CN White Pine Branch
CN White Pine Branch
What is the current status of this line?
- SW
- Rail Trail Explorer
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
There was a short thread on this in Nov. 2014. Haven't seen anything anywhere since then...
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=30777
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=30777
Owosso Steve
Re: CN White Pine Branch
Is the SW1 still in White Pine? If not, what is its current location?
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- Railroadfan...fan
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
NS3322 wrote:Is the SW1 still in White Pine? If not, what is its current location?
The WP sub is still inactive. As for the Refinery switcher, it was either moved at the end before refinery closed or is stored in the engine house at White Pine.
Re: CN White Pine Branch
Is the engine house on private property?blackjack1518 wrote:As for the Refinery switcher, it was either moved at the end before refinery closed or is stored in the engine house at White Pine.
Re: CN White Pine Branch
Here are some shots I took of the White Pine Branch back in July.
I unfortunately could not locate the SW1.
White Pine Yard
LP Walsh Road Crossing #1
LP Walsh Road Crossing #2
I unfortunately could not locate the SW1.
White Pine Yard
LP Walsh Road Crossing #1
LP Walsh Road Crossing #2
Re: CN White Pine Branch
There are a few of us who would go here just to see the unused tracks (before they are removed). I like "fossil hunting ".
NS3322 wrote:Here are some shots I took of the White Pine Branch back in July.
I unfortunately could not locate the SW1.
White Pine Yard
LP Walsh Road Crossing #1
LP Walsh Road Crossing #2
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
Re: CN White Pine Branch
I agree. "Fossil hunting" is fun .AARR wrote:There are a few of us who would go here just to see the unused tracks (before they are removed). I like "fossil hunting ".
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- Railroadfan...fan
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
Neat pics, thanks for sharing. My guess is that as long as there is a possibility that some form of mining activity will resume near White Pine, the line will be kept in place.
Re: CN White Pine Branch
Does anyone know when the last time a train went down this branch?
Re: CN White Pine Branch
I recall there being quite a few boxcars in White Pine last time I was in Ontonagon, in 2013 or so. But that was a long time ago.
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- Railroadfan...fan
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
NS3322 wrote:Does anyone know when the last time a train went down this branch?
October 2010 would have been last train. Sometime in late 2010 or early 2011 CN ran track geometry evaluation car. The line has been in "embargo" ever since related track/bridge conditions. If this new copper mine at White Pine ever takes off CN shall have a major track rehab to take place. The company also owns ore rights to deposit at the Copperwood project located 18 miles from the historic White Pine mine site.
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- Railroadfan...fan
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
Well here is good news for this CN track that's been idle.
http://www.mininggazette.com/news/local ... g-sources/
http://www.mininggazette.com/news/local ... g-sources/
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- Railroadfan...fan
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
I couldn't imagine the excitement as a Railfan if I lived near those lines.
Re: CN White Pine Branch
I emailed ILSX a few months ago and I forgot to update this thread, but I received some "new" information on the SW1 #1371 refinery switcher.
Independent Locomotive Service wrote:We sold that unit to White Pine Copper many years ago (don’t know if it is still called that). Last I heard the mine was either idle or they were not shipping buy rail. CN stopped maintaining the line so the locomotive was offered up for sale. No takers because it is basically land locked. That is too bad because it is a nice SW1. Well maintained and stored inside.
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
It's been sitting in the engine house next to the refinery. Not sure what will ever be done with this engine, and if the rail to White Pine will ever be used again. The Copperwood mine just recently received all permits to mine now as of week ago. The company is currently unfunded to build the mine and has said it's been difficult to try and get funded due to soft market with copper. I believe the company had planned to truck the concentrate 100 miles one way to Park Falls, WI to be loaded onto CN rail. But recent news by Highland copper has the concentrate transport as still being studied. CN WP sub would be to costly most likely for CN to bring back online. I would think if rail returns to Ontonagon for the biofuel plant the copper company use that rail and reduce transport costs.NS3322 wrote:I emailed ILSX a few months ago and I forgot to update this thread, but I received some "new" information on the SW1 #1371 refinery switcher.
Independent Locomotive Service wrote:We sold that unit to White Pine Copper many years ago (don’t know if it is still called that). Last I heard the mine was either idle or they were not shipping buy rail. CN stopped maintaining the line so the locomotive was offered up for sale. No takers because it is basically land locked. That is too bad because it is a nice SW1. Well maintained and stored inside.
- Saturnalia
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
The main sticking point for the White Pine Sub is that it can't handle 263K cars. The site selected in Wisconsin is literally the closest point on a CN mainline capable of handling 286K cars, or so the story goes.blackjack1518 wrote:But recent news by Highland copper has the concentrate transport as still being studied. CN WP sub would be to costly most likely for CN to bring back online. I would think if rail returns to Ontonagon for the biofuel plant the copper company use that rail and reduce transport costs.
Re: CN White Pine Branch
Is this building the engine house?blackjack1518 wrote:It's been sitting in the engine house next to the refinery. Not sure what will ever be done with this engine, and if the rail to White Pine will ever be used again.
Another blow to the WP Sub.Saturnalia wrote:The main sticking point for the White Pine Sub is that it can't handle 263K cars. The site selected in Wisconsin is literally the closest point on a CN mainline capable of handling 286K cars, or so the story goes.
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
This isn't the first time someone suggested Ontonagon rail be re-laid. I guess it just doesn't make any sense that they would do that after having removed it not that long ago.blackjack1518 wrote:It's been sitting in the engine house next to the refinery. Not sure what will ever be done with this engine, and if the rail to White Pine will ever be used again. The Copperwood mine just recently received all permits to mine now as of week ago. The company is currently unfunded to build the mine and has said it's been difficult to try and get funded due to soft market with copper. I believe the company had planned to truck the concentrate 100 miles one way to Park Falls, WI to be loaded onto CN rail. But recent news by Highland copper has the concentrate transport as still being studied. CN WP sub would be to costly most likely for CN to bring back online. I would think if rail returns to Ontonagon for the biofuel plant the copper company use that rail and reduce transport costs.NS3322 wrote:I emailed ILSX a few months ago and I forgot to update this thread, but I received some "new" information on the SW1 #1371 refinery switcher.
Independent Locomotive Service wrote:We sold that unit to White Pine Copper many years ago (don’t know if it is still called that). Last I heard the mine was either idle or they were not shipping buy rail. CN stopped maintaining the line so the locomotive was offered up for sale. No takers because it is basically land locked. That is too bad because it is a nice SW1. Well maintained and stored inside.
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- Railroadfan...fan
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Re: CN White Pine Branch
It is my understanding that the 12 miles of rail relay into Ontonagon is a must for this biofuel plant. This was a really big deal when ELS removed the rail so quickly, as had been told to the railroad something would be in the works. Most likely pulled up because of it's heavy pound rail with resale value.