I remember John too, and didn't find out until just recently that he passed away several years ago. Hey DBA, didn't John ride the Sunset Detour you and I were on from Avondale/Live Oak to Lake Charles/Iowa Jct. back 15 years ago?
The former CNW SI Line is in pieces. Nelson to Barr Junction (IMRR Timetable)/I&M Junction (UP Timetable)us still used by UP. I&M Junction to Nilwood is abandoned and the only reason was most of the Bridges on that segment needed millions in rehab,UP decided at the time it wasn't worth it. Nilwood to Monterey Junction is is still the there, but is used for car storage after the Monterey Mine closed many years ago. Monterey Junction to Staunton is now owned by NS and I don't think they use it. Staunton to Stallings is abandoned because there was no online business. Stalling to the Alton and Southern Gateway Subdivision is still there, but mainly used for car storage. The diamond and Automatic Interlocking over the A&S Gateway Subdivision was removed around 10 years ago. From A&S to Madison is still used by UP for local business.