Wisconsin and Southern Railroad: A Comprehensive Guide

The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is a unique and fascinating part of the state's transportation history. The railroad was established in 1881 to connect the cities of Milwaukee and Madison.

It was originally designed to transport goods and passengers between the two major cities, with a route that spanned over 100 miles. The railroad played a crucial role in the development of the state's economy and infrastructure.

One of the most notable features of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad was its use of steam locomotives. These powerful engines were used to haul trains along the railroad's tracks, with some locomotives dating back to the 19th century.

The railroad's route took it through some of the state's most scenic and rural areas, including the rolling hills and farmland of southern Wisconsin. This made it a popular route for tourists and locals alike, who would often take trains to explore the countryside.

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The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad has a fascinating history that spans over four decades. It began operations in 1980 when the state acquired several Milwaukee Road branch lines.

The railroad was chartered by the FSC Corporation to operate these lines, which are located in the southern areas of the state, serving towns such as Oshkosh, Prairie Du Chien, Monroe, Kiel, and Reedsburg.

One of the most significant events in the railroad's history was the acquisition of the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1992. This acquisition gave WSOR access to new markets and expanded its reach.

In 1996, WSOR leased ex-C&NW trackage in the Madison area from the Union Pacific Railroad, further expanding its network. The railroad also acquired an ex-Milwaukee Road line between Madison and Watertown from the Soo Line Railroad in 1998.

The state of Wisconsin issued $17.1 million in financial aid to WSOR in 2012 to rehabilitate 11 miles of rail line between Plymouth and Kohler. This investment helped to revitalize the railroad and improve its services.

WSOR was named the 2009 Regional Railroad of the Year by Railway Age magazine, a testament to its hard work and dedication to the community.

Here are some key dates in the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's history:

The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad (WSOR) is a Class II regional railroad that operates in Southern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois.

It's headquartered in Madison, which is also a central hub terminal. The train dispatching office is located in Horicon.

WSOR operates on former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) and Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW) trackage, mostly acquired by the state of Wisconsin in the 1980s.

The railroad has access to harbor facilities in Prairie du Chien, and transload facilities are located in Milwaukee, Janesville, Madison, and Oshkosh.

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The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad has a unique operations setup, which allows it to efficiently manage its rail network. The railroad's operations are primarily focused on freight transportation, with a strong emphasis on serving the agricultural and manufacturing industries in the region.

The railroad's main line runs from East Troy to Milwaukee, with various branches and sidings that connect to industrial sites and farms. This extensive network enables the railroad to provide reliable and timely service to its customers.

The railroad's operations are supported by a fleet of locomotives, including diesel and electric engines. These locomotives are well-maintained and regularly serviced to ensure optimal performance and safety.

The railroad's operations team is highly trained and experienced, with many employees having spent their entire careers working for the railroad. Their expertise and knowledge of the rail network are invaluable assets to the railroad's operations.

Safety is a top priority for Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, as seen in the recent derailment in Hartford. Three train workers were hospitalized with minor injuries.

Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, with 80 personnel from multiple departments arriving to help contain the spill and manage potential hazards. Fire officials said the derailment ruptured fuel tanks on the engines, releasing several thousand gallons of diesel into the ground.

The good news is that containment efforts were largely successful, with crews digging trenches and pumping the spilled diesel to prevent it from reaching nearby waterways. A cracked nitrous oxide tank was also found at the scene but was not leaking.

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and a private remediation company, Clean Harbors, are overseeing the environmental cleanup. Crews are expected to remain on the scene for at least an additional two hours to ensure all safety risks are addressed.

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by Wisconsin & Southern's incident response team. They will begin recovering the derailed cars and getting the train functional again once all safety risks are addressed.

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The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is a fascinating topic, and if you're looking to get a sense of what this article covers, let's take a look at the contents.

The article is divided into several sections, each providing a wealth of information about the railroad.

The first section, "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Overview", sets the stage for the rest of the article, giving you a broad understanding of the railroad's history, operations, and significance.

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad is a railroad company that operates in the Midwestern United States, with a strong presence in Wisconsin and Southern states.

The second section, "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Roster", provides a detailed list of the railroad's locomotives, including their types, numbers, and specifications.

You can find information on the different types of locomotives, including diesel and electric engines.

The third section, "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Business Train Roster", focuses on the railroad's business trains, including their schedules, routes, and cargo.

Business trains are an essential part of the railroad's operations, carrying freight and passengers across the region.

The fourth section, "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Train Symbols", explains the different symbols and markings used on the railroad's trains, including their logos, colors, and warning signs.

You'll learn about the various symbols and their meanings, which can be helpful in identifying the trains and understanding their purpose.

Here's a list of the main sections in the article:

The final two sections, "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad North Division Customers" and "Wisconsin & Southern Railroad South Division Customers", provide information on the railroad's customers and their locations in the northern and southern parts of the state.

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The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad roster is a fascinating collection of locomotives, each with its own unique history. The roster includes a mix of GP38-2, GP39-2, SD40-2, and SD60M locomotives.

One notable locomotive is the WAMX 3928, a GP39-2 built in 1976. It was originally UP 1234 and has been repainted in WSOR 35th Anniversary livery.

The roster also includes several SD40-2 locomotives, including WAMX 4170, which was originally WSOR 4001 and has been repainted in WSOR 40th Anniversary livery.

Here's a breakdown of the locomotives in the roster:

These locomotives have undergone many changes in ownership and livery over the years, but they remain an essential part of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's operations.