Hello all,
I'm a new modeler and building my first layout inspired by the CGW & Milwaukee Road branch line routes from Red Wing to Cannon Falls, MN (transition era).
My question is: Did the Milwaukee Road ever operate any passenger service along this branch line route?
Thanks in advance for any and all replies.
- Brian
Modeling the Chicago Great Western and Milwaukee Road along Minnesota's Cannon River Valley.
I am sure there was Red Wing - Northfield passenger service at one time. The MILW line was removed quite early(depression era). They left some trackage in Cannon Falls, and a stub branch from Cannon Falls to the sanitarium between Cannon Falls and Welch. They then used CGW trackage rights to service the remaining line. The sanitarium closed and the coal traffic with it. By the 60's, a 'patrol' out of Red Wing ran over the CGW once or twice a week to work the local industries(the big flour mill was worked by both the MILW & CGW).
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I once found this book by Roger Bee et al at my local library: https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Great-Western-Minnesota/dp/0930431006
May have some useful information in it.
Gary
Thank you for the replies and information. I've studied up a bit on the CGW but just recently began looking into the Milwaukee Road's useof the branch line and thought it would bring another interesting element to the layout. The area is very rural so I'd imagine any passenger traffic to be light.
BTW, that sanitarium east of Cannon Falls was listed as Mineral Springs on a 1947 timetable. Further East was Welch with a single spur serving a water powered mill.
There are 2 CGW groups on Facebook and probably Milwaukee Road groups as well, well worth looking into as they have a wealth of info as well as a LOT of photos. Passenger trains on the CGW by the transition era would have gone thru Hayfield to St Paul. If you do not mind a bit of protolancing you could a Doodlebug for Mail service and small package loads.
Mike
Ya. Taking alot of liberties with my protolancing on a smaller layout. Running a CGW inspired doodlebug for express mail and light passenger service along my interpretation of the "Milkshake route". The Milwaukee Road takes on the lion's share of the coal traffic while CGW road switchers haul mixed freight. I have a love of the Hiawathas & Pioneer Limited, so in my world they do detour along the Cannon Valley Central line when the Mississippi floods north of Red Wing (Hey, it's my world!). Thank you again for your responses, ideas and wisdom.