We were invited to participate in a private charter of the beautifully restored CNS&M RR 761 which took place at the East Troy Railroad Museum on May 10, 2024. Our video features 761 operating on the former TMER&L line between East Troy and Mukwonago, WI, including some rarely-used trackage.
The trip departed the East Troy depot at 11 AM in perfect weather. We enjoyed numerous photo opportunities including run-bys punctuated by blasts of the air horns. Heading east, 761 not only continued across Highway ES and through Indian Head Park but inched cautiously up the curved interchange track towards the CN (formerly Soo Line) to the end of overhead wire! You will hear the loud clunk of the rail joints on this rarely-used segment.
Our next photo run-by was at Beulah Lake, a former TMER&L passenger stop. Finally we ventured into the mile-long Trent Tube (now Plymouth Tube) siding. This spur continues to be maintained by the Museum although it's rarely used following the cessation of carload freight operations on the East Troy RR several years ago. The stretch of side-of-the-road trackage along Young Street is as interurbanish as it gets! We did not venture all the way to the end of the spur due to deteriorated track.
We wholeheartedly thank the Museum volunteers and crew who hosted our visit for their generous hospitality (and we are grateful to Mother Nature for cooperating)!