Chasing trains in the Upper Midwest
4th September 2009 to 12th September 2009

These pictures were taken on a nine day holiday which started in Chicago and became a road trip through the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa before returning to Chicago.

Much of what operates in the upper midwest is now owned either by Canadian Pacific or Canadian National, including relatively new operations such as the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (IC&E) which is now CP. CN owns the former Wisconsin Central, Duluth Missabe and Iron Range (DM&IR) and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) whilst the CP has absorbed the Soo Line, which it already controlled, and which had acquired the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific (the Milwaukee Road) and the Dakota Minnesota & Eastern (which controls the IC&E).

Many railfans give the midwest a miss, I guess they think it's not scenic enough. I think this is a mistake, there is a huge variety of both landscapes and rail operations throughout the region which make it worthwhile exploring. There are also plenty of historic towns to explore, out door activities to enjoy and a whole host of friendly people to meet.

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Friday September 4th. Train 336, the 13:00 Hiawatha Service to Chicago leaving Milwaukee. The cab control car (DVT to us) is an ex EMD F40PH loco suitably ballasted.
Friday September 4th. Train 336, the 13:00 Hiawatha Service to Chicago leaving Milwaukee. The cab control car (DVT to us) is an ex EMD F40PH loco suitably ballasted.
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 US railroads are not as welcoming as they used to be.
US railroads are not as welcoming as they used to be.
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 At Duplainville, west of Milwaukee a CP local (Canadian Pacific now own the former Milwaukee Road) clatters over the ex-Wisconsin Central mainline.
At Duplainville, west of Milwaukee a CP local (Canadian Pacific now own the former Milwaukee Road) clatters over the ex-Wisconsin Central mainline.
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 From Duplainville we followed the ex-WC north through Fond du Lac until we reached Oshkosh. In the late afternoon a southbound behind an SD70M-2 crosses the Fox River. We gave chase.
From Duplainville we followed the ex-WC north through Fond du Lac until we reached Oshkosh. In the late afternoon a southbound behind an SD70M-2 crosses the Fox River. We gave chase.
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A few miles south of Oshkosh the train slowly approaching an overpass at Van Dyne...
A few miles south of Oshkosh the train slowly approaching an overpass at Van Dyne...
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 ...it was right on the heels of another southbound (which we had contrived to miss) and was running at very restricted speed.
...it was right on the heels of another southbound (which we had contrived to miss) and was running at very restricted speed.
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 After not seeing anything for about four hours now it was trains a go go. The southbound heads towards Fond du Lac whilst a northbound approaches.
After not seeing anything for about four hours now it was trains a go go. The southbound heads towards Fond du Lac whilst a northbound approaches.
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 The former WC mainline is a major artery of CN, linking its other US properties with the Canadian west. These empties are presumably bound for the Canadian border at International Falls via the Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific (another CN operation). 5711 is an SD75I from EMD whilst 2271 is a GE ES44DC
The former WC mainline is a major artery of CN, linking its other US properties with the Canadian west. These empties are presumably bound for the Canadian border at International Falls via the Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific (another CN operation). 5711 is an SD75I from EMD whilst 2271 is a GE ES44DC
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Driving back to Oshkosh to await the northbound we were surprised by another southbound, running along the shore of Lake Winnebago and led by 5763, another EMD SD75I
Driving back to Oshkosh to await the northbound we were surprised by another southbound, running along the shore of Lake Winnebago and led by 5763, another EMD SD75I
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 These CN trains always carry a great range of different car types, this box car still wearing the livery and herald of 'fallen flag' Wisconsin Central.
These CN trains always carry a great range of different car types, this box car still wearing the livery and herald of 'fallen flag' Wisconsin Central.
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 A car carrying Canadian potash
A car carrying Canadian potash
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 Autoracks are some of the most impressive cars on US railroads. TFM is a Mexican subsiduary of Kansas City Southern
Autoracks are some of the most impressive cars on US railroads. TFM is a Mexican subsiduary of Kansas City Southern
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The products of Canadian forest make up a major traffic item on CN trains in the upper mid west
The products of Canadian forest make up a major traffic item on CN trains in the upper mid west
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 10 minutes after the southbound had passed the northbound we had seen at Van Dyne crossed the Fox River.
10 minutes after the southbound had passed the northbound we had seen at Van Dyne crossed the Fox River.
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 Saturday 5th. For the next few days trains were off the agenda as we spent the weekend in Sayner, WI canoeing, fishing, trail bike riding and boating on Plum Lake. Whilst canoeing around Little Plum Lake I crept up on this bald eagle
Saturday 5th. For the next few days trains were off the agenda as we spent the weekend in Sayner, WI canoeing, fishing, trail bike riding and boating on Plum Lake. Whilst canoeing around Little Plum Lake I crept up on this bald eagle
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 It was seemingly unconcerned as I paddled closer...
It was seemingly unconcerned as I paddled closer...
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...until I bumped into a small rock which disturbed it and it flew off.
...until I bumped into a small rock which disturbed it and it flew off.
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 Sunday 6th. We were out on Big Plum Lake fishing when these Loons appeared. We call these birds Great Northern Divers and they are present around our coasts during the winter
Sunday 6th. We were out on Big Plum Lake fishing when these Loons appeared. We call these birds Great Northern Divers and they are present around our coasts during the winter
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 Here in Wisconsin they are common breeding birds, migrating south in the winter
Here in Wisconsin they are common breeding birds, migrating south in the winter
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 Another bald eagle kept its eye on us. They are fish eagles and keep a close watch on fishermen. A wounded fish offers a tasty meal.
Another bald eagle kept its eye on us. They are fish eagles and keep a close watch on fishermen. A wounded fish offers a tasty meal.
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Everyone is out fishing...
Everyone is out fishing...
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 ...including this juvenile bald eagle
...including this juvenile bald eagle
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 Water skiing is another popular pastime on the lake.
Water skiing is another popular pastime on the lake.
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 Thuis was one of a pair of juveniles which were calling for food from their parents
Thuis was one of a pair of juveniles which were calling for food from their parents
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© 1998-2009 Nick Slocombe - All copyrights rest with the Author
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