I remember my first day as a WC employee June 14, 1994! Started in the round house then moved to transportation as a switchman in Neenah. Those were some good years. Very good video production! Thanks for the memories and ill be looking for more on the WC from you guys.
After moving to Wisconsin from metro New York City, in 1974, the Soo Line became one of my favorite railroads. While traveling central in northern Wisconsin on business from 1974 through 1978 I spent quite a bit of time chasing Soo Line Trains, and would go by their shops in Stevens Point every chance I got.
One great advantage of that era was the Soo Line's use of the radio to advise crews of upcoming meets and general information. If you had a scanner and knew the Soo Line frequency, you could easily determine where the action was! RR
Found you, on 10/20/23. Ex MILW Back Shop/Diesel House mechanic. Fell in love with the WC when I saw my first train, pulled by an F45, on my way through Mukwanago going to a job interview in 1996. Yes, I was late to the party. The job didn't last, my marriage failed, but my love affair with the WC still continues... Now if someone would create a scale Mega Log Haluer I'd be set.
I was a WC First Day employee. Those first six months were crazy times. There was a good deal of chaos, but it quickly came together to form a railroad that was truly dedicated to customer service. Not only did the WC provide exceptional service to existing customers, but we actively solicited new customers and traffic. In addition, the WC had a great deal of FUN with their railroad such as steam excursions, private car movements, shippers specials and special events for museums and the railfan community. The WC was an excellent railroad that unfortunately was too good to last. RR
I'm sure you guys realized this years ago, but the conductor on that first train was Bob Welke (R.C. Welke). It was spelled incorrectly in Glischinski's and Dobnick's WC book as "R.C. Wilke," too. Bob just couldn't catch a break with that! I remember Bob telling me that after they arrived at North Fondy, someone who looked like an official asked him things went, and his answer was something akin to a "cluster expletive deleted." Turned out that guy was Ed Burkhardt who took it in stride. B.G. Miller was true boomer engineer (I knew him from my Mid-Continent days), and probably one of the last of that breed. WC operations those first several weeks were close to chaotic. From what I remember, they were pretty much settled down by mid to late November.
The first month was chaos. I was the engineer on the very first transfer run to the only hole above ground, Barr Yard. I snapped a beautiful sunny chrome of the train arriving Schiller Park on 10-11-87 with a Soo Bandit MILW SD40-2 on the point. Burkhardt was standing right next to me as I copped the shot and didn't say anything. He was keenly aware that everyone knew who he was. We made a quick crew change and were on our way with our first trip on the brand-new Wisconsin Central Ltd. RR
Ah yes, one of your classic programs that both sparked railfan interest into this #1 regional railroad & one of two that I'm missing for my collection. The ending probably gave many an indication that you folks were planning to produce a FOLLOW-UP companion to this video to give an update on how WC was holding up since the FIRST DAY startup.
There will be a lot more Wisconsin Central coverage. It is difficult to produce our quality programs when the 9 to 5 job takes priority. I am enjoying retirement and the freedom to work on the archive exclusively. I have thrown myself into this project which is very demanding to keep up with. Producing a new Friday Five every week takes at least two full days, consisting of on-camera shooting, footage selection, and editing. It is a challenge that I am really enjoying! RR
@@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq These next two questions are based on another of your programs I hope someday to come across for my collection: For your second WC focused program "1522: FIRST RUN TO FOND DU LAC", were you folks ever able to capture any WC freight train activity while following 1522 along the mainline? Not to mention the RARE SURPRISE of Amtrak's Empire Bulders detouring over the WC during your visit? Turns out they were being rerouted due to a derailment on the SOO LINE in Elm Grove, WIS. Next day they used 4 miles of EJ&E tracks between Roundout, ILL & Leithton, ILL on WC. One year later in July, they made another visit due to another SOO LINE derailment at Portage, WIS.
@@colinmulder6806 The chase of 1522 was extremely demanding and 1522 was the focus of the shoot. There was other freight action out there, but our mission was 1522 and nothing else. We have a lot more footage of the Amtrak detours than was used in First Run to Fond du Lac. Look for First Run to Fond du Lac to be released on this channel in the next few weeks! RR
@@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq Excellent, by that time the first few WC locomotives were painted into the NEW railroad scheme & would probably make a vital addition to be put in you're SECOND WC video if you folks felt up to it.
Me and my Dad totally forgot about the date while we were chasing the big Soo Line units at Portage, wi. We were reminded about the takeover while at the depot.
Looking forward to more! Awesome stuff! I was in my 4th month of the U.S. Army (Ft.Dix NJ) when this happened. I grew up in Rice Lake, WI. CNW mainline/SOO branch line John
Yeah and since CN purchased WC, they broke their promise to keep the rail service as good or better than the WC. Then, almost a couple years ago, CN sold off a bunch of branchlines to Watco and many of these miles were out of service or in the case of the Medford Subdivision from Spencer to Medford, was left in such disrepair that even Watco took it out of service and doesn't seem to have much interest in putting the line back into service...all thanks to CN!
@@loritobin2578What you would expect out of a class 1 RR. WC had the right idea, and the right people to do the job . Damn shame how everything went downhill, including Burkhart starting the MMA. If he had just kept it, not sold it--- he would still be in good shape, and railroading in Wisconsin would be in better shape. Plus--- that really neat paint scheme might still be around.
I remember my first day as a WC employee June 14, 1994!
Started in the round house then moved to transportation as a switchman in Neenah. Those were some good years.
Very good video production!
Thanks for the memories and ill be looking for more on the WC from you guys.
Some good years indeed. Thank you for the kind words. You will be seeing more crazy WC stuff. RR
Nice shot of the soo line locomotives
Thank you for correctly noting "North Fond du Lac", instead of "Fond du Lac". North Fondy born and raised. :D
After moving to Wisconsin from metro New York City, in 1974, the Soo Line became one of my favorite railroads. While traveling central in northern Wisconsin on business from 1974 through 1978 I spent quite a bit of time chasing Soo Line Trains, and would go by their shops in Stevens Point every chance I got.
One great advantage of that era was the Soo Line's use of the radio to advise crews of upcoming meets and general information. If you had a scanner and knew the Soo Line frequency, you could easily determine where the action was! RR
Found you, on 10/20/23. Ex MILW Back Shop/Diesel House mechanic. Fell in love with the WC when I saw my first train, pulled by an F45, on my way through Mukwanago going to a job interview in 1996. Yes, I was late to the party. The job didn't last, my marriage failed, but my love affair with the WC still continues... Now if someone would create a scale Mega Log Haluer I'd be set.
My dad worked for the Soo then the WC during this period. Brings back memories!
I was a WC First Day employee. Those first six months were crazy times. There was a good deal of chaos, but it quickly came together to form a railroad that was truly dedicated to customer service. Not only did the WC provide exceptional service to existing customers, but we actively solicited new customers and traffic. In addition, the WC had a great deal of FUN with their railroad such as steam excursions, private car movements, shippers specials and special events for museums and the railfan community. The WC was an excellent railroad that unfortunately was too good to last. RR
How I miss the high hoods, and the rumble
Interesting, thanks! Note the GP-30's with Alco trucks.
I'm sure you guys realized this years ago, but the conductor on that first train was Bob Welke (R.C. Welke). It was spelled incorrectly in Glischinski's and Dobnick's WC book as "R.C. Wilke," too. Bob just couldn't catch a break with that! I remember Bob telling me that after they arrived at North Fondy, someone who looked like an official asked him things went, and his answer was something akin to a "cluster expletive deleted." Turned out that guy was Ed Burkhardt who took it in stride. B.G. Miller was true boomer engineer (I knew him from my Mid-Continent days), and probably one of the last of that breed. WC operations those first several weeks were close to chaotic. From what I remember, they were pretty much settled down by mid to late November.
The first month was chaos. I was the engineer on the very first transfer run to the only hole above ground, Barr Yard. I snapped a beautiful sunny chrome of the train arriving Schiller Park on 10-11-87 with a Soo Bandit MILW SD40-2 on the point. Burkhardt was standing right next to me as I copped the shot and didn't say anything. He was keenly aware that everyone knew who he was. We made a quick crew change and were on our way with our first trip on the brand-new Wisconsin Central Ltd. RR
@@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq great story and I look forward to more WC videos. Such foresight to get the track warrant audio.
@@TheINTELLIG3NTS History in the making. Audio is often just as, if not more important than video. RR
Thought I'd never here BG Miller again....brings back memories
Great Stuff - much like our human voices, I had forgotten how each Wig-Wag had its own unique tone/rhythm!
Great observation! RR
Excellent stuff! I still have the VHS of this one you guys sold back in the day.
Ah yes, one of your classic programs that both sparked railfan interest into this #1 regional railroad & one of two that I'm missing for my collection. The ending probably gave many an indication that you folks were planning to produce a FOLLOW-UP companion to this video to give an update on how WC was holding up since the FIRST DAY startup.
There will be a lot more Wisconsin Central coverage. It is difficult to produce our quality programs when the 9 to 5 job takes priority. I am enjoying retirement and the freedom to work on the archive exclusively. I have thrown myself into this project which is very demanding to keep up with. Producing a new Friday Five every week takes at least two full days, consisting of on-camera shooting, footage selection, and editing. It is a challenge that I am really enjoying! RR
@@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq These next two questions are based on another of your programs I hope someday to come across for my collection:
For your second WC focused program "1522: FIRST RUN TO FOND DU LAC", were you folks ever able to capture any WC freight train activity while following 1522 along the mainline?
Not to mention the RARE SURPRISE of Amtrak's Empire Bulders detouring over the WC during your visit? Turns out they were being rerouted due to a derailment on the SOO LINE in Elm Grove, WIS. Next day they used 4 miles of EJ&E tracks between Roundout, ILL & Leithton, ILL on WC. One year later in July, they made another visit due to another SOO LINE derailment at Portage, WIS.
@@colinmulder6806 The chase of 1522 was extremely demanding and 1522 was the focus of the shoot. There was other freight action out there, but our mission was 1522 and nothing else. We have a lot more footage of the Amtrak detours than was used in First Run to Fond du Lac. Look for First Run to Fond du Lac to be released on this channel in the next few weeks! RR
@@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq Excellent, by that time the first few WC locomotives were painted into the NEW railroad scheme & would probably make a vital addition to be put in you're SECOND WC video if you folks felt up to it.
Me and my Dad totally forgot about the date while we were chasing the big Soo Line units at Portage, wi. We were reminded about the takeover while at the depot.
Eyyyy I live in Wisconsin
Looking forward to more! Awesome stuff! I was in my 4th month of the U.S. Army (Ft.Dix NJ) when this happened. I grew up in Rice Lake, WI. CNW mainline/SOO branch line John
You will be seeing more crazy WC stuff. Thanks John. RR
Sad the Wisconsin Central Is now Part of CN 😢😢😢😢
Rest in Peace
Wisconsin Central ( WC)
Wisconsin Central had a Beautiful Paint Scheme 🎨
Yeah and since CN purchased WC, they broke their promise to keep the rail service as good or better than the WC. Then, almost a couple years ago, CN sold off a bunch of branchlines to Watco and many of these miles were out of service or in the case of the Medford Subdivision from Spencer to Medford, was left in such disrepair that even Watco took it out of service and doesn't seem to have much interest in putting the line back into service...all thanks to CN!
@@loritobin2578What you would expect out of a class 1 RR. WC had the right idea, and the right people to do the job . Damn shame how everything went downhill, including Burkhart starting the MMA. If he had just kept it, not sold it--- he would still be in good shape, and railroading in Wisconsin would be in better shape. Plus--- that really neat paint scheme might still be around.
Outstanding
Thank you!
0:43 I think I know that BG Miller. Doesn’t he live in New Mexico now?
I never met him while I was with the WC. I don't know where he is now. RR
I just saw him at the Riverside & Great Northern at the Dells.
Washington State, his mom sadly passed away a few years ago, he retired and is running the family farm
Soo Line equipment and a wig wag…….whats not to like 👍👍
Indeed. The Van Dyne wig wag was the location for many incredible runbys. RR
So sad 😞 to see to go cool looking paint jobs . RIP
Ah Soo being the sore thumb with Magnetic Flagman wigwags in a state where the " state flower " was WRRS harp wigwags.
Good observation. You're 100% correct! RR