By Mark W. Olson

No doubt about it – local railroad lines have been a key point of discussion this year.

First came the March 23 collapse of a Union Pacific Railroad trestle bridge near Carver, which could mean the end to the city’s downtown line.

Then came the summer push from Twin Cities and Western officials for local government to consider using their line for commuter rail.

With the possible abandonment of Chaska’s downtown line, TC&W remains the only active line in town (and in the county).

The line crosses the entire county, and most of the state.

While many residents have heard the whistle of TC&W engines over the years, few have probably given it much thought.

However, for Mike Bargmann, 23, of St. Louis Park, the train that crosses Carver County has become a passion. He has thrown his expertise about railroads into his Web site: www1.webng.com/tcwr.

The site is a one-stop shop, with TC&W news, history, equipment and photos.

The Herald decided to throw Bargmann a few questions about trains, and his interest in railroads.

Q: How did you become interested in the TC&W line?

A: My father is interested in trains so he introduced me to them as soon as he could and I’ve never lost interest.

I’ve also lived with railroad tracks in my backyard for almost my entire life and my father had a model train layout for the majority of my childhood so trains were always around.

I lived in two houses next to railroad tracks and the TC&W ran by both houses so I’ve grown up watching the railroad. As I started to become seriously interested in railroads the TC&W was just outside of my door so that naturally got a lot of my attention.

I’ve also always been fascinated by the Milwaukee Road who was the operator of the line before the SOO Line and eventually the TC&W.

Q: What fascinates you most about TC&W?

A: The history of the line is really interesting to me since it was once the Milwaukee Road’s transcontinental mainline.

The TC&W also runs through the areas that I grew up so there is a natural attraction to the railroad.

Probably the most interesting part of the TC&W is watching the railroad grow and seeing new trains running. It’s refreshing to see the TC&W expand considering all the downsizing by railroads in the past 20 years. The railroad industry as a whole is growing.

Q: What makes it special from other railroad lines?

A: I guess you could say I like the TC&W by default. Over the years I’ve spent countless hours watching the trains operate where I’ve grown up, so there is a certain degree of sentimental value involved.

Through the years I’ve met a lot of the crew members, some that I’ve now known for almost 15 years, so I enjoy seeing them.

There really aren’t any specific things that make the TC&W special; it’s just been my childhood railroad that I can still see today. Also, because of its relatively small size, 229 miles, keeping up with the details of the railroad isn’t too much of a daunting task.

Q: Are there other TC&W enthusiasts out there?

A: Definitely, but few follow it as closely as I do. The Twin Cities is home to a lot of people interested in photographing trains.

Q: How much time do you spend each week photographing trains?

A: The amount of time photographing trains varies greatly from week to week. I sometimes go weeks without photographing any trains at all, but usually I get out two to three times a week.

The amount of time I spend photographing trains can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours in a day. It really depends on the weather and what trains are running. If I could, I would do it for a living but unfortunately that probably won’t happen.

Q: How much time do you spend on the Web site? It’s very comprehensive – is there more you wish to add to the site?

A: In the beginning I was spending a lot of time on it. I worked on it almost everyday but I’ve since cut back and only work on it when I have free time.

I don’t have an exact numbers, but I’m sure the number of hours is in the hundreds. I always have photos to add and even more information to add so it’s an ongoing process. I have a reasonable amount of photos and information on the website now so I’m just adding to it as I can.

Q: Are railroad fans called “Railfans” or what is the correct term?

A: Yes, that is what we often refer to ourselves as. The term is not inclusive to photographers but applies to anyone who is actively interested in railroads.

Railroading is a very complex industry and as a result there are many different areas that a person can be interested in. I am mainly interested in the photography, operations, locomotives and local history. Anyone who is actively interested in any aspect of railroads could be called a railfan.

Q: Is there a lot of networking between railroad enthusiasts?

A: Railfans are always talking to each other and sharing information. Most of it is done on the Internet through Web sites and public and private e-mail lists.

For most, this is the only way to obtain information, but some of the fortunate enthusiasts have access to railroad computers to obtain information. A lot of railfans also use the Internet to share their photos.

Q: Are there other area railroads that you have interest in?

A: The BNSF is a particularly interesting railroad with their large assortment of motive power. My favorite railroads are the Milwaukee Road, Great Northern, SOO Line, Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern, Chicago & Northwestern and the Burlington Northern. All of these railroads have since been either purchased by other railroads or merged.

Q: What’s your favorite type of engine and why?

A: I don’t have a single favorite engine but I especially like the EMD SD45-2. It’s powered by a 20-cylinder 645E3 engine that gives it a unique and powerful sound.

I’m also a fan of EMD SD40-2s mostly because most of my favorite railroads, past and present, operate these engines. The EMD SD9 is a favorite because of its unique look the sound of the first generation engine (567C) that is quickly being phased out of service. Basically, anything that was in service in the 1960s and 1970s is what I like.

Q: Do you collect railroad memorabilia of any type?

A: I do, but it is not my main interest. I very much enjoy the history of local railroads but only have a few items of railroad memorabilia.  

Q: Do you live near the TC&W railroad tracks?

A: Technically, no. The TC&W is the main operator of the line in St. Louis Park but the CP owns the trackage. 

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I lived in St. Louis Park along the MN&S at Park Manor until I was 9 years old. My family then moved to Eden Prairie right next to the TC&W and I lived there until 2004. I then moved to Minnetonka next to the BNSF and I now live in St. Louis Park, near the CP and TC&W. 

Q: What were your interests as a child?

A: Railroads have always been a big interest of mine mostly because of my father. As a child I was interested in cars, water skiing and riding BMX bicycles among other things. Ever since my mother brought home a computer from work, I’ve been interested in computers. It wasn’t too long after that I began to make Web sites.

Mike Bargmann’s tips

for good train photos

* The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Photograph what you like, not what others tell you.

* Generally, the best results are had on sunny days.

* Try to avoid shooting the same photo repeatedly and don’t be afraid to try different things.

* Be mindful of composition, focus, exposure and the angle you’re shooting the train from.

* I always try to have a mental picture of the shot I want before the train comes to help me with composition or if the location is even worth shooting.

* Look at some of the established railroad photographers photos and compare your own to see how you can improve.

* For some general schedules of when TC&W trains travel through certain towns, check out Bargmann’s Web site.