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12/22/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:T. P. Bruss
Dates:6/20/2016 - 9/21/2016
Album Info:Most of the photographs in this album were captured in Northeast Wisconsin in the summer of 2016, so they are mostly CN operating on former C&NW, GB&W, MILW, and SOO rails. Once in a while I try to catch ELS and WSOR on former MILW rails too. This album includes photographs from a trip to the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI.
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NRCX 1
Title:  NRCX 1
Description:  NRCX 1 and other interesting, old railroad equipment parked near the former C&NW depot, now Railroad Memories Museum, at Spooner, WI on 23 Jun. '16. It was built in Oct. '40 as MILW 1636.
Photo Date:  6/23/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:07 AM
Location:  Spooner, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NRCX 1(SW1)
Views:  309   Comments: 1
CNW 262759
Title:  CNW 262759
Description:  Former CNW 262759 wedge plow tender parked near the former C&NW depot, now Railroad Memories Museum, at Spooner, WI on 23 Jun. '16. Most references list it as CNW 262759, but the number on the back looks like 935.
Photo Date:  6/23/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:28 AM
Location:  Spooner, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  350   Comments: 2
CNW 262759
Title:  CNW 262759
Description:  Former CNW 262759 wedge plow tender parked near the former C&NW depot, now Railroad Memories Museum, at Spooner, WI on 23 Jun. '16. Most references list it as CNW 262759, but the number on the back looks like 935.
Photo Date:  6/23/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:33 AM
Location:  Spooner, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  440   Comments: 0
CESX 1951 and WGNS 862
Title:  CESX 1951 and WGNS 862
Description:  WGNS 862 or WGN 862 and CESX 1951 parked on former C&NW rails along Hwy. 53 at Town of Trego, Washburn Co., WI on 23 Jun. '16. Most recently, CESX 1951 was used for the Columbia Star Dinner Train in MO since Feb. '11. Built by EMD in Jan. '53 as GN 464A. It was renumbered as BN 684 in '70. It became SNCT 102 in '81. It became IANR 102 in '84. It became SNC 102 and used for a dinner train in IA ca. '93. It became GTDT 1950 in '96. The SW1 is stenciled as "WGN 862" but I haven’t seen WGN on any lists of reporting marks, WGNS appears on some lists, WGNX appears on a few. Trego was originally Superior Junction, it was renamed Mills on 2 Feb. '04, and assumed its current moniker on 6 Apr. '06. Not too bad for a surprise "spray-and-pray" shot from the passenger seat at 70 mph.
Photo Date:  6/23/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:38 AM
Location:  Trego, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CESX 1951(F7A) WGNS 862(SW1)
Views:  672   Comments: 1
WGNS 423, WGNS 32 Apostle Isle, WGNS 112 Richard F. Gilberg
Title:  WGNS 423, WGNS 32 Apostle Isle, WGNS 112 Richard F. Gilberg
Description:  WGNS 423 or WGN 423, WGNS 32 Apostle Isle (buffet/diner), and WGNS 112 Richard F. Gilberg (bar/club car) parked on former C&NW rails along Hwy. 53 at Town of Trego, Washburn Co., WI on 23 Jun. '16. The F7A was built in Oct. '49 as CNW 4076A. WGNS 32 was built in 1918 by ACF (some references state Pullman) as D&IR 32 (coach). Converted to DMIR W-32. Sold to WGNS and converted to a buffet/diner. Some references state it was built in 1918 by Pullman for D&NM. WGN did have it numbered D&NM 32 Apostle Isle in the past. WGNS 112 was built in 1911 by ACF for DM&N 112 (mail/express/baggage). Converted to DM&IR W-112. Sold to WGNS and converted to bar/club car. Trego was originally Superior Junction, it was renamed Mills on 2 Feb. '04, and assumed its current moniker on 6 Apr. '06. Not too bad for a surprise "spray-and-pray" shot from the passenger seat at 70 mph.
Photo Date:  6/23/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:41 AM
Location:  Trego, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WGNS 423(F7A)
Views:  364   Comments: 1
GN 192
Title:  GN 192
Description:  GN 192 greeted us on our arrival at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at the Union Depot at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. Crew was preparing for the next excursion of the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:46 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  GN 192(NW5)
Views:  266   Comments: 1
GN 192
Title:  GN 192
Description:  The excursion to Two Harbors, MN on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR) meets another excursion led by GN 192 on former DM&IR rails along E. Superior St. near the intersection with Robinson St. and N. 46th Ave. E at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. As seen from CNW 51 bi-level coach, METX 7702 when in use by METRA.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:18:50 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  GN 192(NW5)
Views:  232   Comments: 1
DMIR 193
Title:  DMIR 193
Description:  DMIR 193, pulling the excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), is about to enter the active CN rails at Two Harbors Junction, MN on 24 Jun. '16. The train will then back to the former D&IR Two Harbors, MN depot. Seen from CNW 51 bi-level coach, METX 7702 when in use by METRA.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:03 AM
Location:  Two Harbors Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  DMIR 193(SD18)
Views:  180   Comments: 0
DMIR 193
Title:  DMIR 193
Description:  DMIR 193 at the depot at Two Harbors, MN on 24 Jun. '16. It was the motive power for the excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. DMIR C-205 caboose is partially visible behind the locomotive.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:12 AM
Location:  Two Harbors, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
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Locomotives:  DMIR 193(SD18)
Views:  214   Comments: 0
DMIR C-205
Title:  DMIR C-205
Description:  DMIR C-205 caboose at the depot at Two Harbors, MN on 24 Jun. '16. The caboose, built in Apr. '52, was part of the consist for the excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:16 AM
Location:  Two Harbors, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  220   Comments: 0
NSSR 9169, SPS 66, CNW 321, CNW 51, DMIR C-205, DMIR 193
Title:  NSSR 9169, SPS 66, CNW 321, CNW 51, DMIR C-205, DMIR 193
Description:  NSSR 9169, SPS 66 baggage car, CNW 321 and CNW 51 bi-level coaches, a boxcar/generator car, DMIR C-205 caboose, and DMIR 193 parked at the DM&IR depot at Two Harbors, MN on 24 Jun. '16. This was the consist for the excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR). The depot was built by the D&IR in '07. The two-story brick structure measures 110’ x 44’. It served as the headquarters and corporate offices for the D&IR. Passenger service ended in '61. It is now home to the Lake Co. Historical Society.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:21 AM
Location:  Two Harbors, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NSSR 9169(RDC1) DMIR 193(SD18)
Views:  573   Comments: 0
DMIR X-10
Title:  DMIR X-10
Description:  DMIR X-10 locomotive crane parked atop one of the CN, former DM&IR, ore docks at Two Harbors, MN on 24 Jun. '16.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:25 AM
Location:  Two Harbors, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
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Locomotives: 
Views:  315   Comments: 0
DMIR W809 and FJR 061300
Title:  DMIR W809 and FJR 061300
Description:  DMIR W809 water car and FJR 061300 caboose parked at the CN facility at Two Harbors, MN on 24 Jun. '16. I haven't been able to find any information about the caboose. It has DM&IR logo and paint scheme, but not DMIR or CN road number. FJR does not seem to be a standard reporting mark. Seen from CNW 51 bi-level coach, METX 7702 when in use by METRA, during the excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:31 AM
Location:  Two Harbors, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  399   Comments: 1
NP 3617
Title:  NP 3617
Description:  NP 3617 on display at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. It was built by EMD in Apr. '67. After the formation of BN in '70 it was renumbered BN 6417 and eventually repainted. It was retired in Mar. '87. It entered service with WC in Oct. '87, renumbered WC 6485, later WC 7495. CN donated it to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in '07. It has seen extensive restoration, but it is not operational yet.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/18/2016 12:19:36 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NP 3617(SD45)
Views:  590   Comments: 2
EMCO 4211
Title:  EMCO 4211
Description:  Erie Mining Co. No. 4211 preserved at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. The road number is EMC 4211, EMCO 4211, or ERIE 4211, depending on which reporting mark reference on the internet you choose to believe. Built by EMD in May '56 and purchased by Erie Mining Co., it originally wore their blue and silver paint scheme and was numbered 101. It was repainted in its current scheme ca. '63 and renumbered to its current number ca. '70. It was donated to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Apr. '02 by the LTV Mining Co. or LTV Steel Co., successor of Erie Mining Co. Some sites also list it as LTV 4211 or LTVX 4211. I've found LTVX on some reporting mark lists, but not LTV.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:14 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  EMCO 4211(F9A)
Views:  321   Comments: 1
BN 800004 Beth-Combo™
Title:  BN 800004 Beth-Combo™
Description:  BN 800004 Beth-Combo™, an experimental combination covered hopper and boxcar, preserved at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. Built at Bethlehem Johnstown, BLT 12-89, Plate C, LD LMT 201100, LT WT 61900, EXH 15'-6", W 1'-8", EXW 10'-8", H 3'-5", EW 10'-0", H 14'-8", IL 50'-6", IW 9'-6", IH 11'-0", CU FT 5277. The prototype was unveiled in Nov. '88. It was "designed to curb the expensive necessity of deadheading, or returning hopper cars empty from a delivery." It was estimated the cars would cost $60,000 to $80,000, a new conventional covered hopper cost about $45,000 at the time. I don't know how many were ultimately constructed, but BN's initial order was eight cars for testing. Beth-Combo Bopper was another trademarked name for this car, but it is commonly referred to as simply "bopper," "box-hopper," "boxhop," and probably other nicknames.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:19 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  413   Comments: 0
BN 800000 Beth-Combo™
Title:  BN 800000 Beth-Combo™
Description:  BN 800000 Beth-Combo™, an experimental combination covered hopper and boxcar, preserved at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. Built at Bethlehem Johnstown, BLT 12-89, Plate C, LD LMT 20?600, LT WT ??400, EXH 15'-6", W 1'-8", EXW 10'-8", H 3'-5", EW 10'-0", H 14'-8", IL 50'-6", IW 9'-6", IH 11'-0", CU FT 5277. The prototype was unveiled in Nov. '88. It was "designed to curb the expensive necessity of deadheading, or returning hopper cars empty from a delivery." It was estimated the cars would cost $60,000 to $80,000, a new conventional covered hopper cost about $45,000 at the time. I don't know how many were ultimately constructed, but BN's initial order was eight cars for testing. Beth-Combo Bopper was another trademarked name for this car, but it is commonly referred to as simply "bopper," "box-hopper," "boxhop," and probably other nicknames.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:23 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  311   Comments: 0
SOO 700
Title:  SOO 700
Description:  SOO 700 preserved at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16. Built by EMD in Mar. '63. Acquired by WC. Retired by CN in '01 and donated to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:27 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOO 700(GP30)
Views:  221   Comments: 1
SOO 1
Title:  SOO 1
Description:  SOO 1 caboose preserved at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at Duluth, MN on 24 Jun. '16.
Photo Date:  6/24/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:32 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  200   Comments: 0
MERC
Title:  MERC
Description:  A Caterpillar D-11 distributes coal atop the massive storage pile at Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC), Superior, WI on 25 Jun. '16. The structure at center and above the coal pile conveys the coal after it is unloaded from the train via a rotary dumping machine in a building behind me. The coal is delivered by 123-car BNSF unit trains, 14,000 tons at a time. UP also brings coal, their trains are likely similar in size and capacity. There are augers underneath the coal pile which convey the coal to ships. Some regional customers bring in trucks to pick up their coal. This information comes from the facilities website, http://www.midwestenergy.com/, which includes some interesting videos as well. I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of this impressive facility with a well-known group of like-minded railroad history enthusiasts.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:37 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  187   Comments: 0
GGPX 120581, et al., at MERC
Title:  GGPX 120581, et al., at MERC
Description:  GGPX 120581 was the last car of a 123-car BNSF unit train at Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC), Superior, WI on 25 Jun. '16. Coal is delivered 14,000 tons at a time by the BNSF unit trains. UP also brings coal, their trains are likely similar in size and capacity. The apparatus on the left is the car indexer for precision placement of hoppers for the rotary dumping machine out of frame to the right. This information comes from the facilities website, http://www.midwestenergy.com/, which includes some interesting videos as well. I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of this impressive facility with a well-known group of like-minded railroad history enthusiasts. Unfortunately for us, this car was dumped only a few minutes before our tour began. We did get to see the dumper rotate, but sans car.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:42 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  242   Comments: 1
MERC Rotary Dumper
Title:  MERC Rotary Dumper
Description:  The rotary dumping machine at Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC), Superior, WI on 25 Jun. '16. Unfortunately for us, the last car was dumped only a few minutes before our tour began. We did get to see the dumper rotate, but sans car. Here, it has rotated about 45 degrees from its normal, horizontal position. Coal is delivered by 123-car BNSF unit trains, 14,000 tons at a time. UP also brings coal, their trains are likely similar in size and capacity. This information comes from the facilities website, http://www.midwestenergy.com/, which includes some interesting videos as well. I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of this impressive facility with a well-known group of like-minded railroad history enthusiasts.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/24/2016 1:40:47 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  195   Comments: 0
WCOR 6505, et al.
Title:  WCOR 6505, et al.
Description:  Numerous railroad freigrt cars, including WCOR 6505 partially visible at far left, parked amidst large piles of scrap at Azcn Metals, Duluth, MN, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Lleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Some of*the cars are likely waiting to be scrapped, WCOR 6505 is amang them at far left. The ship in the background at left is the J. B. Ford, also waiting to be scrapped. Until it wXs towed here on 9 Oct. '15, it was the oldest active freighter plying the Great Lakes, it was launched in 1903. This facility has been owned by Azcon since at least 1981 and is seŠwiced by BNSF and CP. The facility opexates a trio of 40-ton locomotive cranes and a 30-ton crane, three of their booms are visible. They also operate three facilitjes in IL, they are headquartered at Chicago. Additional infowmation about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:25:46 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  212   Comments: 0
CP 2202 and CP 2223
Title:  CP 2202 and CP 2223
Description:  CP 2202 and CP 2223 traverse the CP's Rice's Point yard, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:21 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CP 2202(GP20C-ECO) CP 2223(GP20C-ECO)
Views:  402   Comments: 1
CP 3040 and CP 2306
Title:  CP 3040 and CP 2306
Description:  CP 3040 and CP 2306 traverse the CP's Rice's Point yard, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The stacks of new ties imply that rail service might be included in the ongoing redevelopment of the dock in the foreground. Hwy. 535/Hwy. 53 is visible in the background. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:27 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CP 3040(GP38-2) CP 2306(GP20C-ECO)
Views:  376   Comments: 1
CP 220362, et al.
Title:  CP 220362, et al.
Description:  CP 220362 and other CP boxcars spotted at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority's Arthur M. Clure Public Marine Terminal, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The 4 large silos near the left are Holcim U.S. Inc., Duluth, MN. It was formerly St. Lawrence Cement and the facility can be accessed by CP, CN, UP, and BNSF. Hwy. 535/Hwy. 53 and the Blanik Bridge are visible in the background. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:34 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  176   Comments: 0
GN Interstate Bridge and GN Superior Elevator
Title:  GN Interstate Bridge and GN Superior Elevator
Description:  A remnant of the GN Interstate Bridge is dwarfed by the Hwy. 535/Hwy. 53 Blanik Bridge, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The massive elevator complex looming beyond the bridge is General Mills Superior Elevators S & X, Superior, WI, with a capacity of 12.7 million bushels. The original elevator at the site, Elevator A, was erected by the GN in 1886, Elevator X followed in ‘88. Both were made of wood with corrugated steel sheathing and had a capacity of 1,750,000 bushels (some references list X’s capacity as 1,500,000 bushels). Elevator S, the most prominent part of the facility, was designed by Max Toltz, a mechanical engineer with GN. It was constructed almost entirely of steel, a rarity in grain elevators, with a capacity of 3,100,000 bushels (billed as the largest in the world when completed). It is 364’-6” long, 124’-6” wide, stands 246’ high and cost $1,229,150. Construction commenced on 1 May ’99 and it received its first grain on 26 Feb. ’01. Elevator A was destroyed in a massive fire on 8 Nov. ’07. Annex No. 1, capacity 2,400,000 bushels, made of concrete, was completed on the east side of Elevator S in ’09. Annex No. 2, made of concrete, was built on the north side of Annex No. 1 sometime between ’09 and ’30. Annex No. 3, capacity 3,000,000 bushels, made of concrete, was completed on the north side of Elevator S in ’30. Elevator X was destroyed by fire on 10 Jan. ’42, a new, concrete Elevator X was erected in ’47. The facility has been operated by General Mills for quite some time, but I haven’t been able to learn exactly how long. Some references state the facility is still owned by the railroad, now BNSF, and is leased to General Mills. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:40 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  174   Comments: 1
GN Superior Elevator
Title:  GN Superior Elevator
Description:  The massive General Mills Superior Elevators S & X, Superior, WI, with a capacity of 12.7 million bushels, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The original elevator at the site, Elevator A, was erected by the GN in 1886, Elevator X followed in ‘88. Both were made of wood with corrugated steel sheathing and had a capacity of 1,750,000 bushels (some references list X’s capacity as 1,500,000 bushels). Elevator S, the most prominent part of the facility, was designed by Max Toltz, a mechanical engineer with GN. It was constructed almost entirely of steel, a rarity in grain elevators, with a capacity of 3,100,000 bushels (billed as the largest in the world when completed). It is 364’-6” long, 124’-6” wide, stands 246’ high and cost $1,229,150. Construction commenced on 1 May ’99 and it received its first grain on 26 Feb. ’01. Elevator A was destroyed in a massive fire on 8 Nov. ’07. Annex No. 1, capacity 2,400,000 bushels, made of concrete, was completed on the east side of Elevator S in ’09. Annex No. 2, made of concrete, was built on the north side of Annex No. 1 sometime between ’09 and ’30. Annex No. 3, capacity 3,000,000 bushels, made of concrete, was completed on the north side of Elevator S in ’30. Elevator X was destroyed by fire on 10 Jan. ’42, a new, concrete Elevator X (out of frame to left) was erected in ’47. The facility has been operated by General Mills for quite some time, but I haven’t been able to learn exactly how long. Some references state the facility is still owned by the railroad, now BNSF, and is leased to General Mills. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:45 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  227   Comments: 1
BNSF 9079 at MERC
Title:  BNSF 9079 at MERC
Description:  Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC), Superior, WI, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The traveling shiploader is on the right. On the left you can see the nose of BNSF 9079, lead unit of a just arrived coal train. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:50 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 9079(SD70ACe)
Views:  221   Comments: 0
CN, ex-DM&IR, Docks 5 & 6
Title:  CN, ex-DM&IR, Docks 5 & 6
Description:  The CN, formerly DM&IR, Ore Docks 5 and 6 as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Both docks were erected by the DM&N, are 2,304' long (2,438' including end towers and approaches), and were billed as the largest in the world when completed (some references state Dock 6 is still the largest in the world, but several others also make the claim). Construction of Dock 5 began in spring of 1913 and it became operational in '15. It is 73' wide, 80' above the water, capacity 115,200 tons, cost $2,500,000. It has stood idle since '85. Construction of Dock 6 commenced in '16 and it became operational on 1 May '19. It is 78' wide, 84' above the water, capacity 153,600 tons. A conveyor loading system was added in '81. Since the '90s the facility has been able to receive bulk material, such as limestone, from ships. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:54 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  167   Comments: 1
CN, ex-DM&IR, Dock 6
Title:  CN, ex-DM&IR, Dock 6
Description:  An American locomotive crane rests atop the CN, formerly DM&IR, Ore Dock 6, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Unfortunately I could not capture the road number, but, given the colors, it seems likely that it is a former DM&IR crane. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:26:57 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
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Locomotives: 
Views:  183   Comments: 0
CP 2202 and CP 2223 and CN, ex-DM&IR, Ore Dock 6
Title:  CP 2202 and CP 2223 and CN, ex-DM&IR, Ore Dock 6
Description:  CP 2202 and CP 2223 seem miniscule as they pass the CN, formerly DM&IR, Ore Dock 6, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. An American locomotive crane, possibly ex-DM&IR, rests atop the end of the dock. Dock 6 was erected by the DM&N, construction commenced in '16 and it became operational on 1 May '19. It is 2,304' long (2,438' including end towers and approaches), 78' wide, 84' above the water, capacity 153,600 tons. It was billed as the largest in the world when completed (some references state it is still the largest in the world, but several others also make the claim). A conveyor loading system was added in '81. Since the '90s the facility has been able to receive bulk material, such as limestone, from ships. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:27:02 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CP 2202(GP20C-ECO) CP 2223(GP20C-ECO)
Views:  436   Comments: 1
CP 2202 and CP 2223 and CN, ex-DM&IR, Ore Dock 6
Title:  CP 2202 and CP 2223 and CN, ex-DM&IR, Ore Dock 6
Description:  CP 2202 and CP 2223 seem miniscule as they pass the CN, formerly DM&IR, Ore Dock 6, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Dock 6 was erected by the DM&N, construction commenced in '16 and it became operational on 1 May '19. It is 2,304' long (2,438' including end towers and approaches), 78' wide, 84' above the water, capacity 153,600 tons. It was billed as the largest in the world when completed (some references state it is still the largest in the world, but several others also make the claim). A conveyor loading system was added in '81. Since the '90s the facility has been able to receive bulk material, such as limestone, from ships. The approach trestle for Dock 5, idle since 1985, is visible in the background. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:27:06 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CP 2202(GP20C-ECO) CP 2223(GP20C-ECO)
Views:  355   Comments: 1
CN, ex-DM&IR, Dock 6
Title:  CN, ex-DM&IR, Dock 6
Description:  Close-up of the 20 shuttle shiploader conveyor system on the CN, formerly DM&IR, Ore Dock 6 as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Dock 6 was erected by the DM&N, construction commenced in '16 and it became operational on 1 May '19. It is 2,304' long (2,438' including end towers and approaches), 78' wide, 84' above the water, capacity 153,600 tons. It was billed as the largest in the world when completed (some references state it is still the largest in the world, but several others also make the claim). A conveyor loading system was added in '81. Since the '90s the facility has been able to receive bulk material, such as limestone, from ships. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:27:11 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  185   Comments: 0
HCTX 11
Title:  HCTX 11
Description:  Hallett Dock Co. HCTX 11 or HD 11 tries to hide behind CN, formerly DM&IR, Ore Dock 5 while it works Hallett Dock No. 5, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Built in Sep. '49 as CO 5060. Upgraded or "rebuilt to SW1200 specifications" at some point. Purchased by EJ&E and renumbered EJE 455. Acquired by DM&IR in May '98 and renumbered DMIR 11. Retired by CN in May '06. Acquired by Hallett Dock Co. in Apr. '07. It received its current paint scheme, reminiscent of DM&IR, ca. '14. If only they had granted me control of the boat, I could have maneuvered to a better vantage point. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/25/2016 12:27:16 AM
Location:  Duluth, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  HCTX 11(NW2)
Views:  295   Comments: 0
BNSF 9079 at MERC
Title:  BNSF 9079 at MERC
Description:  The traveling shiploader for Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC), Superior, WI, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Underground augers convey the coal from the massive storage pile (out of frame to right) after it is unloaded from the train via a rotary dumping machine. The coal is delivered by 123-car BNSF unit trains, 14,000 tons at a time. UP also brings coal, their trains are likely similar in size and capacity. Some regional customers bring in trucks to pick up their coal. The nose of BNSF 9079, lead unit of a coal train which has just arrived, near the center of the photograph under the maroon metal sheathed conveyor housing which feeds the traveling shiploader. This information comes from the facilities website, http://www.midwestenergy.com/, which includes some interesting videos as well. I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of this impressive facility with a well-known group of like-minded railroad history enthusiasts. The massive General Mills Superior Elevator S is partially visible at left. There are a couple of photographs of that facility in this album which include historical information about it. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:02 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 9079(SD70ACe)
Views:  172   Comments: 0
BNSF 9079 and BNSF 6037 at MERC
Title:  BNSF 9079 and BNSF 6037 at MERC
Description:  BNSF 9079 and BNSF 6037 lead a coal train which has just arrived at Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC), Superior, WI, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Above the train is the conveyor which feeds the traveling shiploader, on the right is one of the loader's huge legs. The coal is delivered by 123-car BNSF unit trains, 14,000 tons at a time. UP also brings coal, their trains are likely similar in size and capacity. The coal is unloaded from the train via a rotary dumping machine and conveyed to a massive storage pile (out of frame to right). Underground augers convey the coal from that pile to the shiploader. Some regional customers bring in trucks to pick up their coal. This information comes from the facilities website, http://www.midwestenergy.com/, which includes some interesting videos as well. I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of this impressive facility with a well-known group of like-minded railroad history enthusiasts. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:09 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 9079(SD70ACe) BNSF 6037(ES44AC)
Views:  143   Comments: 1
GN Superior Elevator
Title:  GN Superior Elevator
Description:  The massive General Mills Superior Elevators S & X, Superior, WI, with a capacity of 12.7 million bushels, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The original elevator at the site, Elevator A, was erected by the GN in 1886, Elevator X followed in ‘88. Both were made of wood with corrugated steel sheathing and had a capacity of 1,750,000 bushels (some references list X’s capacity as 1,500,000 bushels). Elevator S, the most prominent part of the facility, was designed by Max Toltz, a mechanical engineer with GN. It was constructed almost entirely of steel, a rarity in grain elevators, with a capacity of 3,100,000 bushels (billed as the largest in the world when completed). It is 364’-6” long, 124’-6” wide, stands 246’ high and cost $1,229,150. Construction commenced on 1 May ’99 and it received its first grain on 26 Feb. ’01. Elevator A was destroyed in a massive fire on 8 Nov. ’07. Annex No. 1, capacity 2,400,000 bushels, made of concrete, was completed on the east side (far side) of Elevator S in ’09. Annex No. 2, made of concrete, partially visible at far left, was built on the north side of Annex No. 1 sometime between ’09 and ’30. Annex No. 3, capacity 3,000,000 bushels, made of concrete, in the foreground, was completed on the north side of Elevator S in ’30. Elevator X was destroyed by fire on 10 Jan. ’42, a new, concrete Elevator X was erected in ’47 (out of frame to the right). The facility has been operated by General Mills for quite some time, but I haven’t been able to learn exactly how long. Some references state the facility is still owned by the railroad, now BNSF, and is leased to General Mills. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:14 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  125   Comments: 0
Federal Ems at CHS, Inc. Superior Grain Terminal
Title:  Federal Ems at CHS, Inc. Superior Grain Terminal
Description:  The massive CHS, Inc. grain terminal, Superior, WI, with the Federal Ems at its dock, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. It was originally two separate facilities, the Spencer Kellogg elevator (a.k.a. Spencer Kellogg & Sons, Spencer Kellogg & Co., Spencer Kellogg Milling Co.), built in '27, on the east (far) side and Farmers Union Grain Terminal Assn. elevator, built in '41, on the west (near) side. Farmers Union bought the Spencer Kellogg facility in '49 and the two facilities became one large facility. It operated as Farmers Union until at least Sep. '79. The facility became Harvest States Elevator Cooperative in or prior to '86 and operated as such until at least '96. It became Cenex Harvest States ca. '00, shortened to CHS, Inc. on 5 Aug. '03. The facility has a capacity of 18 million bushels and is served by BNSF. The Marshall Islands flagged Federal Ems was built in '02 and is 655' long. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:20 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  143   Comments: 0
ATB Ken Boothe Sr. and Lakes Contender at LaFarge North America, Superior
Title:  ATB Ken Boothe Sr. and Lakes Contender at LaFarge North America, Superior
Description:  The Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) Ken Boothe Sr. and Lakes Contender preparing to unload cement (or some related material) at LaFarge North America, Superior, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The facility is serviced by BNSF. The Ken Boothe Sr. measures 135'-4" long, 50' beam, 18'-11 1/2" draft, 10,800 h.p., and can sustain 12 knots when the barge is loaded. It was named in honor of the former president of Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair, Erie, PA, where it was completed in Feb. '11. The Lakes Contender, a self-unloading bulk cargo barge, was completed at the same shipyard in Apr. '12 and is 740' long, 78' beam, 30' draft, capacity of 34,000 tons. The combined cost was $50 million, both are owned by Seajon. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:26 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  82   Comments: 0
C&NW Superior Elevator
Title:  C&NW Superior Elevator
Description:  The Gavilon Grain, LLC, Connors Point Terminal, Superior, WI, capacity 8 million bushels, as seen from the Vista Star during Vista Fleet's Grand Sightseeing Tour of the Duluth & Superior Harbor at Duluth, MN on 25 Jun. '16. The elevator was built by the C&NW on the site of the former Northern Coal & Dock Co. It was completed in 1966, leased and operated by Continental Grain Co. The oddly shaped building on the right was built by the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Co. ca. '10 to store Anthracite coal at their dock, it was converted for grain storage after the elevator was built. The facility was acquired by the Peavey Co., a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, Inc., in '86. ConAgra sold it to Ospraie Management, LLC, in '08; Gavilon Grain, LLC, is a subsidiary of Ospraie. After running it into the red, Ospraie sold Gavilon to a Japanese company, Marubeni Corp., in '13. The facility is serviced by BNSF. Additional information about the harbor cruise can be found at http://www.vistafleet.com/.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:32 AM
Location:  Superior, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  114   Comments: 0
BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?)
Title:  BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?)
Description:  A BNSF coal train heads west via former NP rails at Carlton Junction, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Train had seven locomotives, BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?) pulling and BNSF 9371 and BNSF 9063 pushing. This is about 4,500' east of the point where construction of the NP commenced on 15 Feb. 1870. Carlton was originally known as Komoko.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:37 AM
Location:  Carlton Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 9177(SD70ACe) BNSF 9213(SD70ACe) BNSF 4028(C44-9W) BNSF 6699(ES44C4)
Views:  186   Comments: 1
BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?)
Title:  BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?)
Description:  A BNSF coal train heads west via former NP rails at Carlton Junction, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Train had seven locomotives, BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?) pulling and BNSF 9371 and BNSF 9063 pushing. This is about 4,500' east of the point where construction of the NP commenced on 15 Feb. 1870. Carlton was originally known as Komoko.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:42 AM
Location:  Carlton Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 9177(SD70ACe) BNSF 9213(SD70ACe) BNSF 4028(C44-9W) BNSF 6699(ES44C4)
Views:  162   Comments: 1
BNSF 9371 and BNSF 9063
Title:  BNSF 9371 and BNSF 9063
Description:  A BNSF coal train heads west via former NP rails at Carlton Junction, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Train had seven locomotives, BNSF 9177, BNSF 9213, BNSF 4028, BNSF 6699, CSX (?) pulling and BNSF 9371 and BNSF 9063 pushing. This is about 4,500' east of the point where construction of the NP commenced on 15 Feb. 1870. Carlton was originally known as Komoko.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:47 AM
Location:  Carlton Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 9371(SD70ACe) BNSF 9063(SD70ACe)
Views:  157   Comments: 0
BNSF 8131 and BNSF 4692
Title:  BNSF 8131 and BNSF 4692
Description:  A BNSF ore train heads west via former NP rails at Carlton Junction, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Train had three locomotives, BNSF 8131, BNSF 4692 pulling and BNSF 6414 pushing. This is about 4,500' east of the point where construction of the NP commenced on 15 Feb. 1870. Carlton was originally known as Komoko.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:52 AM
Location:  Carlton Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 8131(ES44C4) BNSF 4692(C44-9W)
Views:  187   Comments: 1
BNSF 6414
Title:  BNSF 6414
Description:  A BNSF ore train heads west via former NP rails at Carlton Junction, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Train had three locomotives, BNSF 8131, BNSF 4692 pulling and BNSF 6414 pushing. This is about 4,500' east of the point where construction of the NP commenced on 15 Feb. 1870. Carlton was originally known as Komoko.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:50:57 AM
Location:  Carlton Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  137   Comments: 0
BNSF 1689 and BNSF 1663
Title:  BNSF 1689 and BNSF 1663
Description:  A BNSF through freight heads west via former NP rails at Carlton Junction, MN on 25 Jun. '16. Train had two locomotives, BNSF 1689, BNSF 1663. This is about 4,500' east of the point where construction of the NP commenced on 15 Feb. 1870. Carlton was originally known as Komoko.
Photo Date:  6/25/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:51:01 AM
Location:  Carlton Junction, MN
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  BNSF 1689(SD40-2) BNSF 1663(SD40-2)
Views:  334   Comments: 1
Hi-rail Cement Mixer
Title:  Hi-rail Cement Mixer
Description:  There is just something cool about a hi-rail cement mixer. This one is owned or leased by Kraemer North America parked near the CN, former DM&IR rails at S. Chicago Ave., Oliver, WI on 26 Jun. '16. An extensive construction project was underway on the unique double-decked Oliver Bridge, out of frame to right.
Photo Date:  6/26/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:51:08 AM
Location:  Oliver, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  92   Comments: 0
CN 2831 and CN 8024 on the Oliver Bridge
Title:  CN 2831 and CN 8024 on the Oliver Bridge
Description:  A CN container train crosses the unique double-decked Oliver Bridge as it heads west via former DM&IR rails at Oliver, WI on 26 Jun. '16. Train had four locomotives, CN 2831 and CN 8024 pulling and CN 2252 and CN 2309 pushing. The Oliver Bridge is a double-deck, Warren truss, swing bridge built by the American Bridge Co. in 1910. It was built to connect the Spirit Lake Transfer Railway in MN to the Interstate Transfer Railway in WI, both became part of the DM&N. The bridge was named in honor of Henry W. Oliver, founder the Oliver Mining Co. It is 1,889’ long, 25’ wide, with a 306’ swing span. Due to the intent to span a navigable interstate waterway, the plans needed the approval of the War Dept. and Congress. The War Dept. required a movable span to enable river traffic. Congress required the accommodation of vehicular traffic. The railroads initially ignored the requirement to accommodate vehicular traffic; while most of the lower deck was built with the rest of the bridge in ‘10, the decking for the roadway was not installed and the approaches to connect roads to the bridge were not built. They ultimately conceded in ‘16 and the lower deck opened to traffic in ‘17. The roadway decking consisted of wooden planks until the timbers were replaced with concrete in 2001. The upper deck was built to be double tracked, but it is uncertain if it ever was. Some references are positive that it was double tracked, but one set was removed at some unknown point. Other references are sure that the second set of tracks were intended for an interurban line which ultimately never crossed the bridge, so that second set was never laid. Several references claim the bridge never operated as swing bridge, but there is plenty of information on the internet (if you extend your search beyond Wikipedia) to confirm that it did indeed function as such from when it was built until ca. ‘47. From about 1890 until at least 1942, excursion boats made frequent runs from Duluth to Fond du Lac, MN to carry passengers for day trips, weekend outings, and vacations. The Clow & Nicholson Transportation Co. was the prominent excursion line, from at least 1902 to 1942 their steamers Plowboy, Newsboy, Rotarian, Columbia, and Montauk (possibly others) made the 19 mile trip up river. A Minn. DoT bridge report also states that the DM&N, later DM&IR, had a bridge tender on duty continuously, in accordance with navigation laws, until 1953. That is when they received permission to stop manning the bridge due to the decline of river traffic, but they were required to maintain the ability to open the bridge on 3 hours’ notice if a ship needed to pass. The swing mechanism was disabled at some point.
Photo Date:  6/26/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:51:13 AM
Location:  Oliver, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CN 2831(ES44AC) CN 8024(SD70M-2)
Views:  247   Comments: 0
CN 2831 and CN 8024 on the Oliver Bridge
Title:  CN 2831 and CN 8024 on the Oliver Bridge
Description:  A CN container train crosses the unique double decked Oliver Bridge as it heads west via former DM&IR rails at Oliver, WI on 26 Jun. '16. Train had four locomotives, CN 2831 and CN 8024 pulling and CN 2252 and CN 2309 pushing. The Oliver Bridge is a double-deck, Warren truss, swing bridge built by the American Bridge Co. in 1910. It was built to connect the Spirit Lake Transfer Railway in MN to the Interstate Transfer Railway in WI, both became part of the DM&N. The bridge was named in honor of Henry W. Oliver, founder the Oliver Mining Co. It is 1,889’ long, 25’ wide, with a 306’ swing span (partially visible at left). Due to the intent to span a navigable interstate waterway, the plans needed the approval of the War Dept. and Congress. The War Dept. required a movable span to enable river traffic. Congress required the accommodation of vehicular traffic. The railroads initially ignored the requirement to accommodate vehicular traffic; while most of the lower deck was built with the rest of the bridge in ‘10, the decking for the roadway was not installed and the approaches to connect roads to the bridge were not built. They ultimately conceded in ‘16 and the lower deck opened to traffic in ‘17. The roadway decking consisted of wooden planks until the timbers were replaced with concrete in 2001. The upper deck was built to be double tracked, but it is uncertain if it ever was. Some references are positive that it was double tracked, but one set was removed at some unknown point. Other references are sure that the second set of tracks were intended for an interurban line which ultimately never crossed the bridge, so that second set was never laid. Several references claim the bridge never operated as swing bridge, but there is plenty of information on the internet (if you extend your search beyond Wikipedia) to confirm that it did indeed function as such from when it was built until ca. ‘47. From about 1890 until at least 1942, excursion boats made frequent runs from Duluth to Fond du Lac, MN to carry passengers for day trips, weekend outings, and vacations. The Clow & Nicholson Transportation Co. was the prominent excursion line, from at least 1902 to 1942 their steamers Plowboy, Newsboy, Rotarian, Columbia, and Montauk (possibly others) made the 19 mile trip up river. A Minn. DoT bridge report also states that the DM&N, later DM&IR, had a bridge tender on duty continuously, in accordance with navigation laws, until 1953. That is when they received permission to stop manning the bridge due to the decline of river traffic, but they were required to maintain the ability to open the bridge on 3 hours’ notice if a ship needed to pass. The swing mechanism was disabled at some point.
Photo Date:  6/26/2016  Upload Date: 7/31/2016 1:51:18 AM
Location:  Oliver, WI
Author:  T. P. Bruss
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CN 2831(ES44AC) CN 8024(SD70M-2)
Views:  218   Comments: 0


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