PHOTO GALLERY

Arriving in 1954 to help the DM&IR move above average ore tonnage were eight 1,500-hp B&LE F7s (four A-B sets numbered 723-726). Two of the eight B&LE F7s (724A and 726A) are shown lifting commercial traffic up Proctor Hill on May 31, 1957. Usually operated in A-B sets on the Missabe Division and in A-B-A sets on the Iron Range Division during the summer months, the lack of turning facilities at Missabe Junction necessitated the use of back-to-back A-units for this particular assignment. In colder months, and depending on the size of the train, these units were operated in three units sets on the Missabe Division and as four units consists on the more demanding Iron Range Division. Note that by 1957 the Missabe had placed DM&IR safety first logos on the sides of the F-units and removed the B&LE heralds. (Bruce R. Meyer)

Photograph from Duluth Missabe and Iron Range In Color by David Schauer..

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