5 C&NW SD40-2 arrived Ames, and it would be soon to change direction to enter Jewell Branch.
It was Chicago & North Western Railroad's important mainline.However, Union Pacific always want to have it, because it is the best route go westward from Chicago. Finally, C&NW was merged into Union Pacific in 1995, but until now, you still can very easily see them running through Ames.
The branch line connected Des Moines, Ames and northward to Jewell JCT was a narrow gauge in 19 century. This Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad company was formed by Jame Callanan. He planned to build railroad from Des Moines to northern towns.
1874.7.29 Des Moines - Ames (37miles) had done. They want to go further to McGregor(a town near Mississippi River) and finally reach Twin Cities, MN.
1877.7.5 This company reorganized to Des Moines & Minneapolis RR.
1878.4.1.They reached about 20 miles north of Ames and 17.5 miles south of Jewell.
1879.10.1 This RR leased to C&NW.
1880.7.10 C&NW converted this RR to standard gauge 1435mm.
Now, part of the tracks from Des Moines to Ames is still existed. They just took out tracks from Ames end. The branch line from Ames to Jewell JCT is still alive. I always wait for trains there. However, not too many trains run on it.
My friend, Dan Kelly said : "The tracks are still in for much of the route from Des Moines to Jewell, except for a 10 mile stretch from Ames southward to Slater. The line northward from Ames carries 1 to 2 daily trains and the UP plans to upgrade the tracks to allow trains to go 40 mph instead of 10mph. The UP also plans to run their new 6 axle, 6000 hp engines on the Jewell Branch. The line from Des Moines to Slater is, to my knowlege, still used, but right now UP will not upgrade the line."
NWL editor Paul K. Swanson remember:" I have seen a work train near the Ames depot which was over by Hwy. 69 (northeast of the Target store), and a line-car working near the power plant (at least that's all I can tell). I have one photo of a C&NW GP7 sitting on the line running south out of town. I took it from the Target parking lot. The line was being abandoned. I have video of 1385 when she came into town from the south."
This is Jewell branch. 5 C&NW SD40-2 were going northward.
There are many nice photos I took when I was there. Please see the Map first!!!
Location 1 * Location 2 * Location 3 * Location 4 * Location 5
