In order to keep the tracks and right of way in good order, railroads will sometimes use a Jordan Spreader to reprofile the ballast and dirt along the tracks. This plows, and pushes, the ballast to the sides so the tracks drain properly so the track stays in better shape longer. Seeing this type of operation is pretty rare!
We first see them working near 37th Ave NE in Minneapolis at the top of Shoreham Hill. This was the Soo Line's main back in the day, and was once double tracked. Pushing the Soo spreader is a Canadian Pacific SD30C-ECO. The spreader itself is powered by a Detroit Diesel, and has a distinct sound to it. After making a few passes, we'll head down the line to Johnson St NE. We'll get to see it up close, and make a few passes. Additionally, the drone will provide us with a birds eye view, and we can see its massive hydraulic arms extended as it passes. The sheer power it takes to dig into the ground, push, and profile the ROW is amazing... One REALLY cool result of this was seeing where ties of the second main used to be. It looks like they just tore out main track two....although that's been gone for over 30 years!
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