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Tom Beckett's Collection
 
6/12/2025
 
 
 
 
 
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Fall color
Title:  Fall color
Description:  Northbound empty TXUX train passes through the fall color approaching Ark 59
Photo Date:  11/3/2012  Upload Date: 11/3/2012 10:51:50 PM
Location:  Sulphur Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5867(ES44AC) BNSF 5840(AC44CW) BNSF 9457(SD70MAC) BNSF 6059(ES44AC) KCS 4107(SD70ACe)
Views:  1293   Comments: 0
Grinsteins in the sand hills
Title:  Grinsteins in the sand hills
Description:  A pair of Grinstein SD70's doing what they were acquired to do, pull a coal train through the sand hills along Neb 2. This was a good day to be out on the line. I saw quite a few trains, though pulling a 53 foot trailer really limited my chase options. The up side was that since traffic on the road is so sparse, I could usually stop right on the road to get the shot without causing a problem to other drivers.
Photo Date:  10/15/2000  Upload Date: 1/12/2014 10:58:44 PM
Location:  Hyannis, NE
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9573(SD70MAC) BNSF 9467(SD70MAC)
Views:  749   Comments: 1
Coal, always coal
Title:  Coal, always coal
Description:  One thing you can count on is there will be coal trains on this line, headed for Denver and the Joint Line. This one was near Keensburg
Photo Date:  9/20/1998  Upload Date: 3/15/2014 12:56:26 AM
Location:  Brighton, CO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9819(SD70MAC) BNSF 9469(SD70MAC)
Views:  939   Comments: 1
Meet
Title:  Meet
Description:  Northbound TXUX train passes the head end of a southbound stone train at South Gentry.
Photo Date:  9/22/2014  Upload Date: 9/27/2014 3:37:36 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 8784(SD70ACe) BNSF 9495(SD70MAC) UP 6052(AC44CWCTE)
Views:  532   Comments: 0
Grinstein goes east
Title:  Grinstein goes east
Description:  Originally acquired for coal train service, the "Grinstein" SD 70 MACs have now been around long enough to have migrated into merchandise service. Heres one leading a mixed freight on the line east of Alliance
Photo Date:  9/19/2011  Upload Date: 1/21/2012 1:37:29 AM
Location:  Angora, NE
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9510(SD70MAC) BNSF 9168(SD70ACe)
Views:  592   Comments: 0
Southbound coal
Title:  Southbound coal
Description:  This is what this line is all about. Train after train of coal. This one was holed up waiting for the train ahead to get a signal at the next siding.
Photo Date:  9/20/2011  Upload Date: 1/21/2012 1:40:24 AM
Location:  Crawford, NE
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9840(SD70MAC) BNSF 9514(SD70MAC)
Views:  539   Comments: 1
We cant make up our minds
Title:  We cant make up our minds
Description:  BNSF train parked west of Walnut Ridge shows off BNSFs colors-all of them
Photo Date:  4/3/2011  Upload Date: 5/15/2011 2:31:17 AM
Location:  Walnut Ridge, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9516(SD70MAC) BNSF 8275(SD75M) BNSF 5715(AC44CW)
Views:  927   Comments: 0
Empties north
Title:  Empties north
Description:  The Ft Scott sub has a stady parade of coal trains, such as this one headed back to Wyoming.
Photo Date:  10/18/2014  Upload Date: 11/7/2014 2:20:39 AM
Location:  Kansas City, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5670(AC44CW) BNSF 9523(SD70MAC) BNSF 6311(ES44AC) BNSF 9153(SD70ACe)
Views:  737   Comments: 1
Grinsteins south
Title:  Grinsteins south
Description:  A pair of Grinstein scheme BNSF units approach the Illinois River bridge southbound in last light of day with a TXUX coal train.
Photo Date:  7/19/2007  Upload Date: 10/22/2012 12:19:33 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9715(SD70MAC) BNSF 9526(SD70MAC)
Views:  1073   Comments: 0
Rolling them home
Title:  Rolling them home
Description:  A northbound AEPX empty rolls north, headed for KC and eventually Wyoming behind an inclusive mix of power.
Photo Date:  2/24/2007  Upload Date: 1/29/2017 5:16:40 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  UP 6540(AC44CW) UP 6260(AC44CW) BNSF 9539(SD70MAC)
Views:  834   Comments: 2
Rolling downhill
Title:  Rolling downhill
Description:  A TXUX train rolls down the hill toward the Illinois River at Watts behind a BNSF GE. Id see a couple of these that day.
Photo Date:  10/12/2008  Upload Date: 8/12/2016 3:17:02 AM
Location:  Siloam Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5660(AC44CW) BNSF 9565(SD70MAC)
Views:  970   Comments: 2
Farm scene
Title:  Farm scene
Description:  A southbound TXUX train rolls past the farm at CP Flint Creek with 116 cars for Texas.
Photo Date:  10/26/2008  Upload Date: 8/18/2016 4:37:02 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6101(ES44AC) BNSF 9571(SD70MAC) KCS 4045(SD70ACe)
Views:  726   Comments: 1
Colorful coal train
Title:  Colorful coal train
Description:  A southbound TXUX train enters Watts behind a mix of power from two railroads
Photo Date:  10/26/2008  Upload Date: 11/6/2012 1:08:01 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6101(ES44AC) BNSF 9571(SD70MAC) KCS 4045(SD70ACe)
Views:  775   Comments: 0
Empties and Grinsteins
Title:  Empties and Grinsteins
Description:  An empty TXUX train rolls north past a waiting southbound AEPX train at the north end of Watts. A pair of Grinstein SD70's bracket a "swoosh" SD70ACe as power for the 125 cars.
Photo Date:  7/18/2009  Upload Date: 8/29/2016 4:18:02 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9807(SD70MAC) BNSF 9331(SD70ACe) BNSF 9589(SD70MAC)
Views:  616   Comments: 1
Twilight Grinstein
Title:  Twilight Grinstein
Description:  This northbound AEPX empty had seven units up front, likely balancing power, and this Grinstein SD 70 bringing up the rear, which we see just after the sun has dropped below the horizon.
Photo Date:  1/23/2018  Upload Date: 2/5/2018 4:29:46 AM
Location:  Noel, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9606(SD70MAC)
Views:  279   Comments: 0
DPU into the siding.
Title:  DPU into the siding.
Description:  The DPU on the coal train swings into the siding, seen from the Ark 12 overpass. It would turn out there was to be no meet. I had left my scanner in the car, so did not hear any conversation with the dispatcher, so no idea why he had the train run through the siding here. The next southbound Im aware of didnt hit Siloam til several hours later, so must have met this guy at McElhany or Dalby.
Photo Date:  3/25/2022  Upload Date: 3/27/2022 5:34:57 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9634(SD70MAC) BNSF 5751(ES44AC)
Views:  186   Comments: 1
Grinstein close up
Title:  Grinstein close up
Description:  As the train made its way through the siding, it stopped a few times, one of which had the leader on the DPU just peeking out from the Ark 12 bridge.
Photo Date:  3/25/2022  Upload Date: 3/27/2022 5:56:50 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9634(SD70MAC)
Views:  206   Comments: 1
Pulling away
Title:  Pulling away
Description:  The coal train recedes toward CP N Gentry, rolling past some old buildings in town.
Photo Date:  3/25/2022  Upload Date: 3/27/2022 6:03:15 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9634(SD70MAC) BNSF 5751(ES44AC)
Views:  198   Comments: 2
Straight on
Title:  Straight on
Description:  A head on tele shot of the coal train as it rolls away from the camera. Unit trails make a striking photo in this angle.
Photo Date:  3/25/2022  Upload Date: 3/27/2022 6:07:41 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5751(ES44AC) BNSF 9634(SD70MAC)
Views:  205   Comments: 1
Downtown
Title:  Downtown
Description:  The coal train is leaving the siding, the DPU passing the trailers at Currans Feed Store as it pulls away.
Photo Date:  3/25/2022  Upload Date: 3/27/2022 6:11:25 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5751(ES44AC) BNSF 9634(SD70MAC)
Views:  179   Comments: 2
Hopefully we wont need this today
Title:  Hopefully we wont need this today
Description:  Southbound TXUX coal train rolls past the Carlton Body Shop as it pulls the short grade coming into Stilwell. Hopefully, nobody does anything at a crossing that will make their services necessary.
Photo Date:  10/24/2017  Upload Date: 11/10/2017 4:49:19 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9085(SD70ACe) BNSF 9640(SD70MAC)
Views:  365   Comments: 2
Time for coal
Title:  Time for coal
Description:  The southbound TXUX train passes the clock next to the Stilwell passenger station.
Photo Date:  10/24/2017  Upload Date: 11/10/2017 5:13:13 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9085(SD70ACe) BNSF 9640(SD70MAC)
Views:  363   Comments: 1
Only game in town
Title:  Only game in town
Description:  There are no soccer games on, but the KCS is providing some sporting activity in the form of this southbound TXUX coal train.
Photo Date:  10/24/2017  Upload Date: 11/5/2017 4:40:03 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9085(SD70ACe) BNSF 9640(SD70MAC)
Views:  358   Comments: 0
Empties on the Ft \Scott Sub
Title:  Empties on the Ft \Scott Sub
Description:  An empty coal train is on the last lap to Kansas City near Lenexa Kan
Photo Date:  5/4/1998  Upload Date: 3/19/2014 1:30:46 AM
Location:  Lenexa, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9816(SD70MAC) BNSF 9645(SD70MAC)
Views:  957   Comments: 3
Going away
Title:  Going away
Description:  A southbound coal trains DPUs roll through the signals at Bravo on the Ft Scott Sub.
Photo Date:  10/19/2014  Upload Date: 11/7/2014 3:55:14 AM
Location:  Mission, KS
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9649(SD70MAC) BNSF 9064(SD70ACe)
Views:  353   Comments: 1
DPU
Title:  DPU
Description:  The DPU on the waiting coal train sits south of the 7th St crossing, a Grinstein SD 70 up against the train, which also has a pair of KCS units to assist.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:45:23 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9650(SD70MAC) KCSM 4658(ES44AC) KCS 4169(SD70ACe)
Views:  365   Comments: 1
From the crossing
Title:  From the crossing
Description:  A rear view of the DPU on the coal train, taken from the 7th St crossing.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:46:37 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4169(SD70ACe) KCSM 4658(ES44AC) BNSF 9650(SD70MAC)
Views:  358   Comments: 1
Coal and grain
Title:  Coal and grain
Description:  A meet at McElhany yields a southbound TXUX coal train and an empty northbound grain train, face to face on adjacent tracks in late day sun.
Photo Date:  9/15/2007  Upload Date: 7/9/2016 3:55:03 AM
Location:  McElhany, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4601(AC44CW) KCS 4033(SD70ACe) BNSF 9677(SD70MAC) BNSF 9653(SD70MAC) TFM 1621(SD70MAC)
Views:  1104   Comments: 0
Tall tower
Title:  Tall tower
Description:  A southbound TXUX coal train rolls past the feed mill, tall enough to dominate the scene, at Anderson in the late afternoon light.
Photo Date:  9/15/2007  Upload Date: 7/9/2016 3:57:05 AM
Location:  Anderson, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BN 9677(SD70MAC) BNSF 9653(SD70MAC) TFM 1621(SD70MAC)
Views:  775   Comments: 0
Over the bridge
Title:  Over the bridge
Description:  A TXUX train rolls across Butler Creek at Sulphur Springs, about to tackle the hill into Gravette.
Photo Date:  9/15/2007  Upload Date: 7/9/2016 4:40:17 AM
Location:  Sulphur Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BN 9677(SD70MAC) BNSF 9653(SD70MAC) TFM 1621(SD70MAC)
Views:  934   Comments: 0
Back to the mine
Title:  Back to the mine
Description:  The ex Frisco from Memphis to Kansas City is a big route for coal trains from the southeast. Here, one heads west going back to the mines for more coal.
Photo Date:  6/14/2008  Upload Date: 8/4/2016 4:31:41 AM
Location:  Diggins, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6107(ES44AC) BNSF 6188(ES44AC) BNSF 9395(SD70ACe) BNSF 9654(SD70MAC)
Views:  875   Comments: 1
Long wait
Title:  Long wait
Description:  After the better part of an hour, finally this southbound Texas Gulf Utilities train showed, seen here coming off the Illinois River bridge, approaching the north switch for Watts siding.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:06:00 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6200(ES44AC) BNSF 9669(SD70MAC)
Views:  165   Comments: 2
Splitting the boards
Title:  Splitting the boards
Description:  The coal train rolls 124 cars through the home signals at CP North Watts. The wait has been long enough that they are now in shadow.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:10:24 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9200(SD70ACe) BNSF 9669(SD70MAC)
Views:  202   Comments: 1
Round the curve
Title:  Round the curve
Description:  I caught up with the coal train just south of the yard office, getting this shot of it coming around the sweeping curve at MP 237, the second unit, a Grinstein SD 70, now in view. Id see two of these now hard to find units today(actually three, the second coal train had one that had been repainted.)
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:14:50 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6200(ES44AC) BNSF 9669(SD70MAC)
Views:  169   Comments: 1
View from above
Title:  View from above
Description:  I had enough time to get down toward MP 239, where there area couple of road cuts that were done when US 59 was widened to four lane several years ago. One of them isnt that hard to climb, and I can still move OK, mostly, for a 64 year old fat guy. So up I went, getting this shot from up above.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:23:02 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6200(ES44AC) BNSF 9669(SD70MAC)
Views:  201   Comments: 1
Rolling by the mill
Title:  Rolling by the mill
Description:  A shot I like to do in Westville is at the HJ Baker feed mill downtown. The coal train passes the silos as it heads south.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:25:55 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6200(ES44AC) BNSF 9669(SD70MAC)
Views:  162   Comments: 1
Next train
Title:  Next train
Description:  Following the 262 was a southbound TXUX train, seen here from the shoulder of US 59 as it approaches the E 690 road crossing, with a clean swoosh unit, and an old classic. ahead of its 125 cars.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/27/2025 6:10:24 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  128   Comments: 0
By the barn #2
Title:  By the barn #2
Description:  I waited on the coal train, now taking a position up on the old US 59 alignment, now a local road. It gave me a more panoramic view of the area than the shot from the new US 59 shoulder. The pair of EMDs has 123 cars of Texas bound coal in hand, passing the familiar hay bales.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/28/2025 5:43:01 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  85   Comments: 0
Long view
Title:  Long view
Description:  A longer view of the train as it rolls south, taking in a view of the Boston Mountains in the distance. I followed this train to Stilwell; other photos are in The Chase is On album.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/27/2025 6:15:23 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  129   Comments: 0
Church and a milepost
Title:  Church and a milepost
Description:  The coal train rolls past the former church, now a residence, at Baron, 250 miles from Kansas City.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/28/2025 5:57:50 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  73   Comments: 0
Automatic
Title:  Automatic
Description:  The coal train rolls past the automatic at MP 250. A little hustle and Ill get the DPU on the Brao Creek bridge.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/28/2025 6:06:09 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  90   Comments: 0
A different barn
Title:  A different barn
Description:  The coal train comes out of the curve at the north end of Stilwell and passes the County Barn sign as it slowly heads for downtown.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/28/2025 6:30:58 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  65   Comments: 0
Past the station
Title:  Past the station
Description:  The coal train passes the Stilwell station, rolling on toward Cave Springs. The railfan chase vehicle is at left.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/28/2025 6:37:47 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  71   Comments: 0
Off the bridge
Title:  Off the bridge
Description:  I am not usually able to catch a southbound at Watts due to the traffic in Siloam Springs; just too much of it, and a bunch of lights, to beat a train. So there had to be something going on that I was able to beat this train here. Not complaining, its a good shot from the shoulder of US 59
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/27/2025 6:42:32 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  56   Comments: 0
Crew change
Title:  Crew change
Description:  The southbound coal train has pulled up to the crossing at the north end of Watts siding for a crew change. One the new crew is on, theyll have some waiting to do.
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/29/2025 5:37:36 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  83   Comments: 0
Now we wait
Title:  Now we wait
Description:  The new crew is on, but now takes on the wait for the 181. Hell pull up in a bit, but first.....
Photo Date:  11/1/2024  Upload Date: 1/27/2025 6:45:33 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9229(SD70ACe) BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  72   Comments: 0
Set off
Title:  Set off
Description:  This BNSF Grinstein was on the team track at Siloam for several weeks, probably a mechanical issue.
Photo Date:  11/15/2024  Upload Date: 1/10/2025 6:19:19 AM
Location:  Siloam Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard
Locomotives:  BNSF 9675(SD70MAC)
Views:  145   Comments: 0
Rivals meet
Title:  Rivals meet
Description:  A northbound BNSF train meets a southbound UP train on the ex MP at Grady Ark.
Photo Date:  4/7/2012  Upload Date: 7/5/2012 12:20:08 AM
Location:  Grady, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6008(ES44AC) BNSF 9693(SD70MAC) UP 4574(SD70M) NS 9408(C40-9W)
Views:  704   Comments: 0
Light side
Title:  Light side
Description:  An angle change results in a view of the sun lit side of the train as it waits to meet a northbound.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:43:54 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 8585(SD70ACe) BNSF 9716(SD70MAC)
Views:  291   Comments: 1
Another one
Title:  Another one
Description:  I decided to head home after chasing the TXUX train to Westville, since there wasnt likely to be another train for a while. To my surprise, I heard a train in the trees just north of Watts, so I did a quick turn around to catch him rolling up to the yard office.
Photo Date:  5/2/2023  Upload Date: 5/6/2023 5:33:21 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 8585(SD70ACe) BNSF 9716(SD70MAC)
Views:  274   Comments: 1


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