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Railfanning Guides
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ailfanning the TC&W isn't too
difficult of a task, once you actually find a train. Being a shortline the 'sit-and-wait' strategy doesn't work very well along the TC&W since most
of the system typically doesn't see more than three trains a day. However, in Minneapolis and St. Paul the TC&W passes through some of the busiest
locations in Minnesota, namely Hoffman Ave. and University. Your best bet is to know ahead of time when and where the trains will be to increase
your chances of success and that is precisely what I hope to accomplish here.
The TC&W operates almost exclusively over ex-Milwaukee Road track and it offers a wide variety of settings to see
the trains operate in. From the rich farm lands of western Minnesota and South Dakota to the busy junctions of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the TC&W
has a lot to offer for railfans. Some of the best scenery is between Granite Falls and Appleton but unfortunately it is
the least traveled section of the line. Between these two points the line is in relatively close proximity to the Minnesota River making for
nice rolling prairies and small lakes.
Track speed on the entire line from Tower E-14 (near Hopkins) to Appleton is a modest 30 MPH, making chasing
easy without having to test the local authorities. Within the Twin Cities following the tracks isn't too daunting, provided you have an idea
where you're going. A map is recommended if you're new to the Twin Cities area. Between Hopkins and Cologne is the toughest part of the entire
system to follow because no single road follows the tracks. Many side roads cross the line so you have to be selective in where you see the
train or else you'll lose the train. In Cologne Highway 212 meets up with the TC&W and sticks to the south side of the tracks for the entire
trip to Montevideo, except between Cologne and Norwood. West of Montevideo Highway 7 follows the tracks all the way to Appleton and
into Milbank, South Dakota, the furthest west the TC&W operations reach.
Glencoe and the Hopkins area are the two busiest places on the TC&W system. In each guide you will find information
about what to expect at these locations.
Also included is a guide for all of the popular spots the TC&W runs through in the Twin Cities area.
Note: Only the three location specific railfan guides are finished. I'm still working on the train specific guides, but I released it early just to get something out there.
Daily Trains
Extra/As Needed Trains
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Site Info
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This website was made by hand and I recommend viewing this site at 1280x800 in 16 or 32 bit color for proper display.
If you have any comments, questions, corrections, contributions, etc. please e-mail me at MikeyB09@gmail.com
Copyright 2007 Mike Bargmann All rights reserved.
Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image.
This site and I are in no way connected with the Twin Cities & Western Railroad Co., Minnesota Prairie Line Co. or Red River Valley & Western Railroad Co.
All information posted on these pages was gained from individuals, e-mail lists, other web sites, or my own observations. Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.
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