On my way down the River on that fateful evening of Wednesday, 8-1, when I was halfway between New Albin and Lansing; just north of Kains Siding, I noticed what looked like a new siding that had just been constructed. Considering the proximity to Kains (which at 8,400 feet long is no shorty) I thought at first it was perhaps an extension of the siding. But on my return trip yesterday afternoon I see that this new "siding" is actually a lead track to a new tie loading/unloading (?) location where there are stacks of ties on the ground there. There weren't any cars there at the moment but it's nice to see that the ICE is innovative and that new business is constantly being developed where feasible.
Also, I noticed when I arrived into Lansing that the ICE had removed the last two remaing Milwaukee Road-style crossbucks that had been in place at a couple locations on the north side of town which saddened me a bit as I hated to see the last few remaining vestiges of Milwaukee Road heritage disappear and be replaced by newer style crossbucks (the smaller standard version that seems so prevalent now). Anybody know of any Milwaukee Road style crossbuck signs still standing anywhere?
Miles City, MT. There is a portion of the mainline there that still has a few.
I know the style you are referring to. It is sad to see them go.
Interesting to know. I thought I had heard somewhere that the ICE was expanding Kains to make it longer, but I hadn't heard about a siding for ties too. Perhaps it's for the ICE to stage a large tie project on? Or it could be a new industry too I suppose. I'll have to check that out the next time I'm over that way chasing ICE trains (though that could be a little while).
Noah
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