The most EPIC train race you'll ever see! Amtrak vs. BNSF in Ottumwa, IA 12/9/14

I've seen something like this before, but never this perfect, and was left speechless! On December 9th, 2014, I went to the Amtrak station in Ottumwa to see the eastbound California Zephyr arrive. BNSF was having the train pull into the station on Main track #1, due to freight trains up the line already running on main track #2. This was so Amtrak could overtake all the freights before crossing over to #2 again, the normal track for eastbounds. This also allowed BNSF to keep running the freights through Ottumwa on main #2. I'd already heard an eastbound freight get a track warrant to head east, and knew it would be approaching soon. Before it showed up, Amtrak came into view, and stopped at the IC&E RRX crossover (in the distance at the opening of the video) to get its warrant. Just as they finished copying it, the freight train rounded the bend, and the show began. As you'll see, the freight train on main #2 approaches, followed by Amtrak on main #1. Amtrak is quite a ways behind but catches up as it accelerates towards the station. Practically hitting Gateway Drive at the same time, Amtrak gets caught up to the freight as they're neck-and-neck, passing my camera almost perfectly. Of course Amtrak had to stop, so the freight train won the "race", but only by a nose!

YouTube user A. Train was filming on the other side of the station as Amtrak pulled in, as seen from his video:    • Amtrak and BNSF Freight Arrive at Ott...  

Units on trains:

Freight:
BNSF 4859 (Dash 9-44CW)
BNSF 6935 (ES44C4)

Amtrak:
AMTK 41 (P42DC)
AMTK 160 (P42DC)

Copyright © 2014 by Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved.