On Tuesday September 4, 2007 the CP #2816 “Empress” started her trip back to the Twin Cities. The #2816 left Chicago and passed through Milwaukee with an overnight stop in La Crosse, WI. This meant that the “Empress” would be traveling through central Wisconsin and tunnel. With almost perfect weather, a bit warm and alot of mosquitoes the perfect spot might be the west portal of the tunnel at Tunnel City.
Here are some shots from the chase on Tuesday September 4, 2007
Easing through the S-curve at Grand Ave in Milwaukee, Miller Park looms in the background
Rolling past MP128 west of Oconomowoc, WI
Hwy 146 overpass looks over the broad curve west of Columbus, WI
At the west portal of the tunnel at Tunnel City, WI
The “NEW” coaling tower for the #2816 in La Crosse, WI The tanker truck pumps liquid coal (diesel fuel) into the tender of #2816
Passing the La Crosse depot in the setting sun. By the way there is a very good BBQ joint in the depot. I had the pulled pork dinner last night, very good lots of food only $10
The last time I visited the west portal, you had to tresspass over private property to get down there. Is it just me, or is it still unaccessible without tresspassing.
I saw that train last week one morning. I was getting off of the freeway downtown by the amtrak station and I saw the tail end of the train sticking out of the amtrak station and. I was wondering what train was that I did not know what train was in town and what kinda of engine was pulling it. But now I know.
Yes, trespassing is required. We parked our van at the gate which has a sign “No Trespassing” Soo Line Property. Well we figured since the Soo Line doesn’t exsist anymore it must be OK. We hiked down to the portal. As we were returning to the vehicle two CP Police Officers were walking down the road. There was a short exchange of greetings. There was no problem since I had helped out the CP police the day before with security at the Sturtevant Depot. However again the answer is Yes trespassing was required to get the shot. There were about 2-3 other people at the portal also.
Keith’s excellent shots accurately capture the flavor of the day that is for sure. It was a great day for photography. I used to think the CP Royal Hudson was the most beautiful steam engine I had ever chased and photographed but I am becoming a convert to this earlier class!
As I pointed out in another posting the CP and the CP police were reasonably tolerant of railfans on the property for this special event. Although my buddy Keith is himself in law enforcement and thus well known to and trusted by the CP railroad police in Wisconsin, the CP was understanding of the situation all week long for all fans. That much said we DID walk out of the west portal area with the two CP officers even though it might have been tempting to railfan the portal for the rest of the day, but it was at all times pleasant and we got our shots without problems and nothing was heavy handed. We may not get this chance again for a long time.
