More expansion may be on the way for the GLOR. NS and GLOR are in discussions about two projects related to southeast Michigan trackage.
Currently the GLOR's Adrian Cluster trackage maintains an interchange with NS. NS is looking at eliminating the interchange in Adrian in favor of moving all interchange for this segment to Toledo. GLOR is interested in possibly altering their routing to Toledo for trains from the Southern Division, which currently requires trains to go north to Diann, then head south on the former AA mainline to Erie Yard.
The discussions revolve around NS possibly selling the line from Airline Yard to Ottawa Lake (Toledo Terminal Backside / Clinton Industrial Lead) to GLOR. GLOR would then rebuild the ROW between Ottawa Lake and Riga, reconnecting the Adrian cluster with the south end of the Clinton Industrial Lead. NS is supposedly willing to pay a portion of the cost for rebuilding the line between Riga and Ottawa Lake because it will make it easier to interchange grain and unit ethanol trains than Adrian. The total distance of the rebuild would be approximately 6.17 miles, although some enroachment onto the ROW has occurred, so their would be some alterations to the previous routing. The purchase of this line would provide GLOR with a major new customer in Ottawa Lake, as well as several potential smaller customers along the route.
GLOR's management does have reservations about this rebuilding of the line, as none of the currect potential customers are located along the ROW. GLOR is interested in purchasing the Ottawa Lake to Toledo segment and will ask for trackage rights over NS from Airline Yard to Ottawa Yard
GLOR is also in discussions with several potential customers located along the former Toledo, Angola and Western line which has been the removed for over 40 years. The biggest customer, Heildelberg Materials operates a massive quarry in Silica and is interested in shipping by rail. The cost to rebuild the line is estimated to be very pricey however as it would involved relocating the University Parks Trail, a popular local trail in the area. A second possibility being floated around is accessing the quarries from the north, running via street running along Centential / Clark Roads and connection with the Clinton Industrial in Ottawa Lake. There are some sections of the roadway in need of rebuilding, so this may not be a terrible idea if the joint project and be worked out between the parties involved.
Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Here is a quick locomotive power update for the GLOR.
All of the locomotives purchased in the spring and summer have arrived on site and have been renumbered. Some of them have also been repainted.
The GLOR has put into operational most of the units, however the following units will remain out of service for one reason or another.
#910, a former Conrail GP30, is in need of more mechanical updates than first thought. While it is "operational" it does not meet the GLOR's high standards and as such is currently in the process of being upgraded at the Lima Locomotive shops. The unit will be returned to service as a GP30M-3 upon its return to service.
#5007, a SD50 purchased from Sterling Rail was part of a 3 unit pacakge. This unit had wreck damage. After careful inspection and consideration, it has been determined that the unit will be stripped of mechanical parts, given a cosmetic restoration, and become a museum piece.
#8101, a SLUG purchased from LTEX is in the process of being paired with GP38M-3 #2002, which will be renumbered as #8001.
#8102, a SLUG purchased from LTEX is in the process of being paired with GP38M-3 #2000, which will be renumbered as #8002
All other units obtained this summer have been returned to operational status, with many of them also having been repainted into the GLOR's paint scheme.
In other locomotive news, GLOR has made another purchase from Sterling Rail. 10 SD90MAC's will be joining the GLOR roster over the coming months. These units will be repainted into the GLOR's scheme and numbered #9000 - 9000. The current plan for these units will be to operated the through freights between Lima and Chicago and Lima and Cincinnati.
GLOR is still looking at additional locomotives for purchase as well as being in the process of developing some new technology.
The next update has to do with the DTE owned Greenwood Brnach from Avoca, Mi. The clearing is nearly complete on the branch, and construction of the biodiesel plant on the acquired property is expected to begin shortly. Once the project actually begins operations, the building of the plant is expected to take approximately 18 months. GLOR is expected to being rebuilding the ROW to Avoca in 2025 and will construct additional tracks as determined by DTE as the plant and Greenwood Energy construction project near completion.
TAWRE has again asked for permission to expand their operations. They would like to build a second waste to energy plant on the property, adjacent to the currently operational facility. Local, State and Federal Authorities are reviewing the application and it is expected to be a multiple year project.
Next, a new customer may be locating in the greater Traverse City Area, specifically Grawn.
Michigan Paving Contractors is in talks to build a new facility in Grawn, adjacent to the GLOR's Grawn Branch. The property is located adjacent to Yonkers Lake and just east of the propane distributor.
Finally, the Pinckney Branch may be getting a pair of new customers. A new manufacturing plant may be moving into Pinckney into a previously used industrial complex. The facility, at the corner of Hamburg and Dexter Streets. This facility, if they go through with the purchase, indicates they will get approximately 2-3 carloads of plastic pellets per week, but will ship all products outbound via truck. The second customer will be in the former lumberyard and current Vela Sciences facility. Vela is looking at expanding into a larger facility and a home construction company has inquired about the property. The company in question has approached the GLOR about rail service to the property if they should acquire it. The company makes many different styles of homes including log, precast modular, and traditional brick and wood framed houses. They have indicated they would recieve a variety of materials via rail if they were to acquire and open on the property.
Also, on the Pinckney Branch, Fyke Sand and Gravel has acquired a contract to handle a substantial volume of consturction debris through its contrete crusher starting in April 2025 and continuing through the fall of 2026. It is estimated that they will be getting 3 10 car cuts of construction debris per week in addition to shipping out their normal 10 carloads per week of sand and gravel.
As a result of the potential uptick in traffic, plus the PONW Interchange in Lakeland, GLOR is considering building a small yard in Lakeland. Should the yard be constructed, it would be built on the west side of Kress Rd. The plan is for 2 tracks on either side of the GLOR's Pinckney Branch, extending a distance of approximately 1200 feet, and beginning approximately 50 feet from the road crossing. This will require some rerouting of the Mike Levine State Trail which operates adjacent to the railroad tracks.
In regards to the mergers, the STB will be holding hearings in mid-October to address the possible mergers. The hearing for the merger between the GLOR and G&W's properties in Indiana and Illinois is schedules for October 16-17. The hearing for the W&LE merger and associated acquisitions is the following week, October 21st-23rd. As it currently stands, no further documents contesting or requesting accomidation due to the merger have been received, although a couple customers have expressed concern with the railroad about access to other railroad outlets if the W&LE merger proceeds.
All of the locomotives purchased in the spring and summer have arrived on site and have been renumbered. Some of them have also been repainted.
The GLOR has put into operational most of the units, however the following units will remain out of service for one reason or another.
#910, a former Conrail GP30, is in need of more mechanical updates than first thought. While it is "operational" it does not meet the GLOR's high standards and as such is currently in the process of being upgraded at the Lima Locomotive shops. The unit will be returned to service as a GP30M-3 upon its return to service.
#5007, a SD50 purchased from Sterling Rail was part of a 3 unit pacakge. This unit had wreck damage. After careful inspection and consideration, it has been determined that the unit will be stripped of mechanical parts, given a cosmetic restoration, and become a museum piece.
#8101, a SLUG purchased from LTEX is in the process of being paired with GP38M-3 #2002, which will be renumbered as #8001.
#8102, a SLUG purchased from LTEX is in the process of being paired with GP38M-3 #2000, which will be renumbered as #8002
All other units obtained this summer have been returned to operational status, with many of them also having been repainted into the GLOR's paint scheme.
In other locomotive news, GLOR has made another purchase from Sterling Rail. 10 SD90MAC's will be joining the GLOR roster over the coming months. These units will be repainted into the GLOR's scheme and numbered #9000 - 9000. The current plan for these units will be to operated the through freights between Lima and Chicago and Lima and Cincinnati.
GLOR is still looking at additional locomotives for purchase as well as being in the process of developing some new technology.
The next update has to do with the DTE owned Greenwood Brnach from Avoca, Mi. The clearing is nearly complete on the branch, and construction of the biodiesel plant on the acquired property is expected to begin shortly. Once the project actually begins operations, the building of the plant is expected to take approximately 18 months. GLOR is expected to being rebuilding the ROW to Avoca in 2025 and will construct additional tracks as determined by DTE as the plant and Greenwood Energy construction project near completion.
TAWRE has again asked for permission to expand their operations. They would like to build a second waste to energy plant on the property, adjacent to the currently operational facility. Local, State and Federal Authorities are reviewing the application and it is expected to be a multiple year project.
Next, a new customer may be locating in the greater Traverse City Area, specifically Grawn.
Michigan Paving Contractors is in talks to build a new facility in Grawn, adjacent to the GLOR's Grawn Branch. The property is located adjacent to Yonkers Lake and just east of the propane distributor.
Finally, the Pinckney Branch may be getting a pair of new customers. A new manufacturing plant may be moving into Pinckney into a previously used industrial complex. The facility, at the corner of Hamburg and Dexter Streets. This facility, if they go through with the purchase, indicates they will get approximately 2-3 carloads of plastic pellets per week, but will ship all products outbound via truck. The second customer will be in the former lumberyard and current Vela Sciences facility. Vela is looking at expanding into a larger facility and a home construction company has inquired about the property. The company in question has approached the GLOR about rail service to the property if they should acquire it. The company makes many different styles of homes including log, precast modular, and traditional brick and wood framed houses. They have indicated they would recieve a variety of materials via rail if they were to acquire and open on the property.
Also, on the Pinckney Branch, Fyke Sand and Gravel has acquired a contract to handle a substantial volume of consturction debris through its contrete crusher starting in April 2025 and continuing through the fall of 2026. It is estimated that they will be getting 3 10 car cuts of construction debris per week in addition to shipping out their normal 10 carloads per week of sand and gravel.
As a result of the potential uptick in traffic, plus the PONW Interchange in Lakeland, GLOR is considering building a small yard in Lakeland. Should the yard be constructed, it would be built on the west side of Kress Rd. The plan is for 2 tracks on either side of the GLOR's Pinckney Branch, extending a distance of approximately 1200 feet, and beginning approximately 50 feet from the road crossing. This will require some rerouting of the Mike Levine State Trail which operates adjacent to the railroad tracks.
In regards to the mergers, the STB will be holding hearings in mid-October to address the possible mergers. The hearing for the merger between the GLOR and G&W's properties in Indiana and Illinois is schedules for October 16-17. The hearing for the W&LE merger and associated acquisitions is the following week, October 21st-23rd. As it currently stands, no further documents contesting or requesting accomidation due to the merger have been received, although a couple customers have expressed concern with the railroad about access to other railroad outlets if the W&LE merger proceeds.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
After a further review regarding the right of way between Ottawa Lake and Riga, it has been determined that the cost for the project would simply not justify the investment when compared with the gains derived from the project. NS still wants to significantly limit the interchange being conducted in Adrian, which the GLOR is agreeable to. As a result, it appears as if the majority of traffic from the Adrian cluster will now be interchanged with NS in Toledo, via train ADR-2 to Erie Yard.chapmaja wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 12:58 amMore expansion may be on the way for the GLOR. NS and GLOR are in discussions about two projects related to southeast Michigan trackage.
Currently the GLOR's Adrian Cluster trackage maintains an interchange with NS. NS is looking at eliminating the interchange in Adrian in favor of moving all interchange for this segment to Toledo. GLOR is interested in possibly altering their routing to Toledo for trains from the Southern Division, which currently requires trains to go north to Diann, then head south on the former AA mainline to Erie Yard.
The discussions revolve around NS possibly selling the line from Airline Yard to Ottawa Lake (Toledo Terminal Backside / Clinton Industrial Lead) to GLOR. GLOR would then rebuild the ROW between Ottawa Lake and Riga, reconnecting the Adrian cluster with the south end of the Clinton Industrial Lead. NS is supposedly willing to pay a portion of the cost for rebuilding the line between Riga and Ottawa Lake because it will make it easier to interchange grain and unit ethanol trains than Adrian. The total distance of the rebuild would be approximately 6.17 miles, although some enroachment onto the ROW has occurred, so their would be some alterations to the previous routing. The purchase of this line would provide GLOR with a major new customer in Ottawa Lake, as well as several potential smaller customers along the route.
GLOR's management does have reservations about this rebuilding of the line, as none of the currect potential customers are located along the ROW. GLOR is interested in purchasing the Ottawa Lake to Toledo segment and will ask for trackage rights over NS from Airline Yard to Ottawa Yard
GLOR is also in discussions with several potential customers located along the former Toledo, Angola and Western line which has been the removed for over 40 years. The biggest customer, Heildelberg Materials operates a massive quarry in Silica and is interested in shipping by rail. The cost to rebuild the line is estimated to be very pricey however as it would involved relocating the University Parks Trail, a popular local trail in the area. A second possibility being floated around is accessing the quarries from the north, running via street running along Centential / Clark Roads and connection with the Clinton Industrial in Ottawa Lake. There are some sections of the roadway in need of rebuilding, so this may not be a terrible idea if the joint project and be worked out between the parties involved.
The GLOR will also be changing their operations slightly on the Adrian Cluster. Currently trains ADR-1 and ADR-2 have been running from Adrian. This will be changing as the trains will be operating out of Blissfield starting on 9-16-2024. This is in part due to an increase in traffic on the eastern end with the grain elevator and ethanol plant. In addition, with the interchange presumably being moved between NS and GLOR to Toledo, ADR-2 will be running longer trains. Given the timing of operations and the impending grain season and its increase in unit trains, traffic congestion is expected to be an issue and getting ADR-2 from Adrian to Erie Yard and back to Adrian within their allotted time is a concern for management.
GLOR is also considering adding another train along the Clinton Branch to service those customers and allow ADR-1 more time to work the rest of the line.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Here is a slight update on the mergers and trackage rights information. GLOR has learned, through the grape vine that CSX is interested in leasing their line from Plymouth to Porter, IN to an unknown company, but the rumor is LSRC is the candidate to gain this lease. It is known that GLOR is not attempting to gain this line, as it would create many competition related concerns within the State of Michigan if GLOR began operating this line.
If in fact LSRC is the proposed leasee of the line, GLOR will be asking at the upcoming merger hearings that the LSRC not be granted their requested rights to Chicago and instead requests rights currently used by CSX over NS in the northern Indiana / Chicagolane area.
In other news, the GLOR is attempting to work with a couple shortline partners they have to increase traffic on their lines in Michigan. While nothing has been agreed to conclusively as of yet, one potential customer would be generating roughly 15 carloads per week of traffic while the second potential customer would be worth about 5 carloads per week. One of the sticking points is concern about the condition of the tracks for one of these customers, so track rehabilitation might be required.
Additionally, the EPA and Michigan's EGLE had a hearing in July to request public comment regarding permitting for the Michigan Potash and Salt mine facility in near Evart. This facility, which as of yet has not broken ground, was a major reason the Clare-Baldwin line was reconstructed. Many of the permits have already been issued, but more permits are still awaiting approval from regulators before final approval can be granted.
Next, despite some delays it appears a new rail customer may be coming to Bay City. Wilkinson Minerals has been planning a major investment in a calcium chloride brine well operation. While this facility itself will be located near Foss on the LSRC, the GLOR has been in discussions with the LSRC about possibly providing service to the facility. These plans are still in the early stages however as the plant has not reached its expected operational start date.
Finally, in Midland, a couple potential customers have expressed interest in a transload operation being established. Two locations for a transload yard have been proposed, one which would require building an extension of the line westward.
The first location, and the one most desired by the potential customers is near Discovery Way and Washington Streets. This however is not favored by management, as it would require approximately 2.1 miles of trackage and right of way to be obtained, including running past a couple parks and neighborhoods. The GLOR's prefered location is on the south side of the tracks near Rockwell and Bay City Rd. This location would onyl require construction of the spur tracks to the facility and clearing of the area and it has much better access to the Bay City Rd / M10 interchange. GLOR like this location because it would offer much better overall access for additional potential customers.
If in fact LSRC is the proposed leasee of the line, GLOR will be asking at the upcoming merger hearings that the LSRC not be granted their requested rights to Chicago and instead requests rights currently used by CSX over NS in the northern Indiana / Chicagolane area.
In other news, the GLOR is attempting to work with a couple shortline partners they have to increase traffic on their lines in Michigan. While nothing has been agreed to conclusively as of yet, one potential customer would be generating roughly 15 carloads per week of traffic while the second potential customer would be worth about 5 carloads per week. One of the sticking points is concern about the condition of the tracks for one of these customers, so track rehabilitation might be required.
Additionally, the EPA and Michigan's EGLE had a hearing in July to request public comment regarding permitting for the Michigan Potash and Salt mine facility in near Evart. This facility, which as of yet has not broken ground, was a major reason the Clare-Baldwin line was reconstructed. Many of the permits have already been issued, but more permits are still awaiting approval from regulators before final approval can be granted.
Next, despite some delays it appears a new rail customer may be coming to Bay City. Wilkinson Minerals has been planning a major investment in a calcium chloride brine well operation. While this facility itself will be located near Foss on the LSRC, the GLOR has been in discussions with the LSRC about possibly providing service to the facility. These plans are still in the early stages however as the plant has not reached its expected operational start date.
Finally, in Midland, a couple potential customers have expressed interest in a transload operation being established. Two locations for a transload yard have been proposed, one which would require building an extension of the line westward.
The first location, and the one most desired by the potential customers is near Discovery Way and Washington Streets. This however is not favored by management, as it would require approximately 2.1 miles of trackage and right of way to be obtained, including running past a couple parks and neighborhoods. The GLOR's prefered location is on the south side of the tracks near Rockwell and Bay City Rd. This location would onyl require construction of the spur tracks to the facility and clearing of the area and it has much better access to the Bay City Rd / M10 interchange. GLOR like this location because it would offer much better overall access for additional potential customers.
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AARR
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Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Who are those two MI GLOR short line partners that will be generating 5 and 15 cars a week? I just finished updating the lines I sold off and will begin updating the lines I still operate and just curious if it’s our mutual connections?
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
One of them is a natural fertilizer / compost manufacturing organization which is looking at opening a production facility in Sheridan. They have an option on property south of Condensery Rd, east of Green Arrow. This company would be estimating that they will bring in 5 cars per week of compressed grass clippings, manure and similar waste materials to be run through an industrial composter before being sold to local farmers.
The second customer is a combined facility which will house a propane storage and distribution center on one portion of the property and a wood pellet burning electrical power plant facility on the opposite side of the property. This facility is proposed for Blanchard. The company indicates the power plant would require the burning of 10-12 carloads per week of wood pellets, well the propane distributor would receive 3-5 tank cars of propane per week. There are questions regarding the viability of both projects however. This would be located on property west of County Line Rd.
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AARR
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- Location: Washington, MI
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Ok, stay tuned. I will be updating A&MI and MMGN soon.
chapmaja wrote: ↑Fri Sep 13, 2024 4:18 pmOne of them is a natural fertilizer / compost manufacturing organization which is looking at opening a production facility in Sheridan. They have an option on property south of Condensery Rd, east of Green Arrow. This company would be estimating that they will bring in 5 cars per week of compressed grass clippings, manure and similar waste materials to be run through an industrial composter before being sold to local farmers.
The second customer is a combined facility which will house a propane storage and distribution center on one portion of the property and a wood pellet burning electrical power plant facility on the opposite side of the property. This facility is proposed for Blanchard. The company indicates the power plant would require the burning of 10-12 carloads per week of wood pellets, well the propane distributor would receive 3-5 tank cars of propane per week. There are questions regarding the viability of both projects however. This would be located on property west of County Line Rd.
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
There is some news out of Hillsdale. A plan has emerged for the former flour mill location. Part of the facility was purchased and is being operated as Mar-Vo Minerals, which produces Lucky Buck white tail deer attractant as well as other products. The rest of the facility and the adjacent property may get a new lease on life as a flour mill / bakery facility.
Hillsdale Baking LLC has agreed to purchase the remainder of the property as well as the adjacent property located at the corner of Bacon St and Carleton Rd. They plan to renovate a portion of the flour mill to produce multiple types of flour which will then be shipped to the attached bakery for production of baked goods and frozen baked good products.
The company would like to reconnect rail service to the property, which would require approximately 1/4 mile worth of track to be reinstalled to the property, as well as reconstruction of the tracks within the property.
The facility would have three rail served unloading areas.
The first would be a pair of three car unloading sidings for unloading wheat and oats which will be the two primary flour types the bakery will use.
The second would be a chemical unloading area for the unloading of chemicals used for the bleaching and maturing of the flour.
The final siding would be a track next to the bakery loading dock. This would be used to unload components for the baked goods, as well as for possible outbound products from the bakery.
Additionally, it is possible Mar-Vo Minerals may begin getting rail service if the tracks are reinstalled. They have talked about bringing in certain product components by rail if the price was right.
In other Hillsdale news, the GLOR has been approached about a possible transload location / team track in Hillsdale. The proposed location is across the tracks from the divison offices in Hillsdale. This would require some renovations to the MOW yard currently located on the site.
Beyond Hillsdale, everything else is largely the status quo for the railroad. Nothing new to report regarding customers, line acquisitions or locomotive rostering.
Hillsdale Baking LLC has agreed to purchase the remainder of the property as well as the adjacent property located at the corner of Bacon St and Carleton Rd. They plan to renovate a portion of the flour mill to produce multiple types of flour which will then be shipped to the attached bakery for production of baked goods and frozen baked good products.
The company would like to reconnect rail service to the property, which would require approximately 1/4 mile worth of track to be reinstalled to the property, as well as reconstruction of the tracks within the property.
The facility would have three rail served unloading areas.
The first would be a pair of three car unloading sidings for unloading wheat and oats which will be the two primary flour types the bakery will use.
The second would be a chemical unloading area for the unloading of chemicals used for the bleaching and maturing of the flour.
The final siding would be a track next to the bakery loading dock. This would be used to unload components for the baked goods, as well as for possible outbound products from the bakery.
Additionally, it is possible Mar-Vo Minerals may begin getting rail service if the tracks are reinstalled. They have talked about bringing in certain product components by rail if the price was right.
In other Hillsdale news, the GLOR has been approached about a possible transload location / team track in Hillsdale. The proposed location is across the tracks from the divison offices in Hillsdale. This would require some renovations to the MOW yard currently located on the site.
Beyond Hillsdale, everything else is largely the status quo for the railroad. Nothing new to report regarding customers, line acquisitions or locomotive rostering.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Another new update.
The Lima Township Planning Commission just met and approved to be sent to the township board, a proposed plan for the former Chelsea Grain Company Property. A new operator desires to reopen the grain elevator on the site as well as expanding the siding across Lima Center Road and producing a new fertilizer dealer on the property on the east side of the road. Part of this project will also relocate Texas Truck, a used truck parts company which currently occupies a portion of the property.
The proposed plan will now go to the full township board for approval. If approved, construction on the project is expected to begin in late fall with the opening date expected to be late summer of 2025. The project has already gotten approval from the Washtenaw County Road Commission who was required to approve the additional grade crossing to be used by the expanded rail spur. Extact rail alignments within the property have not yet been released publically and nobody have yet filed an FOIA request to see the site plans.
It is estimated this location would not generate a huge increase in rail volume, but would add carloads to the GLOR's operations on the Amtrak Michigan Line.
The Lima Township Planning Commission just met and approved to be sent to the township board, a proposed plan for the former Chelsea Grain Company Property. A new operator desires to reopen the grain elevator on the site as well as expanding the siding across Lima Center Road and producing a new fertilizer dealer on the property on the east side of the road. Part of this project will also relocate Texas Truck, a used truck parts company which currently occupies a portion of the property.
The proposed plan will now go to the full township board for approval. If approved, construction on the project is expected to begin in late fall with the opening date expected to be late summer of 2025. The project has already gotten approval from the Washtenaw County Road Commission who was required to approve the additional grade crossing to be used by the expanded rail spur. Extact rail alignments within the property have not yet been released publically and nobody have yet filed an FOIA request to see the site plans.
It is estimated this location would not generate a huge increase in rail volume, but would add carloads to the GLOR's operations on the Amtrak Michigan Line.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
Here is another quick update on the operations in and around Toledo and southeast Michigan.
NS and the GLOR have agreed to the following changes, pending regulatory approval for operations. These will be effective on Jan 1st, 2025, or when approval for the transaction is granted.
1) GLOR will assume operations of the Clinton Industrial line from Airline Yard to Ottawa Lake.
2) GLOR will station a pair of locomotives in Ottawa Lake to handle operations on the line, including switching the elevator and operations of trains.
3) GLOR train ADR-2 will now operate from Blissfield (as opposed to previous base of Adrian) to Airline Yard. The train will pick up and set out as needed in the following locations.
a) Petersburg Siding - for traffic to / from Southern Division / CN Interchange
b) Erie Yard - for non-NS Interchange traffic
c) Airline Yard (via trackage rights) - Interchange traffic for NS from Adrian Subdivision.
4) GLOR will Add a train, ADR-3 which will operate the reverse of ADR-2, starting at Airline Yard, going to Erie Yard and to Petersburg Siding before terminating in Blissfield
5) GLOR will add train TEC-1, which will be based out of Tecumseh and will handle all switching services on the Clinton Branch and will run from Raisin Center to Adrian to interchange with ADR-1. ADR-1 will now operate as the switching crew for all customers Adrian to Riga.
Additionally, in Northern Michigan, Yuma Sand has received a substantial contract, which will require additional service to the sand mine starting in April 2025. While details are not being publically released, the GLOR has been requested to begin unit train service from Yuma to an interchange with Canadian National in Durand. This train is estimated to be 80-100 carload trains and will operate a minimum of 2 trips per week. This will be in addition to the roughly 60 carloads per week Yuma has produced during the summer of 2024. It is reported that Yuma Sand will be importing sand via truck for a couple other mine locations to Yuma to be loaded as part of this project, as the other mine locations are not rail served.
Next, the Ohio Western Railroad, formerly the Defiance Subdivision, will be seeing an additional through train operation. Currently the autorack trains from Toledo operate to Lima and then west to Chicago, however they will be switched to running over the OWRR trackage rights, to save time and distance. UP and BNSF have conducted track inspections of the OWRR and are now confident the line is capable of handling runthrough power. This is a huge important for a line which was once the Worst Line in America.
Finally, the GLOR has significant locomotive news. GLOR has been expanding the operational area of the Lima Shops to handle a large rebuild program. While details had not been released, it was suspected that a major rebuild program was going to commence in 2025.
GLOR has announced that they will begin a rebuild program for the largest locomotive model on the roster. The GLOR will begin rebuilding their SD40-2 and related models. Theses rebuilds will include electronic upgrades and replacement of the prime mover with a new EPA Tier 4 compliant prime mover. It is unknown how many of these units wll be produced, however they are going to be modeled as SDR40-3ECO's. The new prime movers have been developed in house. It is estimated that each locomotive will be shopped for 3-4 months for the rebuild. No specific units have been listed as being involved in the project, but once the work at Lima concludes, the shops will have the capacity for 10 locomotives to be involved in the program at a time. Some speculation indicates that many of the W&LE units will be among the first units to be shopped for this program.
NS and the GLOR have agreed to the following changes, pending regulatory approval for operations. These will be effective on Jan 1st, 2025, or when approval for the transaction is granted.
1) GLOR will assume operations of the Clinton Industrial line from Airline Yard to Ottawa Lake.
2) GLOR will station a pair of locomotives in Ottawa Lake to handle operations on the line, including switching the elevator and operations of trains.
3) GLOR train ADR-2 will now operate from Blissfield (as opposed to previous base of Adrian) to Airline Yard. The train will pick up and set out as needed in the following locations.
a) Petersburg Siding - for traffic to / from Southern Division / CN Interchange
b) Erie Yard - for non-NS Interchange traffic
c) Airline Yard (via trackage rights) - Interchange traffic for NS from Adrian Subdivision.
4) GLOR will Add a train, ADR-3 which will operate the reverse of ADR-2, starting at Airline Yard, going to Erie Yard and to Petersburg Siding before terminating in Blissfield
5) GLOR will add train TEC-1, which will be based out of Tecumseh and will handle all switching services on the Clinton Branch and will run from Raisin Center to Adrian to interchange with ADR-1. ADR-1 will now operate as the switching crew for all customers Adrian to Riga.
Additionally, in Northern Michigan, Yuma Sand has received a substantial contract, which will require additional service to the sand mine starting in April 2025. While details are not being publically released, the GLOR has been requested to begin unit train service from Yuma to an interchange with Canadian National in Durand. This train is estimated to be 80-100 carload trains and will operate a minimum of 2 trips per week. This will be in addition to the roughly 60 carloads per week Yuma has produced during the summer of 2024. It is reported that Yuma Sand will be importing sand via truck for a couple other mine locations to Yuma to be loaded as part of this project, as the other mine locations are not rail served.
Next, the Ohio Western Railroad, formerly the Defiance Subdivision, will be seeing an additional through train operation. Currently the autorack trains from Toledo operate to Lima and then west to Chicago, however they will be switched to running over the OWRR trackage rights, to save time and distance. UP and BNSF have conducted track inspections of the OWRR and are now confident the line is capable of handling runthrough power. This is a huge important for a line which was once the Worst Line in America.
Finally, the GLOR has significant locomotive news. GLOR has been expanding the operational area of the Lima Shops to handle a large rebuild program. While details had not been released, it was suspected that a major rebuild program was going to commence in 2025.
GLOR has announced that they will begin a rebuild program for the largest locomotive model on the roster. The GLOR will begin rebuilding their SD40-2 and related models. Theses rebuilds will include electronic upgrades and replacement of the prime mover with a new EPA Tier 4 compliant prime mover. It is unknown how many of these units wll be produced, however they are going to be modeled as SDR40-3ECO's. The new prime movers have been developed in house. It is estimated that each locomotive will be shopped for 3-4 months for the rebuild. No specific units have been listed as being involved in the project, but once the work at Lima concludes, the shops will have the capacity for 10 locomotives to be involved in the program at a time. Some speculation indicates that many of the W&LE units will be among the first units to be shopped for this program.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
There is additional customer news.
On the Lilly Chapel Subdivision, the Lilly Chapel Grain Elevator is expanding. They will be adding several additional silos on the property as well as adding the capacity to sell feed and grain. Additionally, there have been a couple transformers transloaded from the tracks at Lilly Chapel Grain in recent months.
The GLOR has been in talks about adding a couple customers on one of its subsidiary lines, the Ohio Western, however these talks are early in discussions and there is no concrete information regarding carloads, but the reports do indicate the cars would come from the eastern end of the railroad and be interchanged in Liberty Center.
On the Lilly Chapel Subdivision, the Lilly Chapel Grain Elevator is expanding. They will be adding several additional silos on the property as well as adding the capacity to sell feed and grain. Additionally, there have been a couple transformers transloaded from the tracks at Lilly Chapel Grain in recent months.
The GLOR has been in talks about adding a couple customers on one of its subsidiary lines, the Ohio Western, however these talks are early in discussions and there is no concrete information regarding carloads, but the reports do indicate the cars would come from the eastern end of the railroad and be interchanged in Liberty Center.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
There are new rumors floating around that a well known independent railroad in the Midwest may be selling their operations and the GLOR is in the running as a potential purchaser of this property. While details are sparse, this railroad does have a major customer that the GLOR would love to get access to if they can. They would also need to work out some additional deals with a major Class 1 interchange partner to make the purchase worth while for the railroad.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
More has come out about the railroad that may be put up for purchase. The Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad, one of the few independent shortlines left in the United States may be offered up for sale.
The purchase, if it were to proceed would include the following: All mainline trackage, including the out of service line from Wells to Channing and Nestoria to Sidnaw, which are used for car storage. All trackage in the Wells and Escanaba Yards would also be transfered to GLOR ownership. The car shops and car paint shops would not be included in the same and would retain under Larkin ownership as E&LS Rail Services. In addition, locomotives not listed below, would be retained by Larkin. E&LS Rail Services would be authorized via trackage rights to operate excursion trains over the existing lines and any future lines added to the railroad.
As for power, the GLOR anticipates purchasing the following locomotives as part of the deal
E&LS 400, 401, 402, 500, 501, 502, 503, 1201, 1202, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224
The reason for this desitred purchase seems to be two fold. The Billerud switching contract is up for renewal at the end of the year and GLOR would like to gain access to this switching contract.
Additionally, the GLOR has again sought, and this time has gotten a positive response from CN about purchasing or leasing the Ore Subdivision from Escanaba to Ishpeming.
GLOR's plan, if the purchases and lease agreements can be worked out are for all lines (west of Ishpeming including former Mineral Range), west from Trout Lake, as well as trackage rights from Trout Lake to SSM will be transfered to the E&LS. E&LS will retain its name and be a wholely owned, or majority owned subsidiary of the GLOR. There is a possibility that the purchase and lease agreements may bring both the Larkin family and CN into ownership of the new E&LS following execution of these agreements.
GLOR will also be seeking, through the E&LS name, trackage rights between Escanaba and SSM, ONT, including interchange in Trout Lake with the line from Trout Lake west.
GLOR has also discussed with CN the possibility of taking over all access to customers on the SSM, ONT side of the border and moving the interchange between the SSAC to SSM, Michigan in the now largely unused yard property, with the possibility of rebuilding the yard in SSM, Mi for the interchange. This would allow CN to adjust their power requirements due to restrictions over the international bridge.
Finally, GLOR (E&LS) will be seeking operational rights to the Escanaba Yard from CN including tracakage rights into the Yard and the continued trackage rights from the yard west to Pembine.
The current plan also does not include any plans to reopen the Channing to Wells line, or the Sidnaw to Nestoria lines, however those will remain intact for their current use (car storage).
The purchase, if it were to proceed would include the following: All mainline trackage, including the out of service line from Wells to Channing and Nestoria to Sidnaw, which are used for car storage. All trackage in the Wells and Escanaba Yards would also be transfered to GLOR ownership. The car shops and car paint shops would not be included in the same and would retain under Larkin ownership as E&LS Rail Services. In addition, locomotives not listed below, would be retained by Larkin. E&LS Rail Services would be authorized via trackage rights to operate excursion trains over the existing lines and any future lines added to the railroad.
As for power, the GLOR anticipates purchasing the following locomotives as part of the deal
E&LS 400, 401, 402, 500, 501, 502, 503, 1201, 1202, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224
The reason for this desitred purchase seems to be two fold. The Billerud switching contract is up for renewal at the end of the year and GLOR would like to gain access to this switching contract.
Additionally, the GLOR has again sought, and this time has gotten a positive response from CN about purchasing or leasing the Ore Subdivision from Escanaba to Ishpeming.
GLOR's plan, if the purchases and lease agreements can be worked out are for all lines (west of Ishpeming including former Mineral Range), west from Trout Lake, as well as trackage rights from Trout Lake to SSM will be transfered to the E&LS. E&LS will retain its name and be a wholely owned, or majority owned subsidiary of the GLOR. There is a possibility that the purchase and lease agreements may bring both the Larkin family and CN into ownership of the new E&LS following execution of these agreements.
GLOR will also be seeking, through the E&LS name, trackage rights between Escanaba and SSM, ONT, including interchange in Trout Lake with the line from Trout Lake west.
GLOR has also discussed with CN the possibility of taking over all access to customers on the SSM, ONT side of the border and moving the interchange between the SSAC to SSM, Michigan in the now largely unused yard property, with the possibility of rebuilding the yard in SSM, Mi for the interchange. This would allow CN to adjust their power requirements due to restrictions over the international bridge.
Finally, GLOR (E&LS) will be seeking operational rights to the Escanaba Yard from CN including tracakage rights into the Yard and the continued trackage rights from the yard west to Pembine.
The current plan also does not include any plans to reopen the Channing to Wells line, or the Sidnaw to Nestoria lines, however those will remain intact for their current use (car storage).
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
An agreement has been reached in principal for the GLOR to purchase the E&LS as well as lease the CN Ore Subdivision from Escanaba to Ishpeming. The deal will become effective on January 1st, 2025, or upon approval of the STB. The following will also be added to the new Escanaba and Lake Superior Railway Paper Railroad.
The deal includes the following stipulations.
1) GLOR will purchase and then "sell" the E&LS, including all trackage rights over CN to the owned subsidiary, Escanaba and Lake Superior Railway (ELSR).
2) ELSR will lease the CN Ore Subdivision from Escanaba to Ishpeming from CN. The lease is for a period of 25 years.
3) ELSR will obtain tracakge rights over CN between SSM, Ont and Escanaba in addition to the trackage rights they currently have between Escanaba and Pembine. These trackage rights will only apply to traffic destined for locations on the ELSR. No overhead traffic from or to CP (via SSAC) will be allowed
4) GLOR's current up trackage (Ishpeming to L'Anse and Trout Lake to Munising) will be transfered to the ELSR. Previous trackage rights agreements will remain in effect between Trout Lake and SSM, Ont.
5) ELSR will purchase the CN SSM, Michigan yard and begin rehabilitation and expansion of the property for future movement of the interchange between SSAC and CN to SSM, Michigan. This will be effective at a later date.
6) The Larkin Family will retain the Escanaba and Wells shop areas, as well as the following locomotives: BW&D 1, WPC 1, ELS 101, 102, 102B, 106, 201, 202, 204, 207, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 300, 600, 901, 950, 1205, and 1216.
7) GLOR's ELSR will purchase the following locomotives: 400, 401, 402, 500, 501, 502, 503, 1200, 1201, 1202, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224
ELRS will be building a locomotive maintainance facility at the Channing Yard Property to maintain all power on the line.
9) ELSR will take over switching of the Billerud plant in Escanaba effective on 1-1-2025. ELSR will reconnect the Ore Subdivision with the Billerud plant to allow effective switching of the plant.
10) ELSR will purchase the CN Ore Docks Yard.
11) CN will retain operational rights for ore trains running over the Ore Subdivision, should the need for any arise.
12) The Larkin family will retain excursion operations rights over the railroad, including trackage rights over CN lines (with approval of CN on a trip by trip basis). They will also maintain ownership of all passenger equipment used as part of said service.
13) Ownership of the ELSR will be 70% GLOR, 20% Canadian National, and 10% Larkin Family.
As a result of this transaction, GLOR is also expected to sell multiple locomotives to the ELSR from their railroad locomotive roster. While exact units have not been determined, it is estimated that several end cab switchers and SD40-2 locomotives will be included in the transaction to provide additional power for the GLOR.
All locomotives will be painted into a modified version of the current E&LS paint scheme. The scheme will change from the current orange, yellow and black scheme to a light blue, dark blue and yellow scheme, with the lettering to read, Escanaba and Lake Superior Railway.
The current plan is for all Escanaba based traffic to be interchanged to CN's train L55281, the Gladstone - Quinnesec local, this will include traffic from the Ore Subdivision bound for SSM and the SSAC.
A train operational plan will be posted upon approval of the deal by the STB.
The deal includes the following stipulations.
1) GLOR will purchase and then "sell" the E&LS, including all trackage rights over CN to the owned subsidiary, Escanaba and Lake Superior Railway (ELSR).
2) ELSR will lease the CN Ore Subdivision from Escanaba to Ishpeming from CN. The lease is for a period of 25 years.
3) ELSR will obtain tracakge rights over CN between SSM, Ont and Escanaba in addition to the trackage rights they currently have between Escanaba and Pembine. These trackage rights will only apply to traffic destined for locations on the ELSR. No overhead traffic from or to CP (via SSAC) will be allowed
4) GLOR's current up trackage (Ishpeming to L'Anse and Trout Lake to Munising) will be transfered to the ELSR. Previous trackage rights agreements will remain in effect between Trout Lake and SSM, Ont.
5) ELSR will purchase the CN SSM, Michigan yard and begin rehabilitation and expansion of the property for future movement of the interchange between SSAC and CN to SSM, Michigan. This will be effective at a later date.
6) The Larkin Family will retain the Escanaba and Wells shop areas, as well as the following locomotives: BW&D 1, WPC 1, ELS 101, 102, 102B, 106, 201, 202, 204, 207, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 300, 600, 901, 950, 1205, and 1216.
7) GLOR's ELSR will purchase the following locomotives: 400, 401, 402, 500, 501, 502, 503, 1200, 1201, 1202, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224
ELRS will be building a locomotive maintainance facility at the Channing Yard Property to maintain all power on the line. 9) ELSR will take over switching of the Billerud plant in Escanaba effective on 1-1-2025. ELSR will reconnect the Ore Subdivision with the Billerud plant to allow effective switching of the plant.
10) ELSR will purchase the CN Ore Docks Yard.
11) CN will retain operational rights for ore trains running over the Ore Subdivision, should the need for any arise.
12) The Larkin family will retain excursion operations rights over the railroad, including trackage rights over CN lines (with approval of CN on a trip by trip basis). They will also maintain ownership of all passenger equipment used as part of said service.
13) Ownership of the ELSR will be 70% GLOR, 20% Canadian National, and 10% Larkin Family.
As a result of this transaction, GLOR is also expected to sell multiple locomotives to the ELSR from their railroad locomotive roster. While exact units have not been determined, it is estimated that several end cab switchers and SD40-2 locomotives will be included in the transaction to provide additional power for the GLOR.
All locomotives will be painted into a modified version of the current E&LS paint scheme. The scheme will change from the current orange, yellow and black scheme to a light blue, dark blue and yellow scheme, with the lettering to read, Escanaba and Lake Superior Railway.
The current plan is for all Escanaba based traffic to be interchanged to CN's train L55281, the Gladstone - Quinnesec local, this will include traffic from the Ore Subdivision bound for SSM and the SSAC.
A train operational plan will be posted upon approval of the deal by the STB.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
The GLOR has run two days worth of football specials so far for the Michigan football games.
The first was a set of two trains run in conjunction with Amtrak for the Michigan vs Texas Game.
Train FB-1 ran from Pontiac through Detroit to Ferry Yard in Ann Arbor and followed the opposite path upon its return to Pontiac. This train was run in conjunction with Amtrak. Train FB-10 ran from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo and east to Ferry Yard before taking the return trip west.
The second game, Michigan vs USC saw four trains operate.
Train FB-1 again operated Pontiac to Ferry Yard and return.
Train FB-10 also ran following the same route.
Train FB-20 ran from Cadillac south to Ferry Yard and return
Train FB-30 ran from Toledo to Ferry Yard.
The next scheduled football special is for the MSU-OSU football game. This is being operated in conjunction with CN amd Amtrak.
Two trains will be operating to Durand, where the trains will be comined for the run to East Lansing.
FB-50 will operate from Bay City to Saginaw and to Durand.
FB-60 will operate from Cadillac to Durand.
FB-70 will be a CN operated train from Durand to East Lansing.
There were two packages available for these football specials.
The All inclusive package included game tickets, a pre-game tailgate, onboard meals and transportion from the station /drop location to the game.
The Train only portion of the trip included everything except the game tickets.
For all trips, the all inclusive packages had sold out very quickly, and the train only trips also sold out prior to the trip.
There are several more football specials expected to operate later this football season including one from Ann Arbor to Columbus for the Michigan vs Ohio State football game.
In addition, the small college football special will operate for the Adrain Alma game later this season. This will be a throw back trip of sorts as fans will get a feel of what teams and fans used to do for away games back in the olden days before highways and planes took over.
The first was a set of two trains run in conjunction with Amtrak for the Michigan vs Texas Game.
Train FB-1 ran from Pontiac through Detroit to Ferry Yard in Ann Arbor and followed the opposite path upon its return to Pontiac. This train was run in conjunction with Amtrak. Train FB-10 ran from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo and east to Ferry Yard before taking the return trip west.
The second game, Michigan vs USC saw four trains operate.
Train FB-1 again operated Pontiac to Ferry Yard and return.
Train FB-10 also ran following the same route.
Train FB-20 ran from Cadillac south to Ferry Yard and return
Train FB-30 ran from Toledo to Ferry Yard.
The next scheduled football special is for the MSU-OSU football game. This is being operated in conjunction with CN amd Amtrak.
Two trains will be operating to Durand, where the trains will be comined for the run to East Lansing.
FB-50 will operate from Bay City to Saginaw and to Durand.
FB-60 will operate from Cadillac to Durand.
FB-70 will be a CN operated train from Durand to East Lansing.
There were two packages available for these football specials.
The All inclusive package included game tickets, a pre-game tailgate, onboard meals and transportion from the station /drop location to the game.
The Train only portion of the trip included everything except the game tickets.
For all trips, the all inclusive packages had sold out very quickly, and the train only trips also sold out prior to the trip.
There are several more football specials expected to operate later this football season including one from Ann Arbor to Columbus for the Michigan vs Ohio State football game.
In addition, the small college football special will operate for the Adrain Alma game later this season. This will be a throw back trip of sorts as fans will get a feel of what teams and fans used to do for away games back in the olden days before highways and planes took over.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
I don't think this was posted previously, but the GLOR has opened their transload in Fillmore, Mi between Holland and Hamilton on the former CSX branch to Hamilton. This transload is expected to see 10 carloads per week. As a result, the GLOR stationed a single locomotive, currently a GP38-2 in Hamilton to run the Hamilton to Muskegon portion of the line, however generally all traffic has been running between Hamilton and the CSX interchange in Holland.
In addition, GLOR may be expanding their service in Hamilton with the possibility of extending the trackage south to Brink Farms south of 134th Ave. A couple additional possible customers also exist in the area who have epxressed interest in rail service.
In addition, GLOR may be expanding their service in Hamilton with the possibility of extending the trackage south to Brink Farms south of 134th Ave. A couple additional possible customers also exist in the area who have epxressed interest in rail service.
Re: Great Lakes and Ohio River Railroad
There is a new project underway in Clare, Michigan which will add at least 1, and possibly several new customers to the railroad.
GLOR will be building a third transload facility in Clare, this one located in the industrial park on the SW side of town. They have reached an agreement with Alro Steel to produce a two track transload facility at the corner of Pilot and Industrial Dr. This facility is adjacent to the Alro Steel Clare building and will include 3 transload sidings as well as a single track to the Alro Steel facility.
Several customers, including Northern Dry Bulk, Heintz Propane, and Alro Steel have all indicated support for using rail service from the facility.
This facility will be the third transload facility in Clare, along with the GLOR's transload at their yard on the NW side of town and the Poly Pavilion transload site.
The Clare Yard facility is handling mostly traffic from northern Michigan customers. That facility is set up more for aggregate and tank car transloading, whereas the new facility will be more designed for covered hopper transloading.
It is expected that one customer will build at least one storage tank on site for storing product until it is needed
GLOR will be building a third transload facility in Clare, this one located in the industrial park on the SW side of town. They have reached an agreement with Alro Steel to produce a two track transload facility at the corner of Pilot and Industrial Dr. This facility is adjacent to the Alro Steel Clare building and will include 3 transload sidings as well as a single track to the Alro Steel facility.
Several customers, including Northern Dry Bulk, Heintz Propane, and Alro Steel have all indicated support for using rail service from the facility.
This facility will be the third transload facility in Clare, along with the GLOR's transload at their yard on the NW side of town and the Poly Pavilion transload site.
The Clare Yard facility is handling mostly traffic from northern Michigan customers. That facility is set up more for aggregate and tank car transloading, whereas the new facility will be more designed for covered hopper transloading.
It is expected that one customer will build at least one storage tank on site for storing product until it is needed