On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, I had received intel that a southbound BNSF freight had Eight new Wabtec ES44AC’s painted for Tren Maya and heading to Mexico for delivery. I made a fast afternoon run to Saginaw to catch them in good light at the wide-open area at the ex-SP Kosse depot. The train was waiting at Lake Wanda while a grain train ran around it and subsequently passed my camera at the depot.
A few minutes later a southbound UP local on their Duncan Sub crossed over the BNSF on its way to Peach Yard. The second unit had been well tagged. I was worried this train might be in my and the other railfan’s way, but our luck held and the train rolled by without incident.
Next up was the target train southbound with the eight factory new locomotives in tow tucked in behind the BNSF power.
I decided my results here were good enough that I did not need to chase this train any further. Two BNSF four-axle units were on the lead to the flour mill as a northbound road freight passed in front of them.
The northbound passage of Amtrak train 822 would prove to be my last catch for this day. With the diamond crossings removed during the Saginaw upgrade project, the Heartland Flyer raced by at around 50 mph.
With my goal for the day accomplished, I headed home in good spirits!