Lake Orion branch operation observations

[David Collins]

I decided to start this thread for the people that may be curious about the operations on the CN Lake Orion Branch, and for those to document the trains they may see on it.

Carloads are rough estimates, but are made as accurate as possible given past trends. As much as I try to get out there and shoot the job that works it, I simply don’t have the time.

These observations come courtesy of myself and other railfans. If you see a train on the branch, make sure to drop your report here as well as the CN heads up thread.

In order to make this thread work as effectively as possible, information I would like is:

Engine #
What industries were worked
How many cars were picked up/dropped off
How many cars leaving the branch compared to what the train came with

The branch for those who don’t know consists of two industries, Bolyard Lumber Transload (next to Baldwin Road RR Crossing) and Ferrous Processing (next to Collier Road, no accessible viewing points).

May was a quiet month on the branch, Ferrous was shipping out a measly 2 cars at a time (8 cars this month). Bolyard lumber transload was busy and shipped 15 cars out while taking Which makes for 23 cars picked up all together.

Power of choice was either IC 9607 or IC 9636.

[AARR]

If Ferrous Pontiac had access to CSX or NS I think they would be shipping a lot more rail cars

[Beemer]

06/08/2024 12:02
Engine # CN 5417
What industries were worked: Ferrous Processing
How many cars were picked up/dropped off: 2 Picked up
How many cars leaving the branch compared to what the train came with: N/A
Gondolas: ZVBX 526567 & ZVBX 321787
I heard horns about 5 minutes earlier than 12:02. At 12:25, the engine crossed Walton Rd on its way back south to Pontiac Yard.

[David Collins]

06/08/2024 12:02
Engine # CN 5417
What industries were worked: Ferrous Processing
How many cars were picked up/dropped off: 2 Picked up
How many cars leaving the branch compared to what the train came with: N/A
Gondolas: ZVBX 526567 & ZVBX 321787
I heard horns about 5 minutes earlier than 12:02. At 12:25, the engine crossed Walton Rd on its way back south to Pontiac Yard.

Can’t say I’ve heard of the belt being worked on a weekend.

I believe they brought 3-4 cars in for Ferrous last week per a user that isn’t on the site.

[AARR]

Can’t say I’ve heard of the belt being worked on a weekend.

At least not FP on weekends. I suspect the Lumber Yard gets worked on days other than Wednesdays, though.

[RoyalKingoftheRails]

Can’t say I’ve heard of the belt being worked on a weekend.

At least not FP on weekends. I suspect the Lumber Yard gets worked on days other than Wednesdays, though.

The Lumberyard got worked on a Monday a few weeks ago according to a friend of mine.