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When I was a lot younger, I remember hearing about American Bumper in Ionia. At least once a year, someone was badly injured or killed there.

The cement plant at Alpena used to get shale that came from a quarry at Paxton--IIRC, that was on the old branch to Hillman, but this is long gone now.

GTW Watcher----to get a flavor for the Tawas yard and shops, go to Railroad Picture Archives, and look for either Tawas City location, or Dad's D&M Pics.

According to an old TRAINS magazine---IIRC, the only train that was based out of Tawas City was the yard job that switched a local industry or 2, and then went to a quarry at National City. Also switched the shops if needed. The main train was the one from Alpena that passed through Tawas, could dro...

Sounds about "normal" for Union Pacific.

Check out Switch Brett, a small 1x8 layout on Youtube, by a gentleman named MOG. Very simple, well done , and portable. I built an N scale version that is 16 in. x 6 feet, with a few more switches----love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True----but if they want a real piece of history, they should go for it. The current locos look great, but are incorrect, as that dynamic brake blister gives it away real quick.

The loco that the NEW Rock Island should be really interested in is GT/CN GP38 5861------it was the VERY LAST new loco acquired by the CRI&P.

See-----just like that!!!

A passing siding will work with a diesel, as they can run either way. A steam engine usually is made to run just one way----or they can run it in reverse for 9 miles. it is their choice.

Well, if they are going to run it, they will have to build a wye, or turntable, or return loop, as they have no way to turn it. Unless they are cool with backing 9 miles in one direction.

Or the late Rock Island. Or the old Minneapolis and St. Louis, who had at least 7 or 8 schemes in the early diesel days. And who numbered locos for date acquired, like D&M used to do. Ahhhh, the good old days!

I wished that they all still said C&O, or Chessie System, and that nobody ever thought about the abortion called CSX.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!!!!!!!!!

I found the plastics factory---Cadilliac Products, on US23 --- and followed the line as you said. Found Calcite, and then tried to follow the line west, and found what looks like a newer road between First and Second, that could have been the right of way through town. Found the area where the yard ...

Hope that everyone had a healthy, and safe New Year! Can anyone tell me about where the D&M entered Rogers City, and where was the station and yard, and or anything else about this area? I am aware that the branch split off the line to Cheboygan at Posen, but after that, I am clueless. Thanks in adv...

The AC is probably the most desolate mainline in the region, and makes the Upper Peninsula look flush with traffic. Only the tourist trains justify it today. No reason for a big railroad to keep it if its probably better in the hands of a smaller carrier anyway. I don't understand the loathing of b...

What does the Huron Central serve in the Soo, and to the east, and where and with who does it interchange with ???

It would be possible to make a U30 out of a U33---the process is called de-rating, and involves re-setting the fuel injector rack, and a few other issues. This process also de-stresses the internals of the diesel, and usually de-creases fuel consumption, as the engine is not using as much fuel. The ...

I know the AC came in the same package as the Wisconsin Central did, but if it was left on it own, it probably would have been managed better. All of these past mergers and buy-outs have cost a lot of jobs, many communities EVERYWHERE are hurting, and many miles of track have been ripped up for abso...