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UP EB UET1XD-04 from Tara Iowa off the MSTL heads thru the Clear Creek Crossover with ethanol loads for the CSXT at Chicago
Although the traffic on the former M&StL Tootin' Louie line have ceased for nearly 15 years, much of the trackage, signals, and right of way markings remain.
I can vaguely remember seeing DM&E SD40-2's pulling long strings of limestone gondolas through Albert Lea and onto the Union Pacific Albert Lea Sub for interchange in Mason city in the late 90's Much beyond that is nothing but a blur to me. The Line was recently taken up in Albert Lea, but much of trackage remains north of town. I figured I would post a few photos showing what is left of a rail line which have otherwise been written into the history books.
If you're of my generation (or older) you likely recall the experience of finding bonus tracks on a CD you purchased. It's the best analogy I can draw at the moment for these three photos. I really liked the symbolism of closing out my 2023 trip with the sunset over the prairie, however the camera wasn't put away for long. It wasn't yet dark when I reached Dawson, MN so I took a quick look around. Dawson is on the BNSF Hanley Falls Sub, an interesting remnant of the western extension of the Minneapolis & St. Louis to northern South Dakota via Watertown and Aberdeen (terminating at Leola, SD). One of the more eclectic branches in the BNSF portfolio, but with enough traffic to keep them interested. Anyway, thanks to all who have stuck around and read this whole journey, or who checked in here and there, I hope you found something interesting and/or entertaining.
Some major work around downtown Dawson is in evidence, street repaving, new sidewalks, and railroad crossing renewals. The fresh work leaves this classic brick apartment building looking a little like a nicely detailed kit freshly set in place on a model railroad. September 10, 2023.
Oelwein Iowa Summer 1978
M&STL plow stored in Oelwein CGW yard. The " Louie" was absorbed into the C&NW a few years before the Great Western. CGW had a few Russel plows as well. I seem to recall the CGW plows being painted orange.
Minneapolis & St. Louis (MSTL) Box Car #4570 crosses Highway PF at LaRue. This car has a wood body but it has a steel frame.
MILW 4-8-4 #261 arrives Winthrop with the Fall Colors train; a final destination of Gibbon was originally suggested, but the train fell behind on time and the excursion was cut to here.
This car is located in West Allis at 115th and about 200 feet south of Rogers street. This is on the old spur track that came off the main line ( Belton to Madison ) to serve about 4 customers. I remember riding this track at least 1 time with the West Allis job when I was about 15 years old.
MILW 4-8-4 #261 heads west along MN-19 towards Winthrop during a period of cloudiness and occasional showers.
If you're of my generation (or older) you likely recall the experience of finding bonus tracks on a CD you purchased. It's the best analogy I can draw at the moment for these three photos. I really liked the symbolism of closing out my 2023 trip with the sunset over the prairie, however the camera wasn't put away for long. It wasn't yet dark when I reached Dawson, MN so I took a quick look around. Dawson is on the BNSF Hanley Falls Sub, an interesting remnant of the western extension of the Minneapolis & St. Louis to northern South Dakota via Watertown and Aberdeen (terminating at Leola, SD). One of the more eclectic branches in the BNSF portfolio, but with enough traffic to keep them interested. Anyway, thanks to all who have stuck around and read this whole journey, or who checked in here and there, I hope you found something interesting and/or entertaining.
Looking down the main drag of Dawson there are plenty of classic small town storefronts. Closer up we see the Post Office next door to the old Grand Theater, now the Cloud of Radiant Glory Church. September 10, 2023.
The CNW's Oskaloosa wayfreight is doing some switching at Grinnell, IA behind a brace of GP38-2s in the spring of 1994.
is a parts source for the rest of the units in Scott City, MO.
Built in 1958 as MStL 701 to CNW 701, rebuilt in 1978 by CNW-Oelwein as GP9R 4512, to PAL 8354 to MRIX 8354.
On my way east I heard a horn there at Grinnell and was lucky to catch the UP soutbound Oskaloosa local on the old MSTL going past the CRIP depot there at Grinnell. 1 unit and 6 cars today.
This car is located in West Allis at 115th and about 200 feet south of Rogers street. This is on the old spur track that came off the main line ( Belton to Madison ) to serve about 4 customers. I remember riding this track at least 1 time with the West Allis job when I was about 15 years old.
A shot that better shows the lights still lit on the diamond in Ackley. The diamond itself has been removed and is sitting south of the CN main on top of the old M&StL north-south line. I think the last train to go north from Ackley was in about 2006.
Taken on a cold 1978 winter day at Waseca, Minnesota, snowplow not yet repainted in C&NW markings.
Am digging into and scanning my black and whites from back in the 70's - 80's. Will be posting my best (for me anyway) work from railroading that I saw from the 1975 to 1980 time period - mainly the Conrail transition era.