Centuries of the North Woods, Part 3: Lake Shore Division, continued

Centuries of the North Woods is the epic documentary about the Chicago & North Western’s Alco C628 locomotives in iron ore service in Upper Michigan. In Part 3, we follow the loaded trains from Empire Mine back home. And we’ll explore the C&NW’s old and new facilities in Escanaba.

[@gtptube]

I can't get enough of this stuff! It's motivated me to finish my HO scale ore train with 3/4 C&NW 628a

[@briandonovan9560]

Those tracks were sure put to the test... Alco locomotives are great.

[@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq]

The CNW did a good job of maintaining the track for the ore trains. They didn't seem to have near the trouble N&W did with putting the C628s on the ground. RR

[@danielkennedy1524]

A great Railroad! I was fortunate enough to be in Lake Bluff where the passenger and freight lines came together! As a kid I would chat from a little hill with the caboose as they waited to roll to get back on the north run! What memories! Great video!

[@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq]

Thank you! Lake Bluff was also a favorite location of ours. RR

[@patricknoveski6409]

I find these engines intriguing. Looks like the trainmen love em too. Plenty power to throw around an ore train. Would like to model these up in the north woods So cool. Thank you.

[@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq]

If you watched Extra 6706 West, you should have notice during the conductor interview that CNW initially used four C628s on the ore trains. They learned quickly that four units had more power than the trains needed, and they were tearing them apart with knuckle and drawbar failures. RR

[@ShawnCalay-hi6gy]

It woulda been really cool to see a regional pop up and use these more ...

[@stevensproull9388]

Nice to see a Caboose!

[@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq]

The CNW put it on the train for us so we could interview the conductor. The CNW was extremely generous with their assistance in the production of Centuries and Extra 6706 West. RR

[@ShawnCalay-hi6gy]

I got many rides on those GP7s between west Chicago and Carol stream....I remember when only Meyers concrete was getting boxcars of Portland, Brach's had already shut down, they were not happy with the abandonment...before I moved I walked that branch and the right of way for Brach's still has a ballasted road bed. Even the caboose flip flop area was still there...love the history of CNW.

[@gailyncookMilwRR]

Thanks for another Great video! Speaking of CNW have you or anyone you know, heard of Mr. Lloyd A. Keyser? He is a friend of mine who has spent his entire career on the CNW. Also has authored a 4 volume book set. Covering the CNW. If you ever find a set of his books you should buy them. You will love reading every page and the photos are Great! Also His co-author is Phil Borleske The covers are what else but Green & Yellow!

[@IowaGrandpaTrain]

I know Lloyd. Hope he is doing well.

[@gailyncookMilwRR]

@@IowaGrandpaTrain I'm glad to hear from you! Lloyd is a great guy. I have not seen him since Jan. or Feb. I met him in a group of Train guys that meet for breakfast on Friday mornings. However with my work I don't get there very much. The group does pass around info about each other! As of now I have not heard from anyone so I'm hoping he is doing good! If I do hear anything, I will pass the info to you on this comment thread. Unless you have your own way of contacting him directly. Please keep in touch anytime!

[@dan2304k]

Wonderful. I would have found your channel earlier if "CNW" or "C&NW" were in some of the titles!

[@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq]

Thank you! We will fix that right away. RR

[@markjorgensen3179]

Awesome.

[@EastEndProductionsArchiv-lm3lq]

Thanks!