What kind of motive power and equipment was used on the passenger train that traversed the “cowboy line” in the 1950s?
In 1950 there was a Pacific steam locomotive, pulling a number of head-end cars (mostly baggage); coaches (as needed), plus one 14 section sleeping car. This was train 13/14 from Omaha to Chadron. By 1953 a steam-generator equipped diesel, a GP7, was used on most runs. Then, in 1954, an E-7 was used. Also in 1953, a rebuilt/modernized diesel-electric motor, 9926, car was sent to the area. It took the connecting train from Chadron to Rapid City, but it may have hauled trains 13/14 once in a while. Joe– Q: Could you tell me when the last train went through Valentine, Nebraska. Cherry County is composing a book, “A Sandhills Century Book Three…Plus 25”, and we would like to write an article on “The Death of The Railroad and The Coming of The Cowboy Trail”. Any information you could give us would be appreciated. Mary A: The line was officially abandoned by the C&NW, Norfolk to Merriman, on 08-31-94. We do not know when the last train went over the line because Nature effectively abandon
