Black Hills to get 2nd tourist railroad

[Dakguy201]

A new tourist operation is scheduled to start up in the Black Hills this year.  Initially it will run from Rapid City to Sturgis (of motorcycle fame) on the rails of the DM&E.  In the fall the run will be extended to Deadwood, which has become a tourist destination as casino style gambling is permitted there.  Here is the operator's web site:    http://www.blackhillsrailway.com/index.htm

There is an additional 8 miles of right of way that is tied up in the courts.  This runs up a scenic valley to Whitewood.   http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/12/21/news/local/news06.txt

Tourists are what keeps South Dakota Green!   

 

 

[spokyone]

A new tourist operation is scheduled to start up in the Black Hills this year.  Initially it will run from Rapid City to Sturgis (of motorcycle fame) on the rails of the DM&E.  In the fall the run will be extended to Deadwood, which has become a tourist destination as casino style gambling is permitted there.  Here is the operator's web site:    http://www.blackhillsrailway.com/index.htm

There is an additional 8 miles of right of way that is tied up in the courts.  This runs up a scenic valley to Whitewood.   http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/12/21/news/local/news06.txt

Tourists are what keeps South Dakota Green!   

 

 

I am sure I will ride this branch into Deadwood if it ever becomes operational. This is a quote from the article.
Charles Brown, the central figure in the lawsuit, said Monday night that he would seek some kind of mitigation with the authority if he is prohibited from using the rail bed to access his home. Brown's home is near a railroad tunnel about halfway up Whitewood Canyon.

The authority's attorney, Tom Brady of Spearfish, said other landowners have brought lawsuits against the authority.

Pete Peterson, who lives near the rail bed on the Crook City Road, asked for consideration for any disruption he believes that a train would cause if it runs near his property.

Bills advised Peterson to seek relief from Black Hills Transportation if he has problems.
Is Kevin Costner still involved in this project?

[Dakguy201]

Yes, Spoky, I believe Kevin Costner and his brother (Dan?) are still involved.   

[CANADIANPACIFIC2816]

Kevin Costner is still very much involved with this railroad project as an investor. Before the Deadwood, Black Hills & Western can even begin to operate the first trains, they have a couple obstacles that must be overcome. One is all the private landowners who don't want any of their property taken for this project, which is understandable. The other is Kevin Schieffer, the President of the DM&E.

The corporate attorney for the Deadwood, Black Hills & Western Railroad is an old friend of mine, Reed C. Richards, who practices law in Deadwood. Reed and I have known each other since I was just a little kid, he and his brother Carlyle were my next door neighbors at about the time that I was in kindergarten. These two gentlemen are like brothers to me, and they are more or less responsible for having fostered my interest in trains.

In my most recent conversation over the phone with Reed Richards, he told me that they are trying to negotiate with the DM&E for the use of their trackage between Rapid City and Whitewood. Reed told me that Kevin Schieffer was an attorney long before he got into the railroad business and that so far he has proven himself very difficult to negotiate with.

The Deadwood, Black Hills & Western's goal was to have their first trains up and running between Rapid City and Sturgis by the end of July this year, with service into Deadwood projected to begin later this fall. Last year Reed Richards told me that they are hoping to be able to run steam power on the segment of the line between Whitewood and Deadwood. It's going to take them a while to locate a steam locomotive in servicable condition and it will be interesting to see what they come up with. While I kind of have my doubts about the feasibility of this entire project, I am keeping my eyes on it, and watching for any news reports from the press regarding it.

CANADIANPACIFIC2816

                                                                                              

[spokyone]

Thanks Ray. I thought the web site was a bit optimistic.