Kettle Moraine story?

K.R. Bell · **Posted:** Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:39 pm

Could anyone share the history of how the Kettle Moraine Railway, slated for closure at the end of this month, came to be? Also, what about a roster of equipment and total miles of track? Another steam tourist line veteran bites the dust!

Grant Ferguson · **Posted:** Mon Oct 22, 2001 12:44 am

> Could anyone share the history of how the
> Kettle Moraine Railway, slated for closure
> at the end of this month, came to be? Also,
> what about a roster of equipment and total
> miles of track? Another steam tourist line
> veteran bites the dust!
I don't know the history of the line but I had the opportunity to talk with Richard Hindbaugh extensively during STEAMEXPO in Vancouver. He has two locos that should find homes in the west if they become available. One is the former Craig Mountain Lumber Co two truck Heisler and the other is the former Yreka Western 2-6-2. Dare I suggest that the YWRR loco would be perfect for Sacramento or perhaps running on McCloud?

http://www.wcra.org
gferguson@aebc.com

Bob Yarger · **Posted:** Mon Oct 22, 2001 1:08 pm

My understanding is that the KMR was a private, non-profit operation, and I wonder what will happen to the track when and if the equipment leaves? Seems a shame to tear it up for a pittance in scrap when a motorcar or other operating group might retain it as a non-profit entity. Is there a likelihood this might happen?

bobyar2001@yahoo.com

Bob Yarger · **Posted:** Mon Oct 22, 2001 1:09 pm

I meant to day for-profit, not non-profit.

My understanding is that the KMR was a
> private, non-profit operation, and I wonder
> what will happen to the track when and if
> the equipment leaves? Seems a shame to tear
> it up for a pittance in scrap when a
> motorcar or other operating group might
> retain it as a non-profit entity. Is there a
> likelihood this might happen?

bobyar2001@yahoo.com

Jack · **Posted:** Thu Oct 25, 2001 10:04 pm

I believe that the eastern portion of the line will be sold to real estate developers and the western part, where the depot is, will become part of a nature trail network.

jftrolley@aol.com

Paul D · **Posted:** Fri Oct 26, 2001 10:17 am

> I believe that the eastern portion of the
> line will be sold to real estate developers
> and the western part, where the depot is,
> will become part of a nature trail network.

The track wast of the bridge will be removed and sold for part of the trail network. Plans for the western end of the line with the shop building and depot have not been decided.

pfdx@aol.com