I am having a Senior Moment and need some help. I remember seeing a photo of the Lines West where a tunnel exits out the side of a mountain onto a trestle. I remember seeing various engines photographed at this location over the years of Milwaukee operation. Does this really exist and where is it? Thanks, Mark
Sure does! Eagle's Nest Tunnel! It's in Sixteen Mile Canyon. As for others, there may be more, but that's the most famous I can think of.
Eagles Nest rocks! If you ever get a chance to see it in person, DO SO! you will be amazed! I saw it back just after the embargo so most of the trolley poles were still standing and rail hadn't been pulled up yet.
Oh yes, does it ever exist! That is the site of many a world famous Milwaukee Road promo view, as is the canyon to it's east. You can also see it briefly in the old movie "Danger Lights." Access today? Oops. Unless something has changed, strictly private property..... Boxcab E50
I have a 8 by 10 photo of Kieth Finks modeled version of Eagles Nest with a Joe pulling out on the trestle. I look at it when I need a little modeling inspiration, and I don't even model lines west!!
Unfortunately, Ken is right. It is now private property and the ROW into it serves as a heavily gated ranch road. At one time, Ed Lynch had keys to the gates and the MRHA had a bus tour to Eagles Nest a number of years ago at it's annual meet. Ed Lynch and Art Jacobson both visited some years after the embargo and shot video of the run down the ROW. Sure wish I still had my copies of that video. This is one of many uniquely "MILWAUKEE ROAD" locations on lines west which was full of incredible scenes. Eagles Nest was the signature location of the Milwaukee on lines west imho.
GS, if you have more scenes from Sixteen Mile Canyon, please share! Simply breathtaking. One place I'll likely never be able to visit...
Never been farther west than St. Louis. I'm definately going to have to check out the Milwaukee Road lines west someday, that scenery is spectacular!
You have to come out and see. Grant (fromSAR) and I have driven or walked from Tacoma to Terry Montana as much as we could get to. Ther is lots left to see, I have a collection of the stations and what become of them from the people that moved into a power substation by Othello to a plumbing shop somewhere in Montana (Circle area?). Lots of great areas to still see. Even got a date nail by Coffe Creek last summer still!
Thank you all! Love the photos. I was on a 1/4 scale train ride a few weeks ago up near Fairmont, MI with some friends. It was on the Ausable (Aw saw bel) Valley Railroad and it was outstanding. The owner has truly one of the best scale layouts I have ever scene. The line exits a tunnel onto a large, curving trestle. I went into true foamer mode and was trying to tell my friends about the Milwaukee's signature photo location on Lines West, but could not remember where it was. I'll link them to this. -Mark
After years of contemplation and setbacks, I have finally came upon what I am going to do for my layout! I am going to combine a little bit of NW theme with some MILW themes too. I am including a barge slip, as MILW had many here in the Puget Sound area and am going to do my rendition of sixteen mile canyon, although it will probablly only be Eagles Nest tunnel.
Ryan- Did you ever see articles or photos of the layout built by Nate Molldrem? It's an HO rendition of the Milwaukee from Chicago to the Pacific NW. He captured scenes along the way, such as the Wisconsin Dells. This might be good inspiration for you? Boxcab E50
Ryan- AFAIK- There is no web site having information about it. From my correspondence with him, Nate is not as much into using computers as we are here. He has one, is on line, etc. He's retired now, still types and mails letters. There was an article in Model Railroader, if you can access a back issue- January, 1994. At one time, Nate had a traveling show he'd mail around. It consisted of photo albums, slides and videos of his layout. Fabulous! Unfortunately, he's discontinued that now. You should have seen the details- Buildings with neon signs in windows, and so much more. Wow! I would love to see this up close some day! Boxcab E50