WSOR Corporate Profile & General Operations
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is classified as a Class I regional railroad operating primarily in Southern Wisconsin.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is classified as a Class II regional railroad, not a Class I railroad, and operates in both Southern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois.
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The headquarters and central hub terminal for the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad are both situated in Horicon, Wisconsin.
Explanation: The headquarters and central hub terminal for the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad are located in Madison, Wisconsin. Horicon serves as the train dispatching office and a secondary maintenance location.
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From its inception in 1980 until 2011, the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad consistently used the reporting mark WAMX.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad used the reporting mark WSOR from 1980 to 2011, adopting WAMX only after 2011.
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The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad system is geographically structured into three main divisions for train operations.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad system is geographically structured into two main divisions: the Northern Division and the Southern Division.
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The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad operates on a narrow track gauge of 3 feet 6 inches.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad operates on a standard track gauge of 4 feet 8 1/2 inches (1,435 mm), which is the most common railway track gauge worldwide.
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The total operational length of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's network is approximately 500 miles.
Explanation: The total operational length of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's network is 837 miles (1,347 km).
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What is the primary classification of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad (WSOR)?
Answer: Class II Regional Railroad
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is classified as a Class II regional railroad, indicating its operational scope and size within the rail industry.
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Who is the current parent company of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad?
Explanation: Watco, a company specializing in transportation and logistics, is the current parent company of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad.
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Where is the headquarters of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad located?
Answer: Madison, Wisconsin
Explanation: The headquarters of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is located in Madison, Wisconsin, which also serves as a central operational hub.
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What reporting mark did the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad use from 1980 to 2011?
Explanation: From its inception in 1980 until 2011, the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad utilized the reporting mark WSOR.
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For train operations, the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad system is geographically structured into how many main divisions?
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad system is geographically structured into two main divisions: the Northern Division and the Southern Division.
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What is the standard track gauge utilized by the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad?
Answer: 4 feet 8 1/2 inches (1,435 mm)
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad utilizes the standard track gauge of 4 feet 8 1/2 inches (1,435 mm), which is prevalent across North America.
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What is the total operational length of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's network?
Answer: 837 miles (1,347 km)
Explanation: The total operational length of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's network spans 837 miles (1,347 km) across its service area.
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The image featuring Wisconsin and Southern #4025 depicts the locomotive in what special livery?
Answer: A special 25th-anniversary livery.
Explanation: Wisconsin and Southern locomotive #4025 is showcased in its special 25th-anniversary livery, as featured during an open house event in Madison.
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Network Infrastructure & Major Connections
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad primarily utilizes trackage that originally belonged to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroads.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad primarily utilizes trackage that formerly belonged to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) and the Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW).
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WSOR connects with all four major western Class I railroads (BNSF, CN, CPKC, UP) exclusively within the state of Illinois.
Explanation: WSOR connects with these four major western Class I railroads within the state of Wisconsin, not exclusively Illinois.
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Access to Chicago and connections with eastern Class I railroads (CSX and Norfolk Southern) are achieved by WSOR through trackage rights over Metra lines.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad utilizes trackage rights over Metra lines to gain access to Chicago and connect with eastern Class I railroads such as CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway.
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Transload facilities on the WSOR network are available in Milwaukee, Janesville, Madison, and Oshkosh, in addition to harbor facilities in Prairie du Chien.
Explanation: The WSOR network provides access to harbor facilities in Prairie du Chien and transload facilities in Milwaukee, Janesville, Madison, and Oshkosh.
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The Northern and Southern Divisions of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad are physically connected by a short section of WSOR-owned trackage near Waukesha.
Explanation: The Northern and Southern Divisions are not physically connected by WSOR-owned trackage but are linked by trackage rights over a section of Canadian National's Waukesha Subdivision.
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Which two predecessor railroads' trackage does WSOR primarily utilize?
Answer: Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and Chicago and North Western Railway
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad primarily utilizes trackage that formerly belonged to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) and the Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW).
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How does the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad gain access to Chicago to connect with eastern Class I railroads?
Answer: Via trackage rights over Metra lines.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad gains access to Chicago and its eastern Class I railroad connections through trackage rights over Metra lines.
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Which of the following cities hosts a transload facility accessible through the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's network?
Explanation: Transload facilities on the WSOR network are located in Milwaukee, Janesville, Madison, and Oshkosh.
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How are the Northern and Southern Divisions of WSOR interconnected?
Answer: Through trackage rights over a Canadian National subdivision.
Explanation: The Northern and Southern Divisions are linked by trackage rights over a short section of Canadian National's Waukesha Subdivision, specifically from Waukesha to Slinger.
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Northern Division: Lines & Commodities
The Northern Division of WSOR primarily consists of lines acquired from the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1992.
Explanation: The Northern Division primarily consists of original WSOR trackage from 1980 and new lines around Milwaukee. The Southern Division is comprised of lines acquired from the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1992.
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The Milwaukee Subdivision, a main line of the North Division, primarily transports only grain and chemicals.
Explanation: The Milwaukee Subdivision transports a diverse range of commodities including grain, chemicals, lumber, and ballast, not exclusively grain and chemicals.
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The Plymouth Subdivision's line through Kiel is currently out of service and used for car storage.
Explanation: The line through Kiel on the Plymouth Subdivision is currently out of service and utilized for car storage.
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The Sheboygan Falls Subdivision was reopened in 2010 and primarily handles only grain.
Explanation: The Sheboygan Falls Subdivision was reopened in 2015 and handles multiple commodities including grain, aggregates, chemicals, and lumber.
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Which of the following commodities is NOT listed as being transported on the Milwaukee Subdivision of the North Division?
Explanation: The Milwaukee Subdivision transports grain, chemicals, lumber, and ballast. Frac sand is not listed as a commodity transported on this subdivision.
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The Cambria Subdivision, part of the North Division, connects which two towns?
Answer: Cambria and Horicon
Explanation: The Cambria Subdivision, a component of the Northern Division, connects the towns of Cambria and Horicon.
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What is the current status of the Plymouth Subdivision's line through Kiel?
Answer: It is out of service and used for car storage.
Explanation: The Plymouth Subdivision's line through Kiel is currently out of service and primarily utilized for car storage.
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When was the Sheboygan Falls Subdivision reopened?
Explanation: The Sheboygan Falls Subdivision, running from Plymouth to Sheboygan, was reopened in 2015.
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Southern Division: Lines & Commodities
The Madison Subdivision is strategically important for interchanging with the Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railway in the South Division.
Explanation: The Madison Subdivision is strategically important for interchanging with the Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railway (via its Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad subsidiary).
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The Waukesha Subdivision is notable for having most of its trackage converted to jointed rail, which is less durable than welded rail.
Explanation: The Waukesha Subdivision is notable for having most of its trackage converted to welded rail, which offers a smoother and more durable ride compared to jointed rail.
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The Fox Lake Subdivision enables interchange with all North American Class I railroads through trackage rights over Metra-owned tracks into Chicago.
Explanation: The Fox Lake Subdivision, through trackage rights over Metra lines from Fox Lake to Rondout and then connecting to the C&M Subdivision, provides direct access into Chicago, enabling interchange with all North American Class I railroads.
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The Cottage Grove Subdivision's primary function is to transport frac sand from Madison to Cottage Grove.
Explanation: The primary function of the Cottage Grove Subdivision is to serve an ethanol processing plant, not to transport frac sand.
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The Canadian Pacific Railway has trackage rights on the Watertown Subdivision to a quarry east of Waterloo for loading and unloading ballast.
Explanation: The Canadian Pacific Railway indeed holds trackage rights on the Watertown Subdivision to a quarry east of Waterloo for ballast operations.
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The Sauk Spur is fully operational and primarily used for transporting agricultural products.
Explanation: The Sauk Spur is largely out of service, with only a portion currently used for car storage, not for active agricultural transport.
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What constitutes the Southern Division of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad?
Answer: Lines acquired from the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1992, primarily around Madison and Janesville.
Explanation: The Southern Division is comprised of lines acquired from the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad in 1992, concentrated around Madison and Janesville, along with other Madison area acquisitions from the 1990s.
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What is a notable infrastructure characteristic of the Waukesha Subdivision?
Answer: Most of its trackage has been converted to welded rail.
Explanation: A notable infrastructure characteristic of the Waukesha Subdivision is that most of its trackage has been converted to welded rail, enhancing durability and ride quality.
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The Monroe Subdivision typically transports which of the following commodities?
Answer: Grain, corn, and liquefied ethanol.
Explanation: The Monroe Subdivision, which runs from Monroe to Janesville, typically transports commodities such as grain, corn, and liquefied ethanol.
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The Cottage Grove Subdivision's primary function is to serve what type of facility?
Answer: An ethanol processing plant.
Explanation: The primary function of the Cottage Grove Subdivision, which runs from Madison to Cottage Grove, is to serve an ethanol processing plant.
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Which railway possesses trackage rights on the Watertown Subdivision to a quarry east of Waterloo for ballast loading?
Answer: Canadian Pacific Railway
Explanation: The Canadian Pacific Railway possesses specific trackage rights on the Watertown Subdivision to a quarry east of Waterloo for the loading and unloading of ballast.
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What is the current status and primary use of the Sauk Spur?
Answer: Largely out of service, with a portion used for car storage.
Explanation: The Sauk Spur, extending from Sauk City to Mazomanie, is largely out of service, with only a portion currently designated for car storage.
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Historical Evolution & Corporate Milestones
Watco became the parent company of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad in 2012, following an acquisition deal announced in late 2011.
Explanation: Watco's acquisition of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad was announced on November 29, 2011, and officially closed on January 1, 2012, establishing Watco as the parent company.
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In 1980, WSOR began operations under a 25-year agreement after the state acquired several Milwaukee Road branch lines.
Explanation: WSOR began operations in 1980 under a 50-year agreement, not a 25-year agreement, following the state's acquisition of Milwaukee Road branch lines.
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The Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad was integrated into WSOR's network in 1992, having been formed in 1985 to replace Chicago, Madison and Northern Railroad services.
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad was integrated into WSOR's network in August 1992, having been formed in 1985 to replace previous services on state-owned lines.
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The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad lines acquired by WSOR were mostly abandoned in 2012 due to the Charter Street Heating Plant's discontinuation of coal use.
Explanation: The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad lines were largely abandoned in 1997, with only a short Madison stub remaining until its abandonment in 2012 due to the Charter Street Heating Plant's discontinuation of coal use.
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Through the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad acquisition, WSOR gained new access points including Chicago, Janesville, Madison, and Prairie du Chien.
Explanation: The acquisition of the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad provided WSOR with new access points to Chicago (via trackage rights), Janesville, Madison, and Prairie du Chien.
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In the 1990s, WSOR expanded its Madison area trackage by purchasing an ex-Milwaukee Road line connecting Madison and Watertown from the Soo Line Railroad in 1998.
Explanation: In 1998, WSOR leased, rather than purchased, an ex-Milwaukee Road line connecting Madison and Watertown from the Soo Line Railroad; this line was later purchased outright in 2003.
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The state purchased an ex-Milwaukee Road line between Saukville and Kiel in 2005, which was noteworthy because Wisconsin Central Ltd. had planned its abandonment.
Explanation: The state's purchase of the ex-Milwaukee Road line between Saukville and Kiel in 2005 was significant because it prevented its abandonment by Wisconsin Central Ltd.
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Railway Age magazine recognized the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad as the 'Short Line Railroad of the Year' in 2009.
Explanation: Railway Age magazine recognized the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad as the 'Regional Railroad of the Year' in 2009, not 'Short Line Railroad of the Year'.
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William Gardner, WSOR's President and CEO, faced charges in 2011 for funneling illegal campaign contributions, primarily to the Wisconsin Governor.
Explanation: In 2011, William Gardner was charged with two felonies for funneling over $60,000 in illegal campaign contributions through WSOR employees, largely to the Wisconsin Governor.
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William Gardner received a jail sentence as part of his plea deal for the felony charges related to campaign contributions.
Explanation: As part of his plea deal, William Gardner received two years of probation without jail time for the felony charges.
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In December 2012, the state of Wisconsin provided $17.1 million to WSOR for the rehabilitation of a rail line between Plymouth and Kohler.
Explanation: The state of Wisconsin provided $17.1 million in December 2012 for the rehabilitation of an 11-mile rail line between Plymouth and Kohler.
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The Madison Terminal Railway was a short-lived terminal railroad operated by WSOR from 2010 to 2015, servicing a transloading facility.
Explanation: The Madison Terminal Railway, operated by WSOR from 2010 to 2015, specifically serviced a transloading facility in Madison, Wisconsin.
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In what year did the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad commence its operations?
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad commenced its operational services in 1980.
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What was the duration of the initial operational agreement established with the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad in 1980?
Explanation: The initial operational agreement established with the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad in 1980 was for a duration of 50 years.
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When did the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad integrate the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad into its network?
Explanation: The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad integrated the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad into its network in August 1992.
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What was the fate of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad lines acquired by WSOR, with the exception of a short Madison stub?
Answer: They were largely abandoned in 1997.
Explanation: The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad lines acquired by WSOR were largely abandoned in 1997, with only a short Madison stub remaining until its abandonment in 2012.
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Which of the following was NOT a new geographical access point gained by WSOR through the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad acquisition?
Explanation: Through the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad acquisition, WSOR gained new access points including Chicago, Janesville, Madison, and Prairie du Chien. Milwaukee was already part of its network.
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In 1998, WSOR leased an ex-Milwaukee Road line connecting Madison and Watertown from which railroad?
Answer: Soo Line Railroad
Explanation: In 1998, WSOR leased an ex-Milwaukee Road line connecting Madison and Watertown from the Soo Line Railroad, which was later purchased outright in 2003.
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What significant industry recognition did the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad receive in 2009?
Answer: Regional Railroad of the Year by Railway Age magazine
Explanation: In 2009, the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad was named the Regional Railroad of the Year by Railway Age magazine, a prominent publication in the rail industry.
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What was the resolution of the felony charges brought against WSOR's President and CEO, William Gardner, in 2011?
Answer: He agreed to plead guilty to two felony counts and received two years of probation without jail time.
Explanation: William Gardner's charges were resolved with a plea deal resulting in two years of probation and no jail time, following his guilty plea to two felony counts.
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When did Watco's acquisition of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad officially close?
Explanation: Watco's acquisition of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, announced in late 2011, officially closed on January 1, 2012.
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For what specific project did the state of Wisconsin provide $17.1 million in financial aid to WSOR in December 2012?
Answer: Rehabilitation of an 11-mile rail line between Plymouth and Kohler.
Explanation: The $17.1 million in state financial aid provided to WSOR in December 2012 was specifically allocated for the rehabilitation of an 11-mile rail line between Plymouth and Kohler.
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What was the operational function of the Madison Terminal Railway, operated by WSOR from 2010 to 2015?
Answer: To service a transloading facility in Madison.
Explanation: The Madison Terminal Railway, operated by WSOR from 2010 to 2015, functioned to service a transloading facility in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Maintenance & Specialized Facilities
Locomotive maintenance for WSOR is primarily conducted in Janesville, with secondary work also performed at Horicon.
Explanation: Primary locomotive maintenance for WSOR is conducted in Janesville, with Horicon serving as a location for secondary maintenance work.
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The Horicon paint shops specialize in contract work exclusively for rolling stock, not locomotives.
Explanation: The Horicon paint shops perform contract work for both rolling stock (train cars) and locomotives (engines).
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Where is the primary locomotive maintenance for the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad conducted?
Explanation: Primary locomotive maintenance for the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is conducted in Janesville, with secondary work also performed at Horicon.
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What specialized services are provided at the Horicon paint shops of the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad?
Answer: Contract work for both rolling stock and locomotives.
Explanation: The Horicon paint shops offer specialized contract work for both rolling stock (train cars) and locomotives (engines).
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