Wisconsin Southern- Excursion?

Probably not an "excursion"exactly but, maybe Bill Gardner is planning on using some of his private passenger equipment for a "Santa Train" for employees and local community folks.

Thanks Hot Water.

Could be this excursion..

"Wisconsin & Southern Railroad and the Old Feed Mill offer monthly, roundtrip rail excursions from Madison to Mazomanie. Travel through Black Earth Creek Valley to Mazomanie, where you can enjoy a family-style dinner at the Old Feed Mill Restaurant. After dinner, shop historic downtown Mazomanie, then return to Madison."

 

BTW...Gardner is long gone.

http://host.madison.com/news/l...f8-001a4bcf887a.html

 

One position that's been vacated is that of former Wisconsin & Southern President Bill Gardner, who, according to the source, was pushed out last month after complaining about the way Watco has gone about operating the railroad. A flashpoint between Watco and Gardner was the firing of a company manager, which Gardner objected to.

In January, Watco bought 90 percent of the railroad from Gardner, who kept 10 percent ownership of the company. The financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, but the source says Watco purchased the 90 percent share of the company for $63 million. Gardner’s take was pushed to over $70 million when he sold his remaining stake in the company last month.

Read more: http://host.madison.com/busine...4.html#ixzz3KacVuXzl

Wonder how the "departure" of Gardner will affect any future steam operations with Soo Line Mike #1003. 

Thats a good question. I was thinking that too as well as Amtrak that ran Chicago to Janesville for a time on the W&S over the old Madison Cut Off....There was very recent talk about re-instituting Madison service. Despite the current governor's anti-rail position, light rail is coming to Milwaukee. A lot of changes in my old home state. WATCO is an unknown. Gardner was very pro-passenger.

I wasn't aware that Watco owned WSOR.  I wonder if that will be good or bad for the railroad?

Personally, I think it is.They are specialists in short line operations, and are very good at soliciting new traffic. As far as steam and passenger service ( excursion and otherwise ) Gardner ( in my opinion) is irreplaceable. It makes a huge difference when the CEO is also a fan. Time will tell but I am somewhat skeptical as they seem "strictly business"

I hope I am wrong.

Could be this excursion..

"Wisconsin & Southern Railroad and the Old Feed Mill offer monthly, roundtrip rail excursions from Madison to Mazomanie. Travel through Black Earth Creek Valley to Mazomanie, where you can enjoy a family-style dinner at the Old Feed Mill Restaurant. After dinner, shop historic downtown Mazomanie, then return to Madison."

I think you might be right.  Although my son went to Chicago this weekend, I found out the video was shot in Madison.

 

Thanks electroliner.

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It makes a huge difference when the CEO is also a fan.

Ain't that the truth.

These videos I took showcased Soo Line 1003 operating on November 8th and 9th of this year for the Santa Train in Hartford and a test run from Burnett to Horicon, all on the WSOR/WATCO main. I've even received an email from Mr. Burt Mall, one of the crew members, thanking me for the videos and lastly stating that while there are no plans at the moment, he feels that they will operate 1003 next year.

 

 

 

It would be highly suggested to keep on supporting both the locomotive and the organization, Steam Locomotive Heritage Association. Even with the WATCO takeover and Gardner out of the picture, I wouldn't count 1003 out just yet. Then again, just my 2 cents.

Have a good day.

Pretty nice stuff Luke! I've always liked that Soo 1003, and know a number of the crew members. I sure hope the future is VERY bright for their operations.

Great footage and 1003 never looked better!  For those old heads in the audience, that mill in Burnett, WI was the subject of a construction article in the May 1959 Model Railroader by John Wollin. The model was on the cover, too.

I hope you're right!

 

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Thanks.

1003 has a lagging eccentric crank, which gives the engine kind of a limp-wristed look, when running. Also, this series of Soo Line Mikados had extended piston rods at the time of their construction; the front of the cylinders have a patch over the hole that accomadated the protruding rods. These elements were characteristic of locomotives built in the 1910-1920 range.