Trainfanning NS in Milwaukee

 I live about three blocks from the Chicago and Milwaukee Subdivision, C&M Sub, tracks that are owned by Canadian Pacific (CP or now CPKC). I remember watching Amtraks and Soo Line trains on these lines when I was 12 years old.  I also live over 100 miles from any Norfolk Southern owned tracks. It is, however, possible to see Norfolk Southern trains and locomotives here in Milwaukee, on both the C&M Sub and the Union Pacific's Milwaukee Subdivision.  If you take a look at the "Growth" video from Norfolk Southern, at :43, you'll see the C&M Sub in Southeast Wisconsin.

The picture to the right is a screenshot from NS' video that shows the "western partners' network." NS trains have been reported by NS railfans who live out in Washington State. What a thrill it is for them too! To note that on the C&M Sub, there is a variety of locomotives from all American Class I railroads: CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific, and, of course, Canadian Pacific its newly acquired Kansas City Southern. 

I love those horse heads! So, when can I see a Norfolk Southern train in Milwaukee?!  The answer: At anytime, on Waterford Avenue (crossing 387-975K) Up until lately, I have seen them at night, while coming home from work, at after 10 pm. An NS train is usually coming around the corner slowly, crossing over the Howard Avenue trestle. NS trains can be quite noisy and downright spooky cutting through the dark with black locomotives. They then emerge out of the dark and into the street lights with their white graphics. It's quite breathtaking!

Another time for NS trains in Milwaukee, Waterford Ave., is at about midday starting at about 10 am anytime during the week.  Anytime during the weekend, but especially afternoons, is also a time for NS trains.  The best way I know they're out there is with my scanner, and they usually have a track warrant, call out the train number starting with "NS" (ex. NS 102), are called "Norfolk" by the dispatcher. If you just want to see an NS locomotive, there could be conversation with a train crew where the call out the numbers! Listen for NS and a number, like "NS 1092."