by Christian S.
After a lengthy one year wait, I finally revisited the old Hawk Mountain Line today (July 17). We got there right on time and, after a nice picnic lunch, purchased our tickets and explord the station and yard area. Track installation to the shop building is not yet complete, and looks to be only about 50% finished. The new GE 65 tonner was out behind No. 7258, and No. 2 was being stored further up the line with No. 602.
We rode the first train of the day. The WK&S has to be one of the most scenic little lines around, clouds or no clouds (hey, you can't get a clear day every time!). Had a great time riding behind ol' 65. The whistle she wore was on the high sounding side, but very melodious and resonant. She's always wearing a different whistle with every visit I make! We rode in the open air gondola car on the way back. 15 mph seems like 30 in the gondola! Hang on! It is one wild ride, but definitely worth it for railfans (we were the only ones there)! It was one of the highlights of the trip for my parents.
After our ride, we browsed the Rigelwig Gift Shop, where I bought the neat little information booklet, Does This Train Go to Hawk Mountain? I highly recommend this book for all those who are interesting in learning a little more of the "ins and outs" of the WK&S.
We then chased the next (2:00) train from Trexler to Steinsville and back. Using Route 143, chasing the 3 mile line is a breeze. Got some great video and good photos to boot! Thankfully the rain held off until we left. All in all it turned out to be a very successful day. I look forward to revisiting the WK&S in September, to see No. 7258 (or No. 602) in operation for the very first time! Enjoy the photos!
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_001.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_002.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_007.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_006.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_009.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_010.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_004.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_003.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_008.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_005.jpg
We rode the first train of the day. The WK&S has to be one of the most scenic little lines around, clouds or no clouds (hey, you can't get a clear day every time!). Had a great time riding behind ol' 65. The whistle she wore was on the high sounding side, but very melodious and resonant. She's always wearing a different whistle with every visit I make! We rode in the open air gondola car on the way back. 15 mph seems like 30 in the gondola! Hang on! It is one wild ride, but definitely worth it for railfans (we were the only ones there)! It was one of the highlights of the trip for my parents.
After our ride, we browsed the Rigelwig Gift Shop, where I bought the neat little information booklet, Does This Train Go to Hawk Mountain? I highly recommend this book for all those who are interesting in learning a little more of the "ins and outs" of the WK&S.
We then chased the next (2:00) train from Trexler to Steinsville and back. Using Route 143, chasing the 3 mile line is a breeze. Got some great video and good photos to boot! Thankfully the rain held off until we left. All in all it turned out to be a very successful day. I look forward to revisiting the WK&S in September, to see No. 7258 (or No. 602) in operation for the very first time! Enjoy the photos!
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_001.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_002.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_007.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_006.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_009.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_010.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_004.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_003.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_008.jpg
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_005.jpg