Northern Plains Railroad
Encyclopedia
The Northern Plains Railroad is a short line railroad that operates over 344 miles (552 kilometers) of track in the northern U.S. state
of Minnesota
and the northern U.S. state of North Dakota
.
The railroad interchanges with the Canadian Pacific Railway
in Kenmare, North Dakota
and Thief River Falls, Minnesota
, the Minnesota Northern Railroad
in Thief River Falls, Minnesota
, and the BNSF Railway
in Ardoch, North Dakota
.
The railroad has its headquarters in Fordville, North Dakota
, where it operates its largest yard facility, and also has a field office located in Lansford, North Dakota
, where it operates another large yard and roundhouse.
As of 2006, the Northern Plains Railroad employed 43 people and handled approximately 17,000 carloads per year. The primary commodities hauled included wheat
, barley
, durum
, and soybean
s.
, under control as a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway
, decided to lease 388 miles (624 kilometers) of branch line
trackage in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The track originally leased to the railroad consisted of the 168 mile (270 kilometer) Devils Lake Subdivision between Thief River Falls, Minnesota
, and Harlow, North Dakota
, and the 217 mile (349 kilometer) Bisbee Subdivision between Fordville, North Dakota
, and Kenmare, North Dakota
. The two lines formed the Soo Line Railroad
's so-called "wheatline" that served as a connection between its main line from Glenwood, Minnesota
, to Noyes, Minnesota
, (and on to Winnipeg, Manitoba, via the Canadian Pacific
) and its main line from Glenwood, Minnesota
, to Portal, North Dakota
, (and on to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
, via the Canadian Pacific
).
Before coming under control of the BNSF Railway
, the Sarles Subdivision had been owned by the Burlington Northern Railroad
and, before that, by the Great Northern Railway. The line was one of the latter railroad’s many branch lines built in the early twentieth century to serve communities in northern North Dakota
. The Mohall Central Railroad agreed to purchase and then let the Northern Plains Railroad operate over both a 20 mile (32 kilometer) portion of the Drayton Subdivision between Honeyford, North Dakota, and Voss, North Dakota, and a 43 mile (66 kilometer) portion of the Granville Subdivision between milepost 5.25 (north of Granville, North Dakota
) and Mohall, North Dakota
.
In the fall of 2005, the Northern Plains Railroad and the Mohall Central Railroad came together once more to begin operations over a 69 mile (111 kilometer) portion of the BNSF Railway
’s Sarles Subdivision between milepost 3.75 (north of Lakota, North Dakota
) and Sarles, North Dakota
. The BNSF Railway agreed to sell its track to the Mohall Central Railroad. In turn, the Mohall Central Railroad agreed to let the Northern Plains Railroad begin operating over the line. Connecting track near Munich, North Dakota
, where the Sarles Subdivision crosses the Bisbee Subdivision, was also put in place. On October 29, 2007, the Mohall Central Railroad filed a notice of exemption to abandon a 44.44 miles (71.5 km) portion of the line between milepost 3.75 north of Lakota, North Dakota
, and milepost 48.19 at Alsen Junction, North Dakota, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Munich, North Dakota
.
). The part of the subdivision still in service, 12 miles (19 kilometers), was then renamed the Mohall Subdivision. Likewise, the portion of the Drayton Subdivision that the Mohall Central Railroad had also acquired was renamed the Gilby Subdivision. The portion of the line between Forest River, North Dakota
and Voss, North Dakota would later be abandoned.
Both portions of track purchased by the Mohall Central Railroad had been owned by the Burlington Northern Railroad
before coming under ownership of the BNSF Railway
. Before that, the Mohall Subdivision had formed a 61 mile (98 kilometer) branch line
on the Great Northern Railway that stretched from Granville, North Dakota
to Sherwood, North Dakota
. The Gilby Subdivision, on the other hand, had formed the Northern Pacific Railway
’s 250 mile (402 kilometer) main line from Manitoba Junction, Minnesota (near Hawley, Minnesota
) to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In October 2004 the Northern Plains Railroad – acting through its parent, the Soo Line Railroad
– abandoned a 28 mile (45 kilometer) portion of the Devils Lake Subdivision between Harlow, North Dakota
and Devils Lake, North Dakota
. Part of the roadbed had become submerged in the steadily increasing water level of Devils Lake
.
In December 2009 the Northern Plains Railroad – again acting through the Soo Line Railroad
- abandoned 60.9 miles of the Bisbee Subdivision between Bisbee, North Dakota
and Kramer, North Dakota
.
s of various heritages.
The railroad’s official paint scheme contains yellow and navy blue colors arranged in much the same way as the colors on the "yellowbonnets" that once operated on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
were arranged. The words Northern Plains are spelled out on both the nose and the long hood
. Many of the locomotives operating on the Northern Plains Railroad continue to wear the colors of their former owners.
Most of the freight cars that the Northern Plains Railroad uses are provided by the Canadian Pacific Railway
, while the rest are provided by the BNSF Railway
and Minnesota Northern Railroad
.
under the name Northern Plains Rail Services. The facility contracts with other railroads, shippers, industries, processors, owners, and lessors to make either small-scale or large-scale repairs to freight cars or provide new paint to locomotives
. Some of the past locomotive repainting customers have included the Canadian Pacific Railway
and the Belt Railway of Chicago
.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
and the northern U.S. state of North Dakota
North Dakota
North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S....
.
The railroad interchanges with the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
in Kenmare, North Dakota
Kenmare, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,081 people, 468 households, and 278 families residing in the city. The population density was 872.8 people per square mile . There were 553 housing units at an average density of 446.5 per square mile...
and Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,410 people, 3,619 households, and 2,091 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,760.0 people per square mile . There were 3,931 housing units at an average density of 822.7 per square mile...
, the Minnesota Northern Railroad
Minnesota Northern Railroad
The Minnesota Northern Railroad is a Class III shortline railroad that operates over of track in northwestern Minnesota. The railroad is co-owned by KBN Incorporated and Independent Locomotive Service and is headquartered in Crookston, Minnesota....
in Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,410 people, 3,619 households, and 2,091 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,760.0 people per square mile . There were 3,931 housing units at an average density of 822.7 per square mile...
, and the BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
in Ardoch, North Dakota
Ardoch, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 61 people, 18 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 235.0 people per square mile . There were 41 housing units at an average density of 157.9 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 60.66% White, 24.59% from...
.
The railroad has its headquarters in Fordville, North Dakota
Fordville, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 266 people, 115 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 265.2 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 130.6 per square mile...
, where it operates its largest yard facility, and also has a field office located in Lansford, North Dakota
Lansford, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 253 people, 106 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 726.3 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 376.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.81% White, 0.79%...
, where it operates another large yard and roundhouse.
As of 2006, the Northern Plains Railroad employed 43 people and handled approximately 17,000 carloads per year. The primary commodities hauled included wheat
Wheat
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Levant region of the Near East, but now cultivated worldwide. In 2007 world production of wheat was 607 million tons, making it the third most-produced cereal after maize and rice...
, barley
Barley
Barley is a major cereal grain, a member of the grass family. It serves as a major animal fodder, as a base malt for beer and certain distilled beverages, and as a component of various health foods...
, durum
Durum
Durum wheat or macaroni wheat is the only tetraploid species of wheat of commercial importance that is widely cultivated today...
, and soybean
Soybean
The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses...
s.
Formation
The Northern Plains Railroad was formed in January 1997 after the Soo Line RailroadSoo Line Railroad
The Soo Line Railroad is the primary United States railroad subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway , controlled through the Soo Line Corporation, and one of seven U.S. Class I railroads. Although it is named for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste...
, under control as a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
, decided to lease 388 miles (624 kilometers) of branch line
Branch line
A branch line is a secondary railway line which branches off a more important through route, usually a main line. A very short branch line may be called a spur line...
trackage in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The track originally leased to the railroad consisted of the 168 mile (270 kilometer) Devils Lake Subdivision between Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,410 people, 3,619 households, and 2,091 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,760.0 people per square mile . There were 3,931 housing units at an average density of 822.7 per square mile...
, and Harlow, North Dakota
Harlow, North Dakota
Harlow is an unincorporated community in Benson County, North Dakota, United States. It is located in Butte Valley Township along North Dakota Highway 30. Harlow is assigned Zip code 58346, which it shares with neighboring Leeds.-History:...
, and the 217 mile (349 kilometer) Bisbee Subdivision between Fordville, North Dakota
Fordville, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 266 people, 115 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 265.2 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 130.6 per square mile...
, and Kenmare, North Dakota
Kenmare, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,081 people, 468 households, and 278 families residing in the city. The population density was 872.8 people per square mile . There were 553 housing units at an average density of 446.5 per square mile...
. The two lines formed the Soo Line Railroad
Soo Line Railroad
The Soo Line Railroad is the primary United States railroad subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway , controlled through the Soo Line Corporation, and one of seven U.S. Class I railroads. Although it is named for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste...
's so-called "wheatline" that served as a connection between its main line from Glenwood, Minnesota
Glenwood, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,594 people, 1,131 households, and 629 families residing in the city. The population density was 466.0 people per square mile . There were 1,202 housing units at an average density of 215.9 per square mile...
, to Noyes, Minnesota
Noyes, Minnesota
Noyes is an unincorporated community in St. Vincent Township, Kittson County, Minnesota, United States. Located in the extreme northwestern corner of the state, it was an important border-crossing location going back to the days of ox roads. It is the northern terminus of U.S. Route 75 and the...
, (and on to Winnipeg, Manitoba, via the Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
) and its main line from Glenwood, Minnesota
Glenwood, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,594 people, 1,131 households, and 629 families residing in the city. The population density was 466.0 people per square mile . There were 1,202 housing units at an average density of 215.9 per square mile...
, to Portal, North Dakota
Portal, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 131 people, 63 households, and 43 families residing in the city. The population density was 232.8 people per square mile . There were 98 housing units at an average density of 174.1 per square mile...
, (and on to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Moose Jaw is a city in south-central Saskatchewan, Canada on the Moose Jaw River. It is situated on the Trans-Canada Highway, west of Regina. Residents of Moose Jaw are known as Moose Javians. It is best known as a retirement and tourist city that serves as a hub to the hundreds of small towns...
, via the Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
).
Before coming under control of the BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
, the Sarles Subdivision had been owned by the Burlington Northern Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern Railroad was a United States-based railroad company formed from a merger of four major U.S. railroads. Burlington Northern operated between 1970 and 1996....
and, before that, by the Great Northern Railway. The line was one of the latter railroad’s many branch lines built in the early twentieth century to serve communities in northern North Dakota
North Dakota
North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S....
Merger
In 2000 and 2001 the Mohall Central Railroad and the Northern Plains Railroad teamed up to begin operating track sold by the BNSF RailwayBNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
. The Mohall Central Railroad agreed to purchase and then let the Northern Plains Railroad operate over both a 20 mile (32 kilometer) portion of the Drayton Subdivision between Honeyford, North Dakota, and Voss, North Dakota, and a 43 mile (66 kilometer) portion of the Granville Subdivision between milepost 5.25 (north of Granville, North Dakota
Granville, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 286 people, 120 households, and 77 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,042.5 people per square mile . There were 141 housing units at an average density of 514.0 per square mile...
) and Mohall, North Dakota
Mohall, North Dakota
At the 2000 census, there were 812 people, 340 households and 214 families residing in the city. The population density was 747.9 per square mile . There were 397 housing units at an average density of 365.6 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.40% White, 0.74% Native American,...
.
In the fall of 2005, the Northern Plains Railroad and the Mohall Central Railroad came together once more to begin operations over a 69 mile (111 kilometer) portion of the BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
’s Sarles Subdivision between milepost 3.75 (north of Lakota, North Dakota
Lakota, North Dakota
Lakota is a city in, and the county seat of, Nelson County, North Dakota in the United States. The population was 672 at the 2010 census. Lakota was founded in 1883.-Geography:...
) and Sarles, North Dakota
Sarles, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 25 people, 16 households, and 5 families residing in the city. The population density was 97.5 people per square mile . There were 44 housing units at an average density of 171.5 per square mile...
. The BNSF Railway agreed to sell its track to the Mohall Central Railroad. In turn, the Mohall Central Railroad agreed to let the Northern Plains Railroad begin operating over the line. Connecting track near Munich, North Dakota
Munich, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 268 people, 112 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 436.3 people per square mile . There were 124 housing units at an average density of 201.9 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.76% White, 0.37% from...
, where the Sarles Subdivision crosses the Bisbee Subdivision, was also put in place. On October 29, 2007, the Mohall Central Railroad filed a notice of exemption to abandon a 44.44 miles (71.5 km) portion of the line between milepost 3.75 north of Lakota, North Dakota
Lakota, North Dakota
Lakota is a city in, and the county seat of, Nelson County, North Dakota in the United States. The population was 672 at the 2010 census. Lakota was founded in 1883.-Geography:...
, and milepost 48.19 at Alsen Junction, North Dakota, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Munich, North Dakota
Munich, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 268 people, 112 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 436.3 people per square mile . There were 124 housing units at an average density of 201.9 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.76% White, 0.37% from...
.
Cutbacks
After the Mohall Central Railroad purchased the Granville Subdivision, it quickly abandoned a 30 mile (48 kilometer) portion of it between milepost 5.25 and milepost 35.00 (at Forfar siding south of Lansford, North DakotaLansford, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 253 people, 106 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 726.3 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 376.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.81% White, 0.79%...
). The part of the subdivision still in service, 12 miles (19 kilometers), was then renamed the Mohall Subdivision. Likewise, the portion of the Drayton Subdivision that the Mohall Central Railroad had also acquired was renamed the Gilby Subdivision. The portion of the line between Forest River, North Dakota
Forest River, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 154 people, 59 households, and 42 families residing in the city. The population density was 305.9 people per square mile . There were 68 housing units at an average density of 135.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 99.35% White, and 0.65% from...
and Voss, North Dakota would later be abandoned.
Both portions of track purchased by the Mohall Central Railroad had been owned by the Burlington Northern Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern Railroad was a United States-based railroad company formed from a merger of four major U.S. railroads. Burlington Northern operated between 1970 and 1996....
before coming under ownership of the BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
. Before that, the Mohall Subdivision had formed a 61 mile (98 kilometer) branch line
Branch line
A branch line is a secondary railway line which branches off a more important through route, usually a main line. A very short branch line may be called a spur line...
on the Great Northern Railway that stretched from Granville, North Dakota
Granville, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 286 people, 120 households, and 77 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,042.5 people per square mile . There were 141 housing units at an average density of 514.0 per square mile...
to Sherwood, North Dakota
Sherwood, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 255 people, 117 households, and 65 families residing in the city. The population density was 802.2 people per square mile . There were 138 housing units at an average density of 434.1 per square mile...
. The Gilby Subdivision, on the other hand, had formed the Northern Pacific Railway
Northern Pacific Railway
The Northern Pacific Railway was a railway that operated in the west along the Canadian border of the United States. Construction began in 1870 and the main line opened all the way from the Great Lakes to the Pacific when former president Ulysses S. Grant drove in the final "golden spike" in...
’s 250 mile (402 kilometer) main line from Manitoba Junction, Minnesota (near Hawley, Minnesota
Hawley, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,882 people, 744 households, and 514 families residing in the city. The population density was 764.8 people per square mile . There were 787 housing units at an average density of 319.8 per square mile...
) to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In October 2004 the Northern Plains Railroad – acting through its parent, the Soo Line Railroad
Soo Line Railroad
The Soo Line Railroad is the primary United States railroad subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway , controlled through the Soo Line Corporation, and one of seven U.S. Class I railroads. Although it is named for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste...
– abandoned a 28 mile (45 kilometer) portion of the Devils Lake Subdivision between Harlow, North Dakota
Harlow, North Dakota
Harlow is an unincorporated community in Benson County, North Dakota, United States. It is located in Butte Valley Township along North Dakota Highway 30. Harlow is assigned Zip code 58346, which it shares with neighboring Leeds.-History:...
and Devils Lake, North Dakota
Devils Lake, North Dakota
As of the 2000 Census, there were 7,222 people, 3,127 households, and 1,773 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 3,508 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 89.23% White, 0.22% African American, 7.84% Native American, 0.28%...
. Part of the roadbed had become submerged in the steadily increasing water level of Devils Lake
Devil's Lake (North Dakota)
Devils Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of North Dakota. It is the largest natural body of water and the second-largest body of water in North Dakota after the artificially created Lake Sakakawea. In 2011, it reached an unofficial historical high elevation of 1454.20 feet. Additional rises above...
.
In December 2009 the Northern Plains Railroad – again acting through the Soo Line Railroad
Soo Line Railroad
The Soo Line Railroad is the primary United States railroad subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway , controlled through the Soo Line Corporation, and one of seven U.S. Class I railroads. Although it is named for the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste...
- abandoned 60.9 miles of the Bisbee Subdivision between Bisbee, North Dakota
Bisbee, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 167 people, 82 households, and 39 families residing in the city. The population density was 624.2 people per square mile . There were 102 housing units at an average density of 381.3 per square mile...
and Kramer, North Dakota
Kramer, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 44 people, 23 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 277.8 people per square mile . There were 43 housing units at an average density of 271.5 per square mile...
.
Locomotive and freight car fleet
The Northern Plains Railroad operates around 25 locomotives, mostly largely rebuilt EMD GP35EMD GP35
An EMD GP35 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between July 1963 and December 1965 and by General Motors Diesel between May 1964 and January 1966. Power was provided by an EMD 567D3A 16-cylinder engine which generated .Many railroads traded in Alco and...
s of various heritages.
The railroad’s official paint scheme contains yellow and navy blue colors arranged in much the same way as the colors on the "yellowbonnets" that once operated on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
were arranged. The words Northern Plains are spelled out on both the nose and the long hood
Long hood
The long hood of a hood unit-style diesel locomotive is, as the name implies, the longer of the two hoods on a locomotive.-Equipment:...
. Many of the locomotives operating on the Northern Plains Railroad continue to wear the colors of their former owners.
Most of the freight cars that the Northern Plains Railroad uses are provided by the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
, while the rest are provided by the BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
and Minnesota Northern Railroad
Minnesota Northern Railroad
The Minnesota Northern Railroad is a Class III shortline railroad that operates over of track in northwestern Minnesota. The railroad is co-owned by KBN Incorporated and Independent Locomotive Service and is headquartered in Crookston, Minnesota....
.
Northern Plains rail services
The Northern Plains Railroad also operates a railcar repair and locomotive repainting facility in Fordville, North DakotaFordville, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 266 people, 115 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 265.2 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 130.6 per square mile...
under the name Northern Plains Rail Services. The facility contracts with other railroads, shippers, industries, processors, owners, and lessors to make either small-scale or large-scale repairs to freight cars or provide new paint to locomotives
Diesel locomotive
A diesel locomotive is a type of railroad locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine, a reciprocating engine operating on the Diesel cycle as invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel...
. Some of the past locomotive repainting customers have included the Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
and the Belt Railway of Chicago
Belt Railway of Chicago
The Belt Railway of Chicago , headquartered in Chicago, is the largest switching terminal railroad in the United States. It is co-owned by six Class I railroads — BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, and Union...
.
The Bisbee Subdivision
- Fordville, North DakotaFordville, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 266 people, 115 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 265.2 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 130.6 per square mile...
- Lankin, North DakotaLankin, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 131 people, 64 households, and 38 families residing in the city. The population density was 375.5 people per square mile . There were 83 housing units at an average density of 237.9 per square mile...
- Adams, North DakotaAdams, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 203 people, 87 households, and 60 families residing in the city. The population density was 205.3 people per square mile . There were 118 housing units at an average density of 119.3 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 94.58% White, 1.97% from...
- Fairdale, North DakotaFairdale, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 51 people, 26 households, and 15 families residing in the city. The population density was 164.0 people per square mile . There were 38 housing units at an average density of 122.2 per square mile...
- Nekoma, North DakotaNekoma, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 51 people, 21 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 136.7 people per square mile . There were 41 housing units at an average density of 109.9 per square mile...
- Loma, North DakotaLoma, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 21 people, 9 households, and 7 families residing in the city. The population density was 0.8 people per square mile . There were 10 housing units at an average density of 0.4 per square mile...
- Alsen, North DakotaAlsen, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 68 people, 25 households, and 19 families residing in the city. The population density was 2.3 people per square mile . There were 45 housing units at an average density of 1.5 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.06% White, and 2.94% from two...
- Calio, North DakotaCalio, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 24 people, 9 households, and 6 families residing in the city. The population density was 2.9 people per square mile . There were 17 housing units at an average density of 2.1 per square mile...
- Egeland, North DakotaEgeland, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 49 people, 21 households, and 14 families residing in the city. The population density was 125.7 people per square mile . There were 48 housing units at an average density of 123.1 per square mile...
- Arndt, North Dakota
- Bisbee, North DakotaBisbee, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 167 people, 82 households, and 39 families residing in the city. The population density was 624.2 people per square mile . There were 102 housing units at an average density of 381.3 per square mile...
(also a BNSFBNSF RailwayThe BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
station) - Kramer, North DakotaKramer, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 44 people, 23 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 277.8 people per square mile . There were 43 housing units at an average density of 271.5 per square mile...
- Russell, North Dakota
- Eckman, North Dakota
- Hurd, North Dakota
- Lansford, North DakotaLansford, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 253 people, 106 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 726.3 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 376.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.81% White, 0.79%...
- Chola, North Dakota
- Grano, North DakotaGrano, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 9 people, 5 households, and 3 families residing in the city. The population density was 30.2 people per square mile . There were 5 housing units at an average density of 16.8 per square mile...
- Greene, North Dakota
- Tolley, North DakotaTolley, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 63 people, 32 households, and 15 families residing in the city. The population density was 490.9 people per square mile . There were 39 housing units at an average density of 303.9 per square mile...
- Norma, North Dakota
- Kenmare, North DakotaKenmare, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 1,081 people, 468 households, and 278 families residing in the city. The population density was 872.8 people per square mile . There were 553 housing units at an average density of 446.5 per square mile...
(also a Canadian PacificCanadian Pacific RailwayThe Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
station)
The Devils Lake Subdivision
- Thief River Falls, MinnesotaThief River Falls, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 8,410 people, 3,619 households, and 2,091 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,760.0 people per square mile . There were 3,931 housing units at an average density of 822.7 per square mile...
(also a Canadian PacificCanadian Pacific RailwayThe Canadian Pacific Railway , formerly also known as CP Rail between 1968 and 1996, is a historic Canadian Class I railway founded in 1881 and now operated by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, which began operations as legal owner in a corporate restructuring in 2001...
and Minnesota NorthernMinnesota Northern RailroadThe Minnesota Northern Railroad is a Class III shortline railroad that operates over of track in northwestern Minnesota. The railroad is co-owned by KBN Incorporated and Independent Locomotive Service and is headquartered in Crookston, Minnesota....
station) - Rosewood, Minnesota
- Viking, MinnesotaViking, MinnesotaViking is a city in Marshall County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 104 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
- Radium, MinnesotaRadium, MinnesotaRadium is a ghost town in section 19 of Comstock Township, Marshall County, Minnesota, United States. It was built alongside the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad branch line built in 1905 from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Kenmare, North Dakota...
- Warren, MinnesotaWarren, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 1,678 people, 699 households, and 432 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,174.1 people per square mile . There were 785 housing units at an average density of 549.3 per square mile...
(also a BNSFBNSF RailwayThe BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
station) - March, Minnesota
- Alvarado, MinnesotaAlvarado, MinnesotaAlvarado is a city situated along the Snake River in Marshall County in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The population was 363 at the 2010 census.Minnesota Highway 1 and Minnesota Highway 220 are two of the main arterial routes in the community.-Geography:...
- Oslo, MinnesotaOslo, MinnesotaOslo is a city in Marshall County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 330 at the 2010 census.Minnesota Highway 1 and Minnesota Highway 220 are two of the main arterial routes in the community...
- Poland, North Dakota
- Ardoch, North DakotaArdoch, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 61 people, 18 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 235.0 people per square mile . There were 41 housing units at an average density of 157.9 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 60.66% White, 24.59% from...
(also a BNSFBNSF RailwayThe BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
station) - Forest River, North DakotaForest River, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 154 people, 59 households, and 42 families residing in the city. The population density was 305.9 people per square mile . There were 68 housing units at an average density of 135.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 99.35% White, and 0.65% from...
- Ops, North Dakota
- Conway, North DakotaConway, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 23 people, 9 households, and 7 families residing in the city. The population density was 105.2 people per square mile . There were 11 housing units at an average density of 50.3 per square mile...
(also a BNSFBNSF RailwayThe BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
station) - Fordville, North DakotaFordville, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 266 people, 115 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 265.2 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 130.6 per square mile...
- Dahlen, North DakotaDahlen, North DakotaDahlen is a census-designated place in Nelson County, North Dakota in the United States. An unincorporated community, it was designated as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Participant Statistical Areas Program on March 31, 2010...
- Whitman, North Dakota
- Pelto, North Dakota
- Southam, North Dakota
- Rohrville, North Dakota
- Essex, North Dakota
- Devils Lake, North DakotaDevils Lake, North DakotaAs of the 2000 Census, there were 7,222 people, 3,127 households, and 1,773 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 3,508 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 89.23% White, 0.22% African American, 7.84% Native American, 0.28%...
(also a BNSFBNSF RailwayThe BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
station)
The Gilby Subdivision
- Forest River, North DakotaForest River, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 154 people, 59 households, and 42 families residing in the city. The population density was 305.9 people per square mile . There were 68 housing units at an average density of 135.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 99.35% White, and 0.65% from...
- Johnstown, North DakotaJohnstown, North DakotaJohnstown, North Dakota is a community or other location in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It is the nearest community to the Midway Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.-References:...
- Gilby, North Dakota
- Honeyford, North Dakota
The Mohall Subdivision
- Lansford, North DakotaLansford, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 253 people, 106 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 726.3 people per square mile . There were 131 housing units at an average density of 376.1 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.81% White, 0.79%...
- Truro, North Dakota
- Mohall, North DakotaMohall, North DakotaAt the 2000 census, there were 812 people, 340 households and 214 families residing in the city. The population density was 747.9 per square mile . There were 397 housing units at an average density of 365.6 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 98.40% White, 0.74% Native American,...
The Sarles Subdivision
- Munich, North DakotaMunich, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 268 people, 112 households, and 73 families residing in the city. The population density was 436.3 people per square mile . There were 124 housing units at an average density of 201.9 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.76% White, 0.37% from...
- Clyde, North Dakota
- Calvin, North DakotaCalvin, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 26 people, 11 households, and 6 families residing in the city. The population density was 119.3 people per square mile . There were 19 housing units at an average density of 87.2 per square mile...
- Sarles, North DakotaSarles, North DakotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 25 people, 16 households, and 5 families residing in the city. The population density was 97.5 people per square mile . There were 44 housing units at an average density of 171.5 per square mile...
External links
- Official Northern Plains Railroad website Includes a system map of the Northern Plains Railroad
- Northern Plains Railroad from the University of Minnesota Railroad Club's Minnesota Railroad Guide (this link includes photos of the Northern Plains Railroad's equipment)