route

Although the power still waves the CNW flag, This is really the Twin-Cities to Chicago day train, operated by the MadCow. Note the UP inspired paint scheme on the first sleeper. This car is lettered for the CNW.

A 'pure' CNW F7A leads a sister and a GP-9 westbound at Ablemann. These units are starting to get the MCOW re-stenciling.

Lots of action on the new MadCow Route. Here a trio of 4-axle geeps led by GP-35 845 cross highway 26 as they slow for work in Dachshundville.

Eastbound time-freight led by ex-CNW 1755 slows to 40mph as she passes through Dachshundville on the MadCow Route.

Ole' Joe Miller really knew how to go in style. This truss-rod equipped Observation car was the finest of it's day. The Miller Bros. Wild West Show travelled the U.S. putting on authentic "Cowboy and Indian" performances. The car is on it's way to the museum at Baraboo.

Crawling down the rocks at Ablemann has it's advantages. I was amazed at the condition of these old coaches, having been built in the 1800's. Through the years, it took a ton of TLC to insure these cars made it to our generation.

While these cars are still incredible shape, special FRA waivers were required to move them from one carrier to another. The cars will be stored in a special building in Baraboo.

While most of the retired Strates' cars are coaches, These two heavyweight observations made a beautiful sight! The cars were in storage in Florida and were donated to the Baraboo museum when the owner of them passed.

Ex-CNW GP35 and F7A units are hard at work on the new Madison Central of Wisconsin or "MadCow Route". As part of the purchase agreement, MCoW agreed to provide trackage rights to the Ablemann Quarry for three years. Thus providing the CNW with the famous "pink lady" ballast.