I’ve noticed in the last couple of weeks or so that the WSOR is running really long trains later at night (50-60 cars after 6pm). These trains are much bigger then their standard local job between Milwaukee and Horicon. I’ve even noticed a beat up UP SD40-2 pulling the trains on a few occasions. Prior to this, a six axle loco was EXTREMELY rare on this line. Now I have seen them more and more. I am curious if the trackage agreement that the WSOR was seeking with the CP has panned out? Does anyone have any info?
If they are going to run these heavier trains on this line, it must only be a matter of time before Bill Gardner convinces the state to pony up the dough to put down welded rail on this line. They have been doing some pretty hefty crossing work lately, and I guess I am also curious as to whether anyone knows when the welded rail is scheduled.
CP still brings the loaded coke trains to Duplainville, set out on the CN controlled siding there. WSOR takes the empties back, along with all the other CN business that goes to the CP, and cars for the Saukville-West Bend job (507). 507 usually goes on duty at DBR, goes to Glendale, picks up their cars, and goes to Saukville first, then back to Glendale, set out Ackervilles, pick up West Bends, and off they go. The grain loadout in Oshkosh has been sending a lot of cars to Milwaukee as well. Rumor is the owner just acquired an elevator in Milwaukee.
There are a couple of new used ex-UP engines running around.
And a shot at Grand Ave, whilst waiting for blessing to enter Muskego Yard.
Thanks for the info, guys. That would also explain the extremely rusty rail on the interchange track at Duplainville. So, if CP gives them trackage rights to Chicago then the line a few blocks away from my mansion will be seeing more and more tonnage to and from the city. Just think, in 1980 the Milwaukee couldn’t run away from that line fast enough.
That brings to mind a question I have about WSOR operations around Oshkosh: How many trains per day/per week does WSOR operate to/from Oshkosh, and did the WSOR ever use the trackage crossing Hwy 41, or did they always stay on the west side of town? The reason I ask the last question is in the three years I lived in Oshkosh from '90-'93 I NEVER saw a WSOR job in town (on either side of Hwy. 41).
Currently at least twice a week to Oshkosh, sometimes more often as needed. The line ends before Hwy 41. Not sure of the last time they went past 41, it has been quite some time. Crossing a big highway like that at grade is not fun.
The trackage in Oshkosh was very rarely used in WSOR’s early days.
In the late '80’s a ramp was built near the West Frontage road for
loading the smaller Army vehicles built by Oshkosh Truck. The ramp is
still there, but heavily overgrown. The trackage across U.S. 41 was
removed in the mid '90’s, as a hotel and shopping center were built on
the east side, where the tracks were. There still is some ex-MILW
trackage in town, obviously not used.
As far as
re-activating the ex-MILW trackage in S.W. Wisconsin, it’s all up to
the state and local rail authorites to come up with the money. Also,
IIRC, part of this right-of-way was turned into a recreational trail.
It would be real interesting to hear what Gardner thinks is available out that way for the railroad to haul. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to the idea, but it would at least be interesting to hear what commodities he is going after.
Last I heard I think he has dreams of getting lots of grain trains (much like those that come from several grain elevators currently in existance elsewhere on the WSOR) out of the region. Whether there are co-ops on line that actually would ship grain by rail I don’t know. After all, Badger State Ethanol is only about 30 miles away and they’ve been shipping by truck for years anyway. I suppose the railroad might be able to get some traffic might go to Chicago for interchange over larger distances. The WSOR must think the traffic potential is there.
I think part of what’s stalled the plans too is that Wisconsin has yet to pass a state budget, which means they haven’t been able to give the WSOR any money yet (if they will).
Shullsburg reportedly has a very large elevator, largest in the state. The highway system in that part of the state is less than premium, so there isn’t much industry there now. I believe they plan to put the track in to allow industry a way to ship and recieve product better than the roads out there. Then they hope industry locates along the tracks.
The recreation trails are supposed to get relocated, to along the tracks. Not sure how all that will pan out. Maybe a fence to keep the snowmobilers off the track.
Hmm, well, hopefully the plan will come to fruition eventually although I must wonder, especially since trains have not been traveling the right-of-ways for decades… How much will the NIMBY crowd show itself? [xx(]
I am sure that someone will raise a stink when the cat’s out of the bag. I guess only time will tell. If the line has the potential to help farmers (and the state as a whole) then I would think that at least the commutities on line would approve.
Mineral Point officials have told the WSOR they do not want the tracks put back in to their town. They are more concerned with the tourist business they now have. Shullsburg does have a large elevator and Pres. Gardner was quoted as saying he has committments from prospective shippers to ship 5-6000 cars right now. Supposedly there are business’s that will locate here if the line is put back in. Personal opinion is is this will never happen. All of the bridges will need to be rebuilt including the impressive four span truss bridge at Browntown. The WSOR is having enough trouble trying to get funding to re-hab their existing track.
What could possibly be of interest in Mineral Point that so many tourists are supposedly flocking to see? And how would the tracks interfere with this tourist trade?
Regarding Mineral Point I must wonder as well, zardoz. From viewing their website the town is quite historic and bucolic. However, if they are promoting history as part of their tourism, which it seems they are, doesn’t their railroading past fit into that somewhere as well?
We stopped by there yesterday for lunch. Check out Shake rag street if you go. Seems to me that RR would be compatable with tourists, at least us. I did not know that the depot is Wisconsin’s oldest. We have never been inside.
