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

Bobby Harvey Video Productions
Bobby Harvey Video Productions
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Published 2014-12-09
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.
All Comments (21)
  • @R7300
    I was a dispatcher for UP, one time I had two intermodal trains neck and neck for 110 miles through the Arizona desert. Would have loved someone to have got that on video.
  • @Nitsujy12345
    That could not have been timed better! Great job on picking your recording location and date, because I'm not so sure this will ever happen for a long time!
  • @58gentlegiant
    How can anyone "thumbs down" this amazing video?  Once in a lifetime...and no panic, no screaming...no shaking...perfect zoom out...GREAT SHOT!
  • @Edwardo4953
    Even though they were going rather slow. This was so badass. Great video.
  • @johnblackstock748
    Best timing I have EVER seen! Very awesome video and I'm super jealous!
  • @SantaFe19484
    Being sandwiched between two trains is both awesome and scary.
  • @brycedebner1146
    Dang that has to be the best shot I have ever seen, perfect spot for the camera to see down the line and the split at the end
  • @peters1127
    Thanks for the Video. Perfect timing, just plain cool!
  • @jimbos1567
    That was a neat video. Very well done. Thanks for sharing with us. You have a new subscriber
  • @BNSFrailfan101
    Wow Bobby, excellent catch bro!  I need to ran my way east towards Ottumwa one of these days.
  • @carvcom1
    Great camera angle and good timing!  The Amtrak GE locomotive looked like an old Alco engine with the belching black smoke.
  • @lawrencekeesler7369
    This has to be a once-in-a-lifetime shot! Lucky you! And lucky us, your fan club! Nice work!
  • @TheChucksGreatTrainJourneys
    You were in the right place, at the right time! Awesome. We love the California Zephyr too. Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year! Cheers!
  • @jeremeymcdude
    They reach you like they were trying to be side by side when they got to the station xD
  • @CaptainJustice166
    That was EPIC!!!!!!!!!! I like how it looked like both trains split off in 2 directions, coming at you, wish I could get that here
  • @BossSpringsteen69
    That was pretty cool. Great shot kid that was one in a million. Remember ...the rails (force) will always be with you.