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7 Idea Across Arizona - BNSF's Arizona Mainline Part 2: Williams Junction to Lupton.

In part 2 of this two-part series, we continue our trek across the Grand Canyon State. Beginning at Williams Junction we explore BNSF's Seligman Subdivision east through Flagstaff while a fast moving snowstorm blows over the Arizona Divide. The weather improves as we follow the Southern Transcon over Canyon Diablo Bridge and through the big sag into Winslow Yard.

The high mountain forests transition into open country accented by the vividly shaded badlands of the Painted Desert as trains head east over the Gallup Sub to the New Mexico border. We will visit locations such as Joseph City, Holbrook, Arntz, Adamana, and Coronado Junction, before reaching the state line beneath the beautiful rock cliffs at Lupton. Intermodal, manifest, grain, and coal trains ply the rails on this busy corridor.

Seeing over seventy trains per day, this is one of the most popular railfan destinations in the west! Join us as we travel “Across Arizona! BNSF's Arizona Mainline Part 2: Williams Junction to Lupton.”

This program was shot in April and May of 2014.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 29 min

$29.95

7 Idea Across the Utah Desert

The Book Cliffs rise above the desert floor of eastern Utah stretching 200 miles between the Wasatch Mountains and Colorado's De Beque Canyon.  The towering rock faces set the backdrop for the former Denver and Rio Grande Western's Desert Mainline, known today as Union Pacific's Green River Sub.

Running between Grand Junction, Colorado and Helper, Utah, this lesser known route is often overlooked by railfans, yet it offers great railroading action through some of the most incredible scenery you'll find anywhere!

Join 7idea Productions as we take you on an amazing journey through a land few get to see. Hike into Ruby Canyon and catch Amtrak's California Zephyr rolling beneath giant sandstone cliffs. Watch heavy coal trains climbing the grade at Thompson Cut.  The scenic highlight of the trip is our tour of the thirty-seven mile Cane Creek Branch near Moab, Utah between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The ageless setting of the American West overshadows any train that runs through here.

Union Pacific, BNSF, Amtrak, and even the Utah Railway make an appearance as we uncover one of the best kept secret railfan locations in the west! Join us as we travel Across the Utah Desert on Union Pacific's Green River Sub.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 58 min

$29.95

7 Idea Farewell MRL Part 1

Since its founding in October 1987, the Montana Rail Link has plied the rails laid down by the Northern Pacific in the Big Sky country of Montana. It has served as a bridge line for the Burlington Northern and later BNSF between Jones Junction, Montana and Sandpoint, Idaho. In addition to handling main line freight, MRL has provided rail service to many local customers along its 900 plus miles of track utilizing several branch lines.

In January 2022, news of the MRL reaching an agreement with BNSF to end its lease brought many railfans out to Montana to see their beloved regional railroad one last time, not knowing exactly when the end would come. We made several trips in 2022 and early 2023 to capture some of the hot spots at various times of the year and are proud to present this four-part series showcasing Montana Rail Link in quite likely its last years of operation. 

Part 1 begins in Missoula and follows MRL’s Gas Local over the 4th and 10th Subdivisions to Pipeline. Then we turn east over the former Northern Pacific’s racetrack to Garrison. Highlights include MRL’s system-wide manifest trains the LM (Laurel-Missoula) and ML, the Bonner Local,  both Day and Night Gas trains and a few of the BNSF run-through trains including coal, grain, and crude oil. 

This series was created to preserve the memory of this amazing regional railroad. Farewell MRL!
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hrs

$29.95

7 Idea Farewell MRL Part 2

Since its founding in October 1987, the Montana Rail Link has plied the rails laid down by the Northern Pacific in the Big Sky country of Montana. It has served as a bridge line for the Burlington Northern and later BNSF between Jones Junction, Montana and Sandpoint, Idaho. In addition to handling main line freight, MRL has provided rail service to many local customers along its 900 plus miles of track utilizing several branch lines.

 In January 2022, news of the MRL reaching an agreement with BNSF to end its lease brought many railfans out to Montana to see their beloved regional railroad one last time, not knowing exactly when the end would come. We made several trips in 2022 and early 2023 to capture some of the hot spots at various times of the year and are proud to present this four-part series showcasing Montana Rail Link in quite likely its last years of operation. 

Part 2 covers MRL’s army of EMD SD70ACe’s in helper service shoving BNSF trains over Mullan Pass. Up to three sets of helpers, made up of four or five engines, assist heavy trains over the pass. The sight and sound of big two-stroke EMD’s battling the 2.2% mountain grade is what this show is all about! This is the greatest showcase of MRL power preserved here for you to enjoy! 

This series was created to preserve the memory of this amazing regional railroad. Farewell MRL!
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 57 mins

$29.95

7 Idea Farewell MRL Part 3

Since October 1987, Montana Rail Link has plied the rails of the Northern Pacific through central and western Montana. Trains roll over the 900 plus miles to the tune of two-stroke EMD locomotives dressed in the Washington Companies’ blue and black paint scheme.

With news the MRL would soon fade into BNSF, we set out to make a four-part series to document this beloved regional railroad in its final years. 

In Part 3, we continue east across Montana Rail Link’s Second Subdivision over Winston Hill and through Lombard Canyon to Logan. See the Helena Local working to Montana City and Townsend. Catch the Jimbo Train in action setting out ties at Toston. The system-wide LM (Laurel to Missoula) and ML (Missoula to Laurel) trains make an appearance pulling long manifests. 

In addition to mainline action, we will head up the former NP’s Butte Line through Three Forks, Sappington, and the Jefferson River Canyon to Whitehall. We will also see a rock train loading at the Pipestone Quarry and visit the remote Harrison Branch.
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hrs

$29.95

7 Idea Farewell MRL Part 4

In early 2022, MRL announced that it had reached an agreement with BNSF for an early termination of its 60-year lease of former Northern Pacific track in Montana. Since that time, 7idea Productions has made several trips to the Big Sky State to assemble a four-part series on this beloved regional railroad.

 Part 1 covers trains running in and out of Missoula.

Part 2 shows the climb to the Continental Divide over Mullan Pass.

Part 3 explores Winston Hill, Lombard Canyon, and through the Jefferson River Canyon to Pipestone. 

This final episode covers the eastern portion of the railroad from Logan to MRL’s busy yard in Laurel. In between these two points is the legendary grade of Bozeman Pass. Manned helpers based in Livingston assist both east and westbound trains over the summit and we will watch them working in summer and winter.

 East of Livingston, the mountain grade gives way to fast running along the scenic Yellowstone River. Spectacular aerial footage shows the classic Northern Pacific shops in Livingston and the sprawling yard at Laurel.
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hrs 32 mins

$29.95

7 Idea Northwest Heritage Railways

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful part of America. Getting to see it up close by rail only enhances the experience. Join 7idea Productions as we visit five tourist lines in Oregon, Washington, and northern California.
Enjoy steam and vintage diesels pulling excursions and photo freights at:

• The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad in Garibaldi, Oregon
• The Eagle Cap Excursion Train in Elgin, Oregon
• The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe, Washington
• The Sumpter Valley Railroad in McEwen, Oregon
• The McCloud Railway in McCloud, California
We will begin by visiting the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad on the Port of Tillamook Bay line between Garibaldi and Salmonberry. Next stop is Elgin, Oregon where the Eagle Cap Excursion Train traverses the wild and scenic Joseph Branch. Heading to Elbe, Washington we visit the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and see their tank engine, the Hammond Lumber Company #17 pulling excursion trains to Mineral. Returning to eastern Oregon, the Sumpter Valley Railroad hosts a photographer’s special with their Mikado Number 19 and Heisler Number 3. Finally, we take a look at the former McCloud Railway in northern California as McCloud Number 18 pulls a fall photo special and plows snow. This is your ticket to enjoy some of the unique rail heritage of the Pacific Northwest!

2 hr 4 min

$29.95

7 Idea Over Sherman Hill; Union Pacific's Laramie Sub

In Southeast Wyoming the Laramie Mountains mark the division between the Great Plains and the Rockies. Rising to over 9,500 feet above sea-level, the transition from prairie to mountains is subtle except for the Sherman Granite rock outcroppings which dominate the landscape. Three sets of steel rails twist and wind through this remarkable setting with a history dating back to the First Transcontinental Railroad. This is Union Pacific's legendary route over Sherman Hill.

Join 7idea Productions as we take you trackside from Cheyenne to Laramie. Known as the Laramie Sub, this busy portion of Union Pacific’s Overland Route is witness to a nearly steady stream of rail traffic heading to destinations in both the eastern and western United States.

We will begin in historic Cheyenne Wyoming and head west as long, heavy trains snake their way over the highest point on the Transcontinental Railroad. You’ll see trains passing through deep cuts, over high fills and rolling through the legendary Hermosa Tunnel. Witness monster manifests over 2 miles long tackling the grade. This is big time railroading in the Cowboy State as trains travel Over Sherman Hill on Union Pacific's Laramie Subdivision.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hrs 45 mins

$29.95

7 Idea Steam and Snow; Rotary OY on Cumbres Pass

Watch the Cumbres & Toltec Rotary OY in operation for the first time since 1997! In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Rio Grande Rotary OY was brought back to life for an exciting two-day event, plowing snow between Chama, New Mexico and the summit of Cumbres Pass in Colorado.

The two-day event kicked off on February 29th with the rotary working between Chama and the New Mexico/Colorado state line, followed by a rare nighttime photo session.  On March 1st, the OY battled icy drifts around Windy Point to the 10,015-foot summit of Cumbres Pass.

Two K-36 Class Mikados number 487 and 484 put on a great show of brute force against gravity lugging the OY and its classic snowplow train up the 4% grade. The San Juan Mountains thundered in a continuous eruption of steam, snow, and smoke!

Narration is limited so you can enjoy the sight (and sound) of classic Rio Grande narrow gauge equipment working in the dead of winter. If you weren’t able to see this event in person, this program is the next best thing!

1 hrs 25 Min with Narration On/Off

$29.95

7 Idea Union Pacific's Idaho Main Line Part 1 The Huntington Sub

Etching a course through Southern Idaho and along its western border with Oregon, the Snake River provides a natural route for Union Pacific trains heading to and from the Pacific Northwest. This is the route of the Oregon Short Line, and trains have been rolling through this wild and scenic country since 1884. 

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we are focusing on the western portion of the line from Huntington, Oregon to Nampa, Idaho. The scenery transitions from rugged canyons to rich agricultural land and industry as trains sprint through the lush Treasure Valley. We will visit the communities of Weiser and Payette, Idaho before crossing the Snake River back into Oregon at Ontario and on through Nyssa. Crossing one last time into Idaho, the line continues along the course of the Boise River to the southeast through Parma, Notus, and Caldwell before arriving at the division point of Nampa. 

Several mixed manifest trains are seen daily, along with hot Z trains, and heavy soda ash trains from Wyoming. An army of locals work out of Nampa and a few branch lines are seen in action like the Oregon Eastern Railroad at Ontario and the Boise Valley Railroad at Caldwell.

Shot in beautiful 4K!

1 Hour 48 Min with Narration On/Off

$29.95

7 Idea Union Pacific's Idaho Main Line Part 3 Bliss to Pocatello

In our third in what has become a three-part series across southern Idaho, we continue our tour of Union Pacific’s Oregon Short Line route between Bliss and Pocatello.

Trains work their way across the Snake River Plain through small towns, farms, and wild, open country. Water tanks from the steam era remain at Bliss, Kimama, Minnidoka, and Wapi and classic code lines still follow the rails creating a sense of nostalgia. We find an old passenger and freight depot at Shoshone as well as a preserved Amtrak waiting area, a throwback to when the Pioneer once ran on these rails.

The Eastern Idaho Railroad interchanges with the UP at Minnidoka and we will see it in action at Acequia and Rupert.

One of the most impressive features of the Nampa Subdivision is the crossing of the Snake River at the American Falls Dam. The program wraps up at UP’s busy yard in Pocatello. Modern UP trains rolling over classic rails in a timeless setting best describes this look at Union Pacific’s Idaho Main Line Part 3.

This program was shot in May and July, 2022.

Shot in beautiful 4K!

1 Hour 42 Min with Narration On/Off

$29.95

7 Idea Union Pacific's Pocatello Sub Part 1

Explore Union Pacific’s Oregon Short Line Route between Pocatello and Montpelier, Idaho. The classic western backdrop of eastern Idaho creates a beautiful setting for trains to run through.

This program  begins with an incredible aerial view of UP’s Pocatello Yard then follows the main line eastward along the winding course of the Portneuf River. The railroad follows the old Oregon Trail as it negotiates canyons, mountains, and valleys. It passes small western communities and towns, most of which are deeply tied to the railroad.

The Pocatello Sub is an important connection between the Overland Route at Granger, Wyoming and the Pacific Northwest. Long stack trains frequent the line, along with a mix of manifests and unit soda ash, grain, and tank trains. Locals also serve industry at Soda Springs, Bancroft, and Montpelier.

Big diesel power includes a great mix of rebuilt General Electric AC’s now classified as AC4400CWM’s sporting UP’s newest paint scheme. Along with new and rebuilt diesels, UP Big Boy 4014 makes a few appearances as it returns to Cheyenne from California.

Shot in both summer and winter, this is your front-row seat to the action on the Pocatello Subdivision!

Shot in beautiful 4K!

1 Hour 34 Min with Narration On/Off

$29.95

7 Idea Union Pacific's Pocatello Sub Part 2

Continuing our journey across the historic route of the Oregon Short Line, we will explore the Pocatello Subdivision between Montpelier, Idaho and Granger, Wyoming. The classic western backdrop of eastern Idaho and western Wyoming creates a beautiful setting for trains to run through.

This program begins at Montpelier and heads east along the Bear River through mountains and valleys once traveled by pioneers on the Oregon Trail. The rails enter the State of Wyoming near Chausse and leave the Bear River at Leefe for a route over the mountains near the Fossil Butte National Monument. Trains pass the mining towns of Kemmerer and Diamondville as they follow the Hams Fork River to the connection with UP's Overland Route at Granger. 

Long stack trains frequent the line, along with manifests, unit soda ash, and grain trains. Locals keep busy working between Montpelier, Kemmerer, and Opal. 

UP's fleet of engines include several rebuilt General Electric AC's now classified as AC4400CWM's. Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive makes a few appearances as it returns to Cheyenne from California. 

Shot in both summer and winter, this is your front-row seat to the action on the Pocatello Subdivision!

Shot in beautiful 4K!

1 Hour 48 Min with Narration On/Off

$29.95

7 Idea Willamette Valley Main Line

In the heart of Western Oregon, a former Southern Pacific main line traverses a long, fertile valley surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range. Described in the 1820’s as a land of “flowing milk and honey” the Willamette Valley stretches for 150 miles between the cities of Eugene and Portland. The abundant small towns, farms and factories are fastened together by a network of rails feeding an important segment of the I-5 Corridor known as the Brooklyn Sub.

Traffic on the busy main line varies from intermodal and mixed manifest trains to heavy crude oil and grain trains from Canada. A few locals switch industry and pick up interchange traffic from smaller branch lines that connect with the UP. Those railroads include: CORP, Coos Bay Rail Line, Portland & Western, Albany & Eastern, Willamette Valley Railroad and the Oregon Pacific Railroad.

Besides freight, eight Amtrak trains including the Coast Starlight and Cascades Talgos allow travelers to experience the beauty of the Beaver State.

Western Oregon has a lot to offer railfans and you will see why as we tour Union Pacific’s Willamette Valley Main Line!

1 Hour 59 Min with Narration On/Off

$29.95