TRRS 488: Chasing a CN Freight Train with 3 Cameras + Drone!

December 3, 2016 RAPID RIVER, MI -- With December upon us but not yet with a snowpack in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, we setout to chase CN L551 as they work the Manistique Sub eastward from Gladstone toward Sault Ste Marie.

For the first time here on TRRS, we're going multi-camera for this chase. Utilizing both my brand new Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder as the primary, my old Sony HDR-PJ790V HD Camcorder as secondary, and Andrew's DJI Phantom 3 Advanced as our eye in the sky, we chase the train along for four locations, mixing in all three camera angles to get a better set of views out of this train.

Our first setup was in Rapid River, where L551 is just minutes out of Gladstone. With the Primary setup for the coming-to and secondary on going-away duty, we use the drone to extend our vision to the Rapid and Whitefish Rivers east of town.

Next, at Nahma Junction, the same sort of setup is used to capture them at the grade crossing and rolling over the Sturgeon River.

Cooks is home to a former siding, where once again having all three cameras online allows for a more in-depth look at the area.

Finally, Manistique still has its old station building, which is still used by the CN Maintenance forces. The ground cameras capture the roll by, before the drone chases them for the Manistique River Bridge.

Note: at 3:28, the caption is incorrect. It should read "Nahma", not "Nahama".

CN L551 Gladstone – SOO Manifest
Consist:
CN 2686 [C44-9W]
4 hoppers [SOO Bridge Idlers]
45 hoppers [Iron Ore Loads]
4 hoppers [SOO Bridge Idlers]
CN 2336 [ES44DC] DPU
49 cars [Mixed]
102 cars TOTAL
Location/Time:
CN Manistique Sub, Rapid River, MI, Main St xing, on 12-3-16 at 13:43 EST
Nahma Jct, NF-13 Rd xing, at 14:16 EST
Cooks, County Rd 442 xing, at 14:45 EST
Manistique, Manistique Depot, at 13:10 EST

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Videography Equipment:
-Primary: Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder
-Secondary: Sony HDR-PJ790V HD Camcorder
-Aerial Platform: DJI Phantom 3 Advanced Drone
-Edited with: Cyberlink PowerDirector 13

People:
-Alex C: Owner, producer, and narrator
-Andrew E: Aerial platform owner and operator

Copyright 2016 Thornapple River Rail Series by Alex Christmas, All Rights Reserved