an eastbound BNSF freight and quickly change course, just in time to see the train, eastbound local freight 664 passing through. Then I continue on back around to Clay Street for the Zephyr leaving town. Afterwards I return to the Gateway Drive crossing on CPKC, expecting the train I'd heard earlier coming by. Instead, I hear a southbound train over the radio getting a warrant to leave town. I make the decision to go ahead and catch this train somewhere outside of Ottumwa. I first attempt to stop and see the train at 215th Avenue, about five miles west of the Ottumwa city limits, but my cell signal wouldn't allow me to record there. So, I decide to continue on into Blakesburg as nighttime finally sets in. I stop at a closed crossing in town, with a bunch of track maintenance crews across the tracks waiting for the train's arrival. It takes a while, but the freight train, CPKC 2-260, finally comes through. Afterwards, I leave Blakesburg to head back to Ottumwa, discussing some of the future video projects I'm working on, before ending the stream once getting back to town. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 5:10 Westbound BNSF intermodal train, Clay Street 13:15 Railroad discussion at Gateway Drive 38:35 Leaving Gateway Drive 48:25 Arrival at Vine Street 51:05 Discussion of new BNSF crossovers 57:30 Cat by the tracks 1:01:35 Amtrak's California Zephyr, arrival at Vine Street 1:10:18 BNSF local freight 664 at McLean Street 1:15:00 Amtrak's California Zephyr, departure at Clay Street 1:19:57 Return to Gateway Drive, CPKC crossing 1:28:55 Leaving Gateway Drive to get CPKC train 1:53:45 Arrival in Blakesburg 1:57:52 Waiting for the train 2:15:50 Southbound CPKC train 2-260, Blakesburg 2:25:20 Leaving Blakesburg 2:34:20 Preview of upcoming videos 2:43:25 Arrival back in Ottumwa 2:45:20 Conclusion Subscribe to my channel for more livestreams, and all of my feature-length railroad programs I produce with my video equipment. @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Amtrak, BNSF, and the Google Street View car in Ottumwa, IA! | Livestream replay 9/15/24 Description: (Trains begin at the 1 hour, 23 minute mark!) This video originally streamed live on the evening of September 15th, 2024, as I watched trains along the BNSF in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa. It was a hot and humid day, and things started out slow, but trains finally arrived in the second half of the stream. At the beginning, while waiting for any movements along the line (on BNSF's Ottumwa Subdivision), I drove around to show the progress BNSF is making on their current track/crossing/signal projects in town. In the process of driving, I passed a Google Street View car! It'll be interesting to see my car on the road on one of their future releases...lol! Eventually, I make it back to the Ottumwa Amtrak station, and park across from the station at the water plant parking lot, waiting for the westbound California Zephyr to arrive. The train eventually pulls in, and as they're doing their work at the station, I jump ahead to the Gateway Drive crossing and set up to see them depart. Shortly after Amtrak leaves, an eastbound BNSF coal train comes through. Then just a little over ten minutes later, a westbound BNSF sand train passes, with a nice variety of locomotives on the front and end. Once it passes, I get back in the car, and drive through Ottumwa as darkness sets in. I give a brief description of what videos I'm working on and other things, before ending the stream. Check out the timestamps below to jump through the stream to other highlights! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 6:35 Discussion of BNSF track/crossing improvements 16:45 Driving to BNSF track/signal work 20:44 Clay Street crossing and signals 25:54 Gateway Drive crossing 27:11 Wrong turn 28:55 Green Street crossing 30:04 Looking at new signals 39:05 Driving back into downtown 40:30 The Google Street View car! 42:27 Vine Street crossing 50:35 Arriving at the water plant parking lot 53:16 Waiting for Amtrak 1:23:15 Amtrak's California Zephyr, arrival, Ottumwa station 1:31:55 Amtrak's California Zephyr, departure, Gateway Drive 1:34:00 Eastbound BNSF coal train, Gateway Drive 1:46:46 Westbound BNSF sand train, Gateway Drive 1:56:25 Preview of upcoming video projects 2:00:35 Driving to Hy-Vee 2:06:00 Conclusion This was a fun night, and I hope you enjoyed the stream! To see more livestreams like this one, plus my extensive library of completed, feature-length programs, be sure to subscribe to my channel! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Some "goodies" on Amtrak and testing out the new roundabout! Ottumwa, IA | Livestream replay 8/26/24 Description: (Trains begin at the 9 minute mark!) This video originally streamed live on the evening of August 26th, 2024, as I watched trains in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa. I started the stream a little after 5:45 PM, near the Market Street crossing. After a few minutes discussing some of the rail happenings in the area, the first train went passed, an eastbound BNSF coal train, with an SD70ACe on the front, an ES44AC second, and an AC4400CW as the trailing DPU. After it passes, I do a quick drive to the west end of town, to check if any other trains are on their way. Seeing nothing, I return to the Market Street parking lot to get ready for Amtrak. Before it arrives another BNSF coal train comes through heading east. Then, Amtrak's California Zephyr pulls in, and as I mention during the stream, there are a number of "goodies" on tonight's westbound, including repainted locomotive 167 in the "Phase VII" paint scheme, a Viewliner II baggage car with "Polar Express" lettering still on the sides, and two private cars on the end of the train operated by Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, sleeping car "Evelyn A. Henry" and dome/observation car "Warren R. Henry". Amtrak makes two spots at the platform, due to work still progressing on the station upgrades. Once the train makes its second stop, I return to the car and drive over to the west side of Ottumwa, to watch Amtrak departing as it crosses over the CPKC. Afterwards, in the process of looking for other trains, I continue the livestream and drive to Ottumwa's south side. After a few minutes answering some questions and comments from the Menards parking lot, and giving a sneak peek of some of my next video projects I'm working on, I drive on back into town to test out Ottumwa's latest "roundabout" intersection at Quincy Ave. and Albia Rd., that just opened that evening. Speaking for everyone who lives in Ottumwa, we're definitely glad that this project is completed! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 9:10 BNSF coal train, eastbound at Market Street 15:25 Quick drive west of downtown 22:24 Discussion of BNSF track improvements, station platforms 43:12 Waiting for trains 45:49 BNSF coal train, eastbound at Market Street 51:19 Amtrak's California Zephyr, arrival, 1st spot 55:12 Amtrak's California Zephyr, 2nd spot 57:54 Driving to BNSF/CPKC diamond 1:05:35 Amtrak's California Zephyr, departure at IC&E RRX 1:10:10 I need new wiper blades lol 1:13:00 Driving through Ottumwa 1:18:55 My latest video escapades 1:24:12 Answering questions and railroad discussion 1:27:00 Upcoming video projects I'm working on 1:41:01 Driving to the roundabout 1:46:05 Ottumwa's latest roundabout is finished! 1:49:13 Conclusion I hope you enjoyed this stream. Subscribe to my channel to see all of my other livestreams, plus my large collection of programs filmed with my video equipment! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, be sure to follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Arrival of CPKC: Celebrating the Major Railroad Merger in the Midwest, Featuring CP 2816 Description: The merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern in 2023 brought two historic railroads together, creating CPKC. In this program, we documented the transition to this new railroad in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. We begin with a taste of operations before the merger on the CP mainline between Davenport and Kansas City, featuring several freight trains on the Ottumwa and Laredo Subdivisions. Moving on to 2023 and early 2024, we see CPKC’s first year in the same area, with increased rail traffic, and a variety of trains, including the new high priority intermodals 180 and 181. To celebrate one year since the merger, the railroad sent its historic steam locomotive, Canadian Pacific 2816, on an international “Final Spike Steam Tour” from Canada to Mexico between April and July 2024. We caught this special train in May as it made a stop in Saint Paul, Minnesota, then passing Hastings, with an extended chase between Ottumwa, IA and Lucerne, MO later in the month. After seeing more CPKC freight trains in southeast Iowa, we get another look at the Final Spike special in June, as it returns from Mexico, running north with several run-bys surrounding Ottumwa. We make a bonus trip to the Quad Cities two days later, to see 2816 one more time as it operates at a special event at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shop complex in Silvis, IL. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:28 CREX 1053, CP train 575, e. of Ainsworth, IA 3:44 CP train 575, Letts, IA 5:07 CP 8114, CP train 474, Letts, IA 7:00 CP train 474, Cotter, IA 8:14 CP train 474, Washington, IA 9:37 CP train 474, n. of Packwood, IA 10:40 Ottumwa, IA introduction 11:13 CSXT 5446, CP train 474, Ottumwa, IA 13:31 CP train 474, w. of Ottumwa, IA 14:25 CP train 474, Foster trestles n. of Moravia, IA 15:52 CP train 474, Seymour, IA 17:12 CP train 474, Lucerne, MO 20:00 NS 7231, CP train 674, Seymour, IA 21:30 CP train 674, Powersville, MO 22:17 CPKC Mexico Midwest Express introduction 23:16 KCS 4866, CPKC train 181, Ottumwa, IA 24:29 CPKC train 181, Rutledge Hill, Ottumwa, IA 26:00 KCS 4151, CPKC train 250, Ottumwa, IA 27:42 CP 8816, CPKC train 260, n. of Ottumwa, IA 29:19 BNSF 9736, CPKC train 859, n. of Ottumwa, IA 30:44 CP 9834, CPKC train 180, Ottumwa, IA 32:12 KCS 4783, CPKC train 261, Ottumwa, IA 33:38 CP 8133, CPKC train 181, Ottumwa, IA 35:04 CP 8503, CPKC train 260, w. of Ottumwa, IA 36:32 CPKC train 260, w. of Blakesburg, IA 37:51 CP 8729, CPKC train 260, n. of Farson, IA 39:19 CPKC train 260, Ottumwa, IA 40:45 KCS 4029, CPKC train 260, Ottumwa, IA 42:11 CPKC train 260, Bidwell, IA 43:45 St. Paul, MN – CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour introduction 45:05 Canadian Pacific 2816 history 47:45 St. Paul Union Depot 50:14 CP 2816 approaching Pig’s Eye Yard 51:04 AMTK 338, Amtrak train 8, Hastings, MN 52:18 CP 2816, CPKC train 40B, Hastings, MN 54:28 CPKC train 40B, Ottumwa, IA 57:48 CPKC train 40B, w. of Blakesburg, IA 59:00 CPKC train 40B, Sewal, IA 59:34 CPKC train 40B, Lucerne, MO 1:02:13 CP 8756, CPKC train 181, n. of Blakesburg, IA 1:03:33 KCSM 4086, CPKC train 261, Ottumwa, IA 1:05:10 KCS 3903, CPKC train 3BAL, Ottumwa, IA 1:06:24 CPKC train 3BAL, Bidwell, IA 1:07:11 CPKC train 3BAL, n. of Moravia, IA 1:08:35 KCS 4102, CPKC train 261, n. of Moravia, IA 1:10:03 CP 8743, CPKC train 181, Moravia, IA 1:11:15 CPKC train 3BAL, Moravia, IA 1:12:33 CPKC train 3BAL, s. of Moravia, IA 1:13:21 CP 2816, CPKC train 41B, Foster trestles n. of Moravia, IA 1:14:56 CPKC train 41B, 215th Ave. w. of Ottumwa, IA 1:16:12 CPKC train 41B, MP 305 w. of Ottumwa, IA 1:17:55 CPKC train 41B, 87th St. Ottumwa, IA 1:19:33 CPKC train 41B, Rutledge Hill, Ottumwa, IA 1:21:21 CPKC 2816 at RRHMA shops, Silvis, IL 1:24:30 Conclusion Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this program, you might like this video I made several years back on the same stretch of railroad, titled “CP of the Midwest: The Holiday Train and Other Trains of Winter”. Click the link below to watch: https://youtu.be/8Ss0HCK-Tw8 Be sure to subscribe for more feature-length train videos like this one, and more content uploaded regularly: @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> BNSF and Amtrak's California Zephyr at day's end in Ottumwa, Iowa | Livestream replay 9/28/24 Description: (Trains begin at the 26 minute mark!) This video originally streamed live on the evening of September 28th, 2024, as I watched trains in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa for a couple hours. The weather was beautiful for the first full weekend of autumn, and I ended up seeing several trains during the stream. I begin at the Market Street parking lot looking out at BNSF's Ottumwa Subdivision, and eventually start driving around while I wait for trains to arrive. The first place I go is just east of downtown, where BNSF is starting to do prep work for an upcoming crossover they're putting in. The signals are now all up (turned to the side, of course), and it gives an idea of where exactly the crossover will be and how it'll be set up. With a westbound train getting close, I then return to the Market Street parking lot and it arrives a few minutes later. Of interest in this train is a Montana RailLink SD70ACe as the second unit - only the second time I've seen one of these diesels in person. With Amtrak getting close, I drive the short distance down to the water plant parking lot, directly across from the train station. Tonight Amtrak would be arriving on main 2, the far track from the depot, so I would be able to get an unobstructed view from the side I was on. While waiting for the Zephyr to arrive, I discuss some ideas for new videos and what I'm thinking of doing soon (livestreams, shorts, etc.) Amtrak's California Zephyr then arrives on main 2 as expected, and I remain where I am (adjusting the car slightly to get an away view for the train's departure) to see them do their station work, and depart about ten minutes later. Hearing word of some more trains (with a lot of chatter on the CPKC frequency), I leave the water plant and drive around waiting for more activity. CPKC was having some issues with trains south of Ottumwa, so I didn't end up seeing anything on their line, but a pair of BNSF freights would be approaching town after a while. I drive around town several times and eventually make my way back to the Market Street parking lot. After a little bit, an eastbound freight arrives, BNSF's local train 664. As soon as it clears the crossing, a westbound empty coal train passes through on the other track! This would end up being my final train of the night. I drive around to the Amtrak station parking lot to discuss some latest railroad news, answer some questions, and provide a preview of my next video projects as I leave, before ending the stream. It was another fun night! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 10:15 Leaving Market Street parking lot 13:48 New BNSF signals, west facing 19:25 New BNSF signals, east facing 26:00 Westbound BNSF empty coal train at Market Street 38:50 Arriving at water plant parking lot 43:00 Discussing future YouTube ideas/plans 58:40 Amtrak's California Zephyr, arrival 1:08:46 Amtrak's California Zephyr, departure 1:12:45 Driving around Ottumwa 1:29:50 Heading back to Market Street 1:36:10 Arrival at Market Street parking lot 1:50:35 BNSF local freight 664 at Market Street 1:52:15 Westbound BNSF empty coal train at Market Street 2:04:15 Discussion of Amtrak's "Floridian" train & more 2:14:50 Preview of upcoming productions 2:17:42 Conclusion Be sure to subscribe to my channel to see more livestreams, as well as all of my other completed, feature-length productions I create with my main video equipment! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Amtrak 138 and 82, "Phase VII" painted P42's, power the California Zephyr, Ottumwa, IA 4/12/24 Description: On April 12th, 2024, Amtrak's latest P42 to be repainted in the new "Phase VII" paint scheme made its way west leading the California Zephyr, as I caught the train in Ottumwa, Iowa. The train was right on schedule, and after getting it arriving at the station, I walked up along the tracks as the train pulled forward for its second stop (required due to the Ottumwa platform refurbishment taking place), to the other end of the platforms near Gateway Drive as the train departed. Amtrak's Phase VII paint scheme was introduced on its latest long-distance power, the ALC-42 "Charger" locomotives, that are gradually being delivered and deployed throughout the system. More recently Amtrak has started to roll out the new livery on older equipment as well, including the P42's. Locomotive 174 was the first to be repainted, quickly followed by units 82, 167, and 138. In fact, P42 138 had just reached Chicago the day before after being released from Beech Grove, making this its first revenue run after its repaint. More Genesis diesels are expected to get the Phase VII paint throughout the rest of this year, as well as other rolling stock. All of the current Phase VII-painted P42's with the exception of 167 have already made runs on the California Zephyr, and I've caught them many times over the past month as they passed through Iowa. Check my "Amtrak Special Appearances" playlist for more, and if you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to my channel! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Also, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video> <video> Union Pacific AC4400CW and Amtrak Heritage Unit 164 Lead the California Zephyr, Ottumwa, IA 12/28/24 Description: On December 28th, 2024, I caught Amtrak's eastbound California Zephyr as it made its station stop in Ottumwa, Iowa. The train was running almost three hours late at this point, and had been running significantly behind schedule its entire journey from California, due to locomotive issues. A Union Pacific diesel replaced one of the Zephyr's two P42 locomotives in California, making the entire journey east to Chicago on the front of the train. The locomotive is UP 6617, an AC4400CW, one of hundreds operated by Union Pacific for use on heavy freight trains. It's one of the earlier-built units of the class owned by UP, as evidenced by the front number boards on the nose, and ditch lights below the frame on the lead pilot (similar to how Chicago & North Western units of the same class were ordered). As if the UP diesel's presence wasn't enough to draw attention to this day's California Zephyr, the lone P42 that remained on the train happened to be Amtrak's "Phase IV" heritage unit 164. This unit took over as the railroad's retro Phase IV representation after engine 184 was repainted to Phase V in mid-2023 (ironically, 184 is now painted in the current Phase VII scheme as non-powered control unit 9700). Here in Ottumwa, I filmed the train facing Gateway Drive directly west of the platforms as it arrived at the station. Then I moved to the east side, crossing over to the south side of the tracks to film it departing, crossing over the next crossing at Market Street. As the Zephyr leaves, you'll notice the train has the clear aspect at a new set of signals that were activated just recently by BNSF. These signals are at a new CTC crossover that allows more flexibility in train movements through town, particularly for Amtrak. When complete, the restored Ottumwa platforms will only be for Main 1 (the track closest to the station), and Amtrak will have to always use this track regardless of the direction it's going. With the crossover, the eastbound trains could cross back over to Main 2 right after leaving the station if they needed to. With today's Zephyr, the train is continuing on passed the crossover on Main 1, most likely to overtake other eastbound freight trains that are further ahead. This California Zephyr was well documented during its eastbound trip across the country. Here's just some of the clips I've found of it at other locations along the route: Davis, CA by @AdamGhimenti https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGgh3XEfQYM Martinez, CA by @maxnash8450 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MXfpIicLcg&t=21s Reno, NV by @MychaelHall24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWyPMcC1fto Grand Junction, CO by @CJLRailfan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQrWuHHlKNc La Grange, IL by @larry84988 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHn6GqJqCFU Another view at La Grange, IL by @ianssirenproductions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5u2t0PZIb4 I hope you enjoyed this video! Check out my "Amtrak Special Appearances" playlist for many more videos featuring special/unusual things I've seen on Amtrak over the years. And be sure to subscribe for more railroad content uploaded regularly! @BobbyHarveyVideoProductions Follow my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyharveyvideo Copyright © 2024 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved. </video>

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I film and produce railroad-related videos in the United States. Videos include feature-length compilations and documentaries, plus shorter clips of various trains. My full-length videos include:

• Trains of Class I freight railroads and Amtrak in various locations
• Profiles of shortline and regional railroad operations
• Documentaries of Amtrak train trips across the US
• City transit, including subways, light rail, and commuter trains
• Steam trains, railroad museums, and railroad-related attractions
• Model trains in operation and layout building, in O scale and HO scale

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All videos, photos, and thumbnail images on this channel Copyright © 2008-2025 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved.

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