Exploring Wisconsin Central Branch Lines, Into the North Woods

In Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin Central freights operated over a network of secondary routes and branch lines to serve the industries of this remote area.

During the summer of 2001, with the Canadian National takeover imminent, we ventured into the lush birch evergreen forests to capture daily operations over much of this trackage. While one could easily view many more trains on the main line, our goal was to document pure sets of WC power operating on backwoods jobs during Wisconsin Central’s final summer. We invite you to join us as videographer Dan Hadley ventures out into the north woods in search of the essential Wisconsin Central. Our coverage includes the Whitehall, Valley, Bradley, Ashland, White Pine, Marinette, L’Anse, Manistique and Newberry Subdivisions.

Wisconsin Central’s eclectic collection of locomotives are evident in this show as many of their 4 axle units polish the rails of these secondary lines. Plenty of WC’s SD45’s are still shown working freight and ore trains. We also get a glimpse of operations on the Tomahawk Railway and the Lake Superior and Ishpeming.

Don’t miss this program as it showcases what was one of the greatest railroads in America! Spectacular scenery and phenomenal trains can be found “Into the Northwoods”!