does anybody know when the North Star is supposed to start operation?

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Taylor P.
Lake Elmo, MN
Route of the "400"

my train pictures.

I would assume you are asking about when passenger runs? I remember reading somewhere that passenger operations were to start in November. They have been conducting test runs between Big Lake and Minneapolis for several weeks now.

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John Fladung
Saint Paul, MN

thank you

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Taylor P.
Lake Elmo, MN
Route of the "400"

my train pictures.

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Railfanning Location-
Big Lake
M.P. 47.74

I plan on riding the line from Downtown to Big Lake and back on the first day (just for fun) anyone else think of doing the same?

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Milwaukee Road Matt

if I am in the area I would join you, but I'll prolly be out west still.

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A BNSF fan by default.

This morning Northstar trains began to run their regular schedule with out passnengers. This is to see how the commuter trains will affect regular train service and gives them and the BNSF some time to work out any kinks before they go "live" inn November.

http://www.metrotransit.org/Northstar/r ... #schedules

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Milwaukee Road Matt

I sat at University this afternoon and was happy to find all four westbound and the one eastbound Northstar train all departed on time today, it seams like the DS was having some radio issues but the lack of any BNSF traffic save for the lone NTWPAS train it looked like the first test of the afternoon rushhour trains went smooth. Lets see what happens when the yard is plugged and trains are stacked up to Prescott and Staples.

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Milwaukee Road Matt

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- Back Online!

You belong somewhere all right!

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Will
CP Superior, WI

So if Northstar ridership is above expectations and additional trains are added the problems will only get worse, what are the opinions of list members on the feesability of adding a dedicated commuter main along the current ROW, acquiring the needed property and enviromental permits aside what are the pro's and con's?

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Milwaukee Road Matt

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Jared F.
My | More

I heard rumors three years ago or so.. That at some point they were going to construct a "industrial lead" or something along those lines out to Anoka along the main line. That way they could stage freights on that track if need be.

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Will
CP Superior, WI

I never saw those before thanks for posting them John very interesting reading.

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Milwaukee Road Matt