Switching Operations in Milwaukee

[lhtalbot]

Over the past months, each time I have visited the Muskego Yards there seems to be less & less activity & more & more track disappearing.
I realize almost all mfg in Milwaukee is gone. Are we looking at the demise of yard operations in Milwaukee.? The Butler yards are also very quiet, only seems to be coal trains moving.

Larry in Wauwatosa

[dknelson]

Seems like. The nature of railroading has changed from an emphasis on loose car and local industries to mass movements between distant points with no work in between. I think it is also fair to say that even if the the CP and the UP wanted more local traffic, and I am not convinced they do, both are far distant operations and there is not much knowledge of the industrial scene in Milwaukee or a local staff to call on customers and solicit business. Back when these yards were bult there were office buildings in downtown Milwaukee (and most other cities) where entire floors were almost filled with local freight representatives from all the major railroads in America, all trying to drum up traffic and routings. Those days are long long gone.
Dave Nelson