Power Moves in Railroading: Photographs of Locomotive-only Power Moves in the Chicago Subdivision. The Importance of Power Moves.

Article and photographs by Divi Logan.

I. Introduction: The Importance of the Power Moves

Locomotive power moves are important behind the scenes operations that keep America’s railroads functioning primarily because they balance power across the network. Railroads constantly shift power to where the units are needed most. Locomotives also need servicing, so they are moved to maintenance facilities. They may also be moved to be prepared to serve as DPUs, or distributed power units.

A locomotive-only move can be powered by a single crew. These power moves help clear yard tracks and allow dispatchers to slot power moves into gaps between higher‑priority traffic. Locomotives are also assembled for specific train profiles like intermodals, coal trains, and yard switchers.

II. The Gallery: Power Move Photographs and Field Observations

Power moves reveal the following about railroad company operations: Fleet distribution patterns, power shortages or surpluses, seasonal traffic shifts, shop cycles, and interdivisional locomotive flows. They may also include different railroad companies in a single move.

II A. Heritage Unit Power Moves: Heritage 1 Livery for a Westbound Two-Locomotive Lash-up.

BNSF #1842 and BNSF #2369. Westbound Through Hinsdale, Illinois. 9 March 2021. Branch/ Line name: Chicago-Montgomery Subdivision.

BNSF #1842. EMD SD40-2
BNSF EMD SD40-2 #1842 leads a two-locomotive consist westbound through Hinsdale, IL. 9 March 2021. Trailing Unit is BNSF #2369. Both are in the Heritage 1 livery which include the distinctive central cross logo. Locomotive specs of BNSF #1842 are: the owner is BNSF Railway. Model: EMD SD40-2. Built as: BN #6918 (SD40-2). Serial and Frame number: 73615-2. Order number: 73615. Built: 11/1973.

The designation SD40-2 breaks down as follows: S means Special Duty which indicates the six-axle, C-C configuration for heavy freight service, for improved tractive effort. D means Diesel, 40 is the model series which refers to the EMD 645‑series prime mover, specifically the 16‑645E3. Horsepower rating: 3,000. The Dash 2 indicates the upgrade package of modular solid‑state electronics (far more reliable than earlier systems), and HT‑C trucks and a longer frame, creating the characteristic “porches” at each end. The upgrades provided for improved traction control and maintainability.
BNSF #1842 EMD SD40-2
BNSF #1842 leads this power move westbound through Hinsdale, Illinois. Medium telephoto.
BNSF #1842 leads this power move westbound through Hinsdale, Illinois. It and trailing unit BNSF #2369 display the Heritage 1 livery. The consist approaches the grade crossing at Garfield Avenue. ENS ID: Crossing ID: 079522U.
BNSF #1842 and BNSF #2369
The heritage power move approaches the Grade Crossing Signal Bungalow at Garfield Avenue. On the signal bungalow are the following notifications, similar to what would appear on an ENS sign: owner railroad is BNSF, a phone number, the railroad milepost, the crossing, and the crossing ID of 079522U.
BNSF #1842 and BNSF #2369
The locomotives cross Garfield Avenue. Side angle view of Heritage 1 livery.
BNSF #2369. EMD GP38-2
BNSF #2369, an EMD GP38-2, is the trailing unit in this power move westbound through Hinsdale, IL. The consist approaches the grade crossing at Washington Street. ENS Crossing ID: 079523B. Locomotive specs for BNSF #2369, which is owned by BNSF Railway. Built as: SLSF 699 as a GP38-2. Serial and frame number: 72734-8. Order number: 72734. Built: 11/1972.

II B. BNSF Power Move Eastbound Through Riverside, Illinois. 16 March 2022.

BNSF #5772, GE ES44AC
BNSF #5772, a GE ES44AC, leads this two-locomotive power move eastbound through Riverside, Illinois. 16 March 2022. Locomotive specs: the owner is BNSF Railway. Built as: BNSF #5772 (ES44AC). Serial number: 56020. Order number: 1988. Built: 08/2005.
BNSF #5788. GE ES44AC
BNSF #5788 trails BNSF #5772 in this eastbound power move. Riverside, IL. 16 March 2022. Locomotive specs: the owner is BNSF Railway. Built as: BNSF #5788 (ES44AC). Serial number: 56036. Order number: 1988. Built: 09/2005.

The GE ES44AC is part of a line of locomotives built by GE Transportation Systems, now a division of Wabtec. The ES means Evolution Series, the 44 designates 4,400 horsepower, and the AC means the unit has AC traction. These locomotives display the BNSF Heritage 3 livery.

III C. BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167 Westbound Through Riverside, Illinois. Corridor Segment: Riverside-Hinsdale. Chicago Subdivision. Slow speed with an approach signal aspect on Main 2. 30 June 2022.

BNSF locomotive #2321. EMD GP38-2.
BNSF #2321 leads ATSF-liveried #167 westbound through Riverside, Illinois. Power moves, especially of heritage units like these, are a pleasure to watch. 30 June 2022.
Locomotive specs for BNSF #2321. Owner: BNSF Railway. Model: EMD GP38-2. Built as: SLSF 466 (GP38-2). Serial and Frame number: 767030-8. Build date: 12/1976. * SLSF refers to the reporting mark of the St. Louis- San Francisco Railway. which operated between 1876 – 1980.
BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167
BNSF #2321 leads ATSF-liveried #167 westbound through Riverside, Illinois. Telephoto taken from Platform 1 (North Platform). Riverside METRA Station.
BNSF #2321 in Riverside, Illinois
The power moves of BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167, in the classic Yellowbonnet livery, approaches the grade crossing at Riverside, Illinois. Crossing gates are lowered and signals are activated as the consist parades through.
BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167 in a power move
BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167 westbound through Riverside, Illinois. It sure is nice to be in the right place at the right time to watch this part of our railroad heritage on a fine summer day.
ATSF #167. Yellowbonnet livery.
ATSF #167 is the trailing unit in this power move westbound through Riverside, Illinois. The Yellowbonnet livery shines on this beautiful day.
Locomotive specs for ATSF-liveried #167. Owner: BNSF Railway. Model: EMD GP60. Built as: ATSF 4008 (GP60). Serial and Frame number: 876031-9. Built: 05/1998
ATSF #167. Yellowbonnet livery.
ATSF #167, second in the locomotive power move, shines in its Yellowbonnet livery. I am glad to also notice the crews and thank them for their dedication. Medium telephoto.
BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167 Corridor Map. Chicago Sub. Hinsdale-Riverside Corridor.

Glossary: Chicago Subdivision Power‑Move Terminology

Approach (Signal Aspect)

A signal displaying steady yellow over steady red, instructing the engineer to proceed but be prepared to stop at the next signal. Indicates a restrictive block or occupied track ahead.

BNSF Grade Crossing Signal Bungalow — Hinsdale, IL Function: Controls activation, timing, and monitoring of crossing gates and warning devices for a multi‑track mainline grade crossing using constant warning time circuitry.

Chicago Subdivision (BNSF)

A major freight and commuter rail corridor running west from Chicago. It hosts BNSF freight traffic and METRA’s BNSF Line commuter trains.

Consist

The ordered list of locomotives and/or railcars making up a train. In a power move, the consist usually contains locomotives only.

Crewed / Active Crew

Indicates that the locomotive is being operated by an onboard crew rather than being dead‑in‑tow or idling.

Dead-in-Tow (DIT)

A locomotive being moved without an active crew and without providing power. (Not applicable to your 30 June 2022 move, but helpful for readers.)

ENS (Emergency Notification System) ID

A unique identifier assigned to each grade crossing in the United States. Used to report emergencies or signal malfunctions.
Example: 079498V — Riverside Road Crossing

Heritage 1 (H1)

A BNSF paint scheme introduced in the 1990s featuring bright orange, yellow, and black. Seen on BNSF #2321 in your article.

Light Power Move

A movement consisting of locomotives only, with no freight cars. Typically used to reposition power between yards or assignments.

Main 2

One of the primary mainline tracks on the Chicago Subdivision. At Riverside, Main 2 is the middle track used by both freight and commuter traffic.

Medium Telephoto

A lens focal length (typically 70–135mm) that compresses distance and emphasizes locomotive details — ideal for roster shots and nose‑on views.

Power Move

A general term for any movement of locomotives without a full train. A light power move is the most common subtype.

Signal Block

A defined section of track governed by signals. Only one train may occupy a block at a time. An Approach aspect warns that the next block is occupied or restricted.

Yellowbonnet

A classic Santa Fe paint scheme featuring a yellow nose and blue body. Seen on ATSF #167 in your article.

Resources.

  1. Copilot. The Importance of Locomotive‑Only Railroad Power Moves. Microsoft Copilot, 5 Feb. 2026.
  2. Railroad Picture Archives. “Pictures of BNSF 2321.” RRPictureArchives.net, http://www.rrpicturesarchives.net/Locopicture.aspx?id=23801 (rrpicturearchives.net in Bing). Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
  3. Wikipedia contributors. “St. Louis–San Francisco Railway.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 Nov. 2025. Web. 7 Feb. 2026.
  4. Railroad Picture Archives. “Pictures of BNSF 167.” RRPictureArchives.net,(rrpicturearchives.net in Bing). Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
  5. Divi. “Light Power Move Featuring BNSF #2321 and ATSF #167 at Riverside METRA Station.” Field Notes, 30 June 2022.
  6. Divi. Riverside–Hinsdale Corridor Map: Light Power Move of BNSF 2321 and ATSF 167, 30 June 2022. Created by Microsoft Copilot, 6 Feb. 2026.
  7. Divi. Riverside–Hinsdale Corridor Map: Light Power Move of BNSF 2321 and ATSF 167, 30 June 2022. Created by Microsoft Copilot, 6 Feb. 2026. Railfan & Investor, https://frametheworks.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3965&action=edit. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
  8. Divi. Glossary of Chicago Subdivision Power‑Move Terminology. Created with assistance from Microsoft Copilot, 6 Feb. 2026. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
  9. “BNSF Railway Logo, Symbol, Meaning, History, PNG, Brand.” Logos‑World, 27 Jul. 2024, https://logos-world.net/bnsf-railway-logo. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
  10. “Explanation of Terminology for Railroad Crossing Huts.” Microsoft Copilot, 7 Feb. 2026.
  11. Railroad Picture Archives. “Pictures of BNSF 1842.” RRPictureArchives.net,www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoPicture.aspx?id=162420. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
  12. Railroad Picture Archives. “Pictures of BNSF 2369.” RRPictureArchives.net,www.rrpicturearchives.net/Locopicture.aspx?id=23818 . Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
  13. Wikipedia contributors. “EMD SD40-2.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Jan. 2026. Web. 7 Feb. 2026.
  14. Microsoft Copilot. “Explanation of the Designation ‘SD40‑2’ for a Locomotive.” Copilot Conversation, 7 Feb. 2026.
  15. Wikipedia contributors. “Chicago Subdivision.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 14 Sep. 2025. Web. 7 Feb. 2026.
  16. United States, Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration.
  17. U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form: DOT/AAR No. 079523B. Federal Railroad Administration, [8 July 2025]. FRA Rail Crossing Locator, https://www.fra.dot.gov/railcrossinglocator. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
  18. “Chicago-Montgomery rail subdivision.” Bing, https://www.bing.com/search?q=Chicago-Montgomery+rail+subdivision. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
  19. Railroad Picture Archives. “BNSF 5772.” RRPictureArchives.net, (rrpicturearchives.net in Bing). Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
  20. Railroad Picture Archives. “BNSF 5788.” RRPictureArchives.net, (rrpicturearchives.net in Bing). Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
  21. Wikipedia contributors. “GE Evolution Series.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Jan. 2026. Web. 7 Feb. 2026.
  22. Copilot. Eastbound Light Power Move: BNSF 5772 and BNSF 5788 at Riverside METRA Station. Power Move Catalog, 7 Feb. 2026.

Happy railfanning, everyone!

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