Last month testing occured with a DF200 diesel on the winter-season (and perennially threatened) Sekihoku Line onion trains. As JR Freight's public reason for discontinuance of this train was the life-expiration of the dd51 motive power, successful replacement with the DF200 may prolong this interesting service.
At Engaru (movement begins at about 0:45):
And for all you kiha 40 fans, a warm season scene on the Sekihoku Line, at Jomon. 4 car train 4653D, an Engaru-Abashiri service, reminiscent of JNR era express trains:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dihx7bMNNIg