Nestled among hillside dairy farms, corn fields, and rock quarries, Byron Hill, Wis., sees more than 20 trains per day on Canadian National’s busy Waukesha Subdivision. Positioned halfway between Fond du Lac and Lomira, Wis., the main line is paralleled by two vital roadways, Highways 175 and 41. Branching off of those main arteries are a handful of east-west roads that provide easy access to impressive photo locations. And with grades peaking at 0.99 percent, this stretch of track is unlike anything in the region.
YARDS
CN’s Shops Yard is only a 15-minute drive from Byron Hill. Travel north on Highway 41 to exit 101, which will take you east on Winnebago Street. Follow this road for about one mile, and you’ll end up in the neighborhoods next door to the vast but secluded yard.
RAILROAD FREQUENCIES
161.295 (CN Waukesha Sub); 160.260 (CN Shops Yard); 160.785 (CN Road, north of Fond du Lac). Also, check out this online radio feed.
TRAIN WATCHING
On Byron Hill expect to see heavy freight trains (sometimes equipped with helper power) traversing one of the steepest grades in the state, on a twisting right-of-way, and surrounded by striking Midwestern scenery. Southbound trains start the climb at Valley, the north end of two main tracks just outside of Shops Yard. Northbound trains cruise downhill, making them difficult to follow. Choose one spot and just watch the action unfold. You may even see two trains meet. Two striking photo locations that showcase Byron Hill are at county roads. First, County Road F in the town of Byron has an overpass that provides a great view of the sweeping curves, daunting climb, and scenery. Second, closer to the bottom, the tracks cross County Road B near a horse farm. This photo location is ideal for late evening train-watching and photographing. Most of Canadian National’s trains are manifest freights, but the railroad also operates daily intermodal moves, unit potash trains, and occasional coal trains. Depending on market conditions, or during winter months when iron ore cannot be shipped by boat, CN runs iron ore trains on this route. Canadian National also uses motive power still wearing paint from its predecessors: BC Rail; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; and Illinois Central railroads.
when I go to Byron hill I usually get quit few trains in 15 mins or so