From Richard Reynolds #1

The Wisconsin Central diesels (GP-40s - "general purpose" ) are on the point and behind them are the two EMD-E9s (with auto-like front windshields) owned by Wisconsin Southern RR. WI Central is now part of the huge Canadian National rail system. In 1996 Wisc. South. leased from Union Pacific the line from Baraboo down to Madison (formerly a Chicago & Northwestern line). Wisc-Sou hauled the circus train out of Baraboo beginning that year. It's main man is Bill Gardner, sort of a character. His other company, Northern Rail Car, refurbished classic streamline rail passenger cars into lavish private ones. In the above photo, they are seen stretched out behind the diesels including two dome cars. I think Northern Rail Car is now out of business. This photo above (2000) must have been the time that the Great Circus Train took a longer route from Baraboo to Milwaukee. Where this photo was taken must have been on Wis Central's line in the vicinity of Fond du Lac. I figure the route was on Wisc. Southern from Baraboo to just outside Milwaukee and then on the Wisc Central way up to Lake Winnebago in the Neenah-Menasha area and then back to Milwaukee. I did not go to Baraboo that year. In 1997 I was lucky to ride the Gardner train at the front of the circus train out of Baraboo. I rode in the jump seat of the lead diesel from Edgerton to just past Milton Jct. then in Gardner's lavish dome diner from Milton to Whitewater. I wonder what became of that car. Under the dome itt had a long dining table with exquisite breakfront housing fine chinaware. Magnificent! Not even Averell Harriman had a better car when he controlled the mighty Union Pacific. (Photo by Bob Bullerman 7/10/00)