Ore trains were fairly common on the "Q", through Downers Grove in the
late Fall. Most were taconite and one could find pellets along the
right of way. The ore movements depended on how quickly the Great Lakes
froze up. One year, I believe there was a strike that resulted in rail
ore movements.
After the winter sets in in Minnesota, even taconite movements become
difficult. However, the taconite mills worked during the winter and the
Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range would stock pile huge mountains of
taconite pellets adjacent to their Duluth ore docks for spring lake
shipment.
I recall that some time around the late '50s or '60s, an ore train
derailed in Downers at about Forest Avenue. Somewhere, I think I have
some slides of the event. Don't recall the exact date. The derailment
was not severe and involve 6 - 12 ore cars. Because of the short wheel
base, the cars have a tendency to bounce.
Bill Barber
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