Well, unfortunately, it was gone 2 years before I was even born. (I know I'm dating myself, here). Hopefully Iif I can get enough SD40s, GP40s and SD45s, and some autoracks, and some modules of a few choice scenes, I can recreate the odd #261 going over the Cascades or the Bitterroots. It would be hard to really capture the feel of someplace like Beverly, or Adair loop, but maybe a few smaller, more cozy places I could make into decent modules. Actually my favorite pic in the book is fast becoming the one of the system steel train going over Clear Creek in the loop. I believe Blair Kooistra has a similar shot and, in my mind, I think that was the best vantage point in the Bitterroots
You missed a lot. And so many younger folks who model the modern mega-merger eras as well. Not just MILW and electrics, but the last of steam, all the pre-BN companies and so much more. Class 1 railroading of today is often very bland, colorless, lifeless/dehumanized and simply unimaginative. Miles and miles, of miles and miles. No people in sight, no connection to those communites through which they pass, not taught in schools except occasionally as an insignificant footnote. At least you have recognized something special! At times I wish to have been born a few years earlier. Then I could have seen more closely and known even better the transition period. And all those people, such interesting characters! Oh well.
Regarding passenger service, try The Hiawatha Story by Jim Scribbins. He was (is?) a former employee, has had many a by line in The Milwaukee Railroader ( teh historical society magazine) andhas also published a couple other books. The were published by Kalmbach Publishing (who bring you Model Railroader andTrains monthly). Excellent reading.
Jim was a former employee. I cannot think of what department right now. Has been long retired. I believe he took his pension right about the time Soo Line bought the RR.
Yes, Jim retired I belive in the time frame mentioned above. I met him several times. He was a member of a bluegrass band called Tradional Sounds and played several times at the church I used to attend. I heard he had some health issues a few years ago and don't know if he is still with us. Very nice gentleman. He invited me to attend some talks he was presenting, but I didn't get around to it. At the hobby shop yesterday, I noticed he had a book published titled "The Milwaukee Road 1927-1985" I forget the publisher. I remember he told me he was working on it, and it would cover the time from the second bankruptcy to the final. He was there for most of it and had interviewed other that were around before him. Wish I had followed up on him more, but life got in the way. Another missed opportunity.
I don't recall hearing or reading that he has passed on. You might check on it. The door to opportunity might still be open.
