PHOTO SPOTLIGHT
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As OWL has progressed through the years, the organization as grown not only in its membership, but with its associated families as well.   Not surprisingly, there's  quite a number of  potential next generation members.   Andy Umlauft is no exception.  Here, he shows off his Amtrak scoot, being pushed around the layout by the powered locomotive, at Traintime 2007.



Photo by Ray Meyer
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Photo Spotlight 


PREVIOUS PHOTOS FEATURED

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," thinks the young man as the squeal of steel on steel interrupts the romantic mood. This "intruder" is an Overland Western Lines haulage train operating between Duluth, MN and Madison, WI via the Tomahawk Southern Railroad. From this point, near Wausau, WI, north to almost Merrill, the TS mainline runs along the edge of the Wisconsin River, creating numerous scene spots to take pictures just like this.

Part of raising your kids right includes exposing them to trains at a young age...at least that's what some of us railfans believe. Here we see dad helping his daughter Julia get a good view from inside the layout at Trainfest.

In the north woods of Wisconsin, lumber and pulpwood are still important staples of the local economy. The Tomahawk Southern happens to be one of the logistical cornerstones for moving this local commodity from the forests to the sawmills and papermills in the region.

The bridge across the Wisconsin River at Knowlton is a popular locale for fishmen and railroad photographers alike. Spanning a narrow point on Lake du Bay, the bridge and causeway offer a picturesque landscape for photographic composition, as well as a convenient spot to drown some worms while waiting. Today we're fortunate enough to catch a pair of Wisconsin Central SD45s heading south on the Valley sub towards Junction City after servicing local customers in Wausau, Brokaw and Tomahawk.

"L ook out for that spider!" cried Marty as he prepared to make a hasty retreat up the utility pole. Fortunately, Andy quickly comes to the rescue by dispatching the 8-legged invertibrate with a swift tap of the foot. A potential disaster is averted and a day of rail fanning at Junction City, WI is made safe for all to enjoy. Photo by Ray Meyer
August 2002
Maintenance of the right of way is a necessity for any railroad, and the OWL is no exception. OWL 3039 quietly waits in the siding to allow traffic to pass on the mainline. Eventually, the crew will pull out onto the mainline and resume laying quarter-mile long sections of rail along the sides of the tracks. Later on, the rail gangs will come to change out the rails and perform whatever other track maintenance that is deemed necessary. Photo and editing by Ray Meyer
September 2002
R elics of the past are not an uncommon sight along the right of way. Many of such that remain standing are a testament to their durability and craftsmanship. Quite a number have managed to survive, like this coaling tower, proving more costly to demolish than to leave standing. The tower is no longer needed by the passing freights, having been long since made obsolete by diesel-electric motive power that traverses these rails. Now it sits peacefully amongst the trees that have grown up around the abandoned right of way that it once served, watching more modern power, such as this one pass by. Photo and editing by Ray Meyer
October 2002
T here are several other railroads that hold a controlling interest in the OWL, the Sherwood and Forest Junction happens to be one of them. The SFJ started humbly as a short line to connect local businesses and industry to the mainstream railroads. Through controlled growth and acquistion, the SFJ has expanded to serve much of Northern Wisconsin. Photo and editing by Ray Meyer
November/December 2002
In the recent past of the Overland Western Lines, the railroad faced a motive power crisis due to an expanded traffic base. During this time, a variety of power was leased on a short-term basis, including F45 6650 from the Wisconsin Central leading a westbound manifest train across Hanson's Gap. Photo by Galen Fromm
January 2003
Another pleasant afternoon in downtown Ashland is accentuated by a visit of the local turn. TS 109 strolls down 4th street in the process of its duties, yet only a few bystanders seem to take only a casual notice of its presence. Street running is still a regular occurence here. The city of Ashland is the Northern terminus of the Tomahawk and Ashland, a subsidiary of the Tomahawk and Southern. Both lines provide local, dedicated service to Central Wisconsin industries long since forgotten by the larger regional railroads. Photo by Ray Meyer, Model by Greg Drewiske
February/March 2003
The Tomahawk Southern crosses the bridge on the club layout. Photo by Ray Meyer
January 2002
The OWL glides past a small lake on a lazy summer afternoon. Model by Greg Drewiske, photo and editing by Ray Meyer
February 2002
The OWL group exhibiting the club layout at TrainTime 2001 held at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Photo by Ray Meyer
March 2002
OWL 3081 on the Club Layout. Photo by Ray Meyer
April 2002
The OWL group railfanning in Hastings, MN - April 2001. Photo by Ray Meyer
May 2002

T he crew of OWL 3087 is treated to one of nature's fireworks display on tonight's run as a summer evening thunderstorm rolls across the farmlands of Central Wisconsin. Normally such a sight would bring groans of dismay from the conductor, knowing that later he may have to go trudging through torrential rain to throw a switch or set out a cut of cars. Fortunately, it looks like they're managing to stay ahead of the weather for now. Equally lucky is the photographer, who managed to catch this evening's run at the Arrowhead road overpass with such a spectacular background...and still remain dry.
June/July 2002