Western Railroad Discussion > BNSF on Steward curve and other musings

A little history on Steward (IL) curve on the old Chicago & Iowa (CB&Q, BN, BNSF.)
My Grandfather's farm sits to the east of this elevator just west of Steward. Years ago, the Q surveyed through his fields with the intent to straighten the curve. Being a tough, stubborn Norwegian, he pulled up their stakes behind them and in no uncertain terms told them to get off his land.
So, the curve was never straightened and trains have been slowing to 40 for it all of these years.
As a kid, I got a nice slow, close-up view of the Empire Builder/North Coast Ltd's and Morning/Afternoon Zephyr's thanks to my Grandpa (Along with Chinese red GP's and SD's and Grayback painted covered wagon-powered freights!) Also, had the MILW F's on the Ladd local that branched off at Steward Jct--just to the right of the first photo.
These shots were taken this past Saturday--enjoy!

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An older unit leadin' a consit, that's nice!

Thanks for that piece of trivia. I was always a little curious about why that curve was never straightened out, leaving a slow spot in an otherwise very high speed main line.

Nice story MJ, darn those stubborn Nordic grandparents (and great-grandparents)! Heck if it weren't for their strong will, some of us might not exist in this country!

Anyone know what those dumb, noisy birds are called? They sure like to hold their ground around the RR tracks. Get to close and they run away from you (and making that distinct noise as they flutter) but as soon as you turn around they follow you right back to the same spot. They often show off their wings to you - not sure if it is a show of territorial dominance or a confused mating dance!

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espeeboy Wrote:
Anyone know what those dumb, noisy birds are
> called? They sure like to hold their ground around
> the RR tracks.
>
> ~~~


Red wing black bird?

QU25C Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> espeeboy Wrote:
> Anyone know what those dumb, noisy birds are
> > called? They sure like to hold their ground
> around
> > the RR tracks.
> >
> > ~~~
>
>
> Red wing black bird?

Richard, check glasses--grin! They're killdeer birds,Ryan--their call sounds like "killdeer" "killdeer"--They make their nests along the tracks and do that injiured act to keep predators away from their nests. Go on youtube and check 'em out!

That is right, killdeer they are. They will make there nest anywhere. upkpfan