Step onto the captivating world of Hotrail Productions, where the magic of lights, camera, and trains combines to create an unforgettable experience. I travel all over the country photographing railroad history in the making. My footage dates back to 1995. Whether it's a thrilling action sequence or a heartwarming romantic scene, the railway has long been a favorite setting for filmmakers and TV producers.
Our first scene is Amtrak's northbound Lake Country Limited passing the Grayslake station on Independence Day 2000 amidst celebration .
Next we see three Amtrak trains at Russel, IL, just south of the Wisconsin border. The first train is the southbound Empire Builder led by two Genesis diesels and an F40PH. Then a northbound and southbound Hiawatha pass, both with an F40PH and cab-control unit running "pull-pull" style. Note F40PH #404 that was recently remanufactured and painted into an impressive Phase 4 paint scheme!
At Deshler, Ohio, one of the Midwest’s most famous railfan locations, an
eastbound CSX Empty Coke Express rumbles across the Toledo Subdivision
diamonds. Deshler is well known for its busy diamond crossing and
constant freight traffic, making it a must-visit location for rail
enthusiasts.
Leading the train is a GE AC4400CW teamed with a modern Tier 4 GEVO,
providing plenty of horsepower as the empty coke hoppers roll east
through town. The crossing of the diamonds creates that unmistakable
rhythmic clatter that railfans love to hear.
If you enjoy CSX action, GE locomotives, and classic Midwest railroad
junctions, Deshler never disappoints.
📍 Location: Deshler, Ohio
🚂 Railroad: CSX Transportation
⚙️ Power: GE AC4400CW + Tier 4 GEVO
📅 Filmed in Northwest Ohio
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railroad action from across the Midwest.
Filmed on 9/1/22
In August, 1998, we visited Wellsboro, Indiana, to find that CSX had done some housecleaning, much to the disgust of railfans. CSX's ex-B&O Willard Sub crossed the GTW Chicago-Battle Creek main, as well as CSX's ex-C&O nee-Pere Marquette branch. The three lines once crossed here in the shape of a triangle.
Now the C&O simply merges into the B&O on a new connecting track from the south. The diamonds with the B&O and GTW were removed, as well as all the C&O trackage north of the junction. A balloon track once wrapped around and connected up with the B&O to the west. Between 1974 and 1986, Amtrrak's JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY, later renamed the CARDINAL, used the C&O mainline through Indiana. Beginning on June 1, 1977, it took the B&O to Wellsboro, and utilized this connecting track to the Pere Marquette branch, which they took to La Crosse to pick up the C&O of Indiana mainline. The Pere Marquette branch was abandoned north of here in 1988.
Note the recently removed rail, rusty connecting tracks, and the new tri-light signals, which replaced the color position lights. You can see a CPL lying on the ground on the south side of the mainline. My father, who was always big into the signal hobby, was furious when he saw this sight!
As of 2011, the trailers next to the diamond are also gone. Wellsboro is still a hotspot, but is not as interesting as it once was.
Click here for a 1997 view when this junction still had a triangle of diamonds:
👉🏻 • Railroad Tour of Wellsboro, Indiana 1997
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In this video, a northbound Norfolk Southern freight train is captured running directly down the middle of Hickory Street in Warsaw, Indiana, creating a rare and eye-catching example of true street running railroading.
The train is powered by a pair of General Electric C40-9W (Dash 9) locomotives, leading the consist through the heart of the city where rails share space with pavement, traffic markings, and nearby buildings. Scenes like this are uncommon in modern railroading and offer a fascinating glimpse into how historic rail routes continue to operate today.
This section of track is part of the former New York Central (Big Four) route, which once ran from Goshen, Indiana to Louisville, Kentucky. While many street-running routes have been abandoned or rerouted over time, this line remains active, preserving a unique piece of railroad history.
Whether you’re a railfan, a local history enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys unusual sights, this video showcases a moment you truly don’t see every day — a full-sized freight train rolling down a city street as if it were just another vehicle on the road.
📍 Location: Warsaw, Indiana
🚂 Railroad: Norfolk Southern
⚙️ Power: GE C40-9W locomotives
🛤 Historic Route: Former NYC (Big Four)
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