Norfolk, Nebraska

Folks,

I went way out of my way to see the Nebraska Central operation in Norfolk, NE. I knew there was a huge Nucor Steel plant, among others there, but what surprised me was that there were dozens of ARMN reefers spread throughout town, spaced out in most cases (not coupled), but no sign of any reefer customers there. Tyson has a plant in town, but no spur anymore, and it didn't look like these would be loaded where they were.

Second, Norfolk has what appears to be remnants of an east/west line that is used in part. What might have this been at one time? Thx.

This site seems to indicate it was C&NW's Cowboy Line.

http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guide ... cowboy.asp

dhaugh wrote:Folks,

I went way out of my way to see the Nebraska Central operation in Norfolk, NE. I knew there was a huge Nucor Steel plant, among others there, but what surprised me was that there were dozens of ARMN reefers spread throughout town, spaced out in most cases (not coupled), but no sign of any reefer customers there. Tyson has a plant in town, but no spur anymore, and it didn't look like these would be loaded where they were.

Second, Norfolk has what appears to be remnants of an east/west line that is used in part. What might have this been at one time? Thx.

The east west line was the old CNW Fremont to Chadron line (the coyboy ) that was abandoned in the early 80's. The Nucor plant is on the old CStPM&O Sioux City Ia - Norfolk NE branch. This line was abandoned in the 75-78 range. The UP (now Nebraska Central) come into Norfolk from the south. The ARMN cars maybe getting loaded with cheese or beef. There used to be a chesse processor up near Randolph (I haven't been home in 20 years so I'm not sure what is left up there)