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As I have posted in other on-line fora on the topic of Midwestern high speed rail, It is high time we got going on this. WI has been talking and talking and discussing this and related topics for over two decades ( in some parts of the State, almost three decades). It is time that we either build the damn thing, or forget it.
As for those who would balk at incrementally upgrading tracks in stead of building something from scratch, I say one has to start somewhere. Might as well upgrade what we already have before building something completely new (and sure to be much more expensive).
Dakguy201 Member # 10360
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The newspaper article notes the Milwaukee used to make the Twin Cities/Milwaukee/Chicago trip in 6 hours and 15 minutes. Today, the same route runs 8:15 on Amtrak. In those days, the top speed was higher, but I suspect that only accounts for a few minutes of the difference.
Amtrak's average speed for the route (417 miles) is 50.5 mph. Without eliminating stops, could this be improved?
George Harris Member # 2077
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Looking at the November 1945 Official Guide:
Chicago to St. Paul Milwaukee Road: fastest train: 6h30m for 410 miles, 7 stops, 63.0 mph C&NW: fastest train: 6h30m for 396.1 miles, 7 stops, 60.9 mph CB&Q: fastest train: 6h15m for 427 miles, 8 stops, 68.3 mph
The Milwaukee and C&NW each had one 6h30m train in each direction. The Burlington had two fast trains in each direction, all except one scheduled for 6h30m = 65.7 mph average. I think all these, with the possible exception of the Burlington trains were operated with steam. I believe that th espeed limits were 90 mph or 100 mph at that time.
Pst war and with diesels, the times of all may have been cut slightly through the 1950's, at least.
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