MILW CP 2816/Milw 261 Doubleheader Pics - What a Trip !!

Greetings,

I thought I would share some photos from the Canadian Pacific #2816 / Milwaukee Road #261 steam doubleheader excursion on Saturday September 15, 2007. The weather was AWESOME and the train looked great. BIG THANKS to the Canadian Pacific railroad, Friends of the 261, steam crews and all the volunteers that made the trip a success. Running between Minneapolis, MN and La Crosse, WI along the Mississippi River made for some scenic spots on the line. Here are some photos,

Shot #1 - With the temp around 40 the white steam exhaust looked great as the #2816 exits the ex-Milwaukee Road lift bridge at Hastings, MN
Shot #2 - Passing the depot at Hastings, MN
Shot #3 - Southbound south of Red Wing, MN
Shot #4 and #5 - S/B at MP 324 near Weaver, MN

Keith Schmidt

 

Here are some more shots from the trip.

Shot #1 - The "Chase Que" on Highway 61 following the train
Shot #2 - Southbound at Dresbach, MN
Shot #3 - Northbound at Minnesota City on the "shoo-fly" bridge. Part of the original bridge is still clinging after being washed away in flash flooding several weeks ago.

 

The final three shots I like to call "Reflections of a Doubleheader". These were taken at Maple Springs along Highway 61 north of Wabasha, MN

Keith Schmidt

 

WOW...Thanks, Keith!

 

Keith, those are beautiful, and I'm sure sorry I didn't make it back there for this one. As you said, looks like the weather was just superb, and of course the subject matter couldn't have been better. Steve Sandberg and Bill Stetler did it right, no canteens and no diesels. A steam railfan's dream consist. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. :tb-biggrin:

 

I'm bringing this back up because I love Keith's photos of the event.

 

:tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool:
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Thanks Keith, for those of us who couldn't be there your photos help relieve the pain of missing the event. Loved the black and white photo. There is just something about photographing the old steamers you just have to get some b/w photos.

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/attachment.php?attachmentid=4899&d=1190164026 Keith's photo from above

 

GREAT STUFF!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the nice comments. Everything kind of came together for that trip. Awesome weather and a great subject.

Keith Schmidt

 

Several other roads, like IC and N&W, also used them in the steam era. I can't say they bother me; I actually find them interesting. I've developed an interest in auxiliary equipment that ran in regular trains, like Locotrol receiver cars, diesel fuel tenders, the crew cars used on long runs in Australia... I used to dislike these, but now I find ancillary equipment adds interest.

 

The Superdome and the Skytop are owned by Friends of the #261. The same group that owns and operates #261. I had a chance to ride in them from Duluth to Two Harbors a couple of years ago. They are very nice cars. The Friends of the #261 leases them out to individuals or companies as a source of income. They are a great way to finish off any train.

Keith Schmidt