After getting a taste of the Detroit Connecting Railroad last Thursday, I went back down to Detroit to see them again and get more and better footage. We were back down on the 28th to specifically chase the ADBF on their short run. I had a great time and it was fun to watch this classic short line operation. Enjoy!
(New intro too, about half as long so if anyone wants to let me know what they think of that feel free)
It’s a sunny day on April 28th 2015, and we are in Detroit Michigan watching the Adrian and Blissfield’s railroad in the city, the Detroit connecting railroad. The Detroit Connecting Railroad operates on approximately 2.5 miles of ex-Grand Trunk Western. Here we see them after gathering their interchange calling the CN dispatcher for permission into the east yard.
The Detroit Connecting tracks run from a couple miles south of The Canadian National’s Milwaukee Junction where they run around the southeast leg of the wye, and into Canadian National’s east yard to swap cars.
Today’s train for the CN consist of 1 tank car and 6 loaded scrap gondolas. The pickup will be just 2 cars, a tank car and an empty scrap gondola.
After making the set out, Adrian and Blissfield 836 heads to the other end of the yard to retrieve the interchange. ADBF 836 is an SW-900 that was built in 1953 for the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad as an SW-8. After working on the Rock Island, it headed to Kalamazoo Michigan and worked at the Checkers Motor company plant switcher, it worked as Checkers Motors #1. The 836 finally found its way to the Adrian and Blissfield after being rebuilt as an SW-900. This switcher has a classic look, with New York Central inspired lettering, logo, and of course the classic end stripes on both ends of the unit. This switcher also has a classic sounding S3L horn.
After making the pickup, the ADBF once again calls the CN dispatcher as they head back to their home rails.
After rebounding Milwaukee junction cab first, the ADBF crosses Milwaukee Avenue on their way to drop off cars and end their day.
Overall I had a great time following this little short lines operations through the great city of Detroit. It was a perfect day, and I gathered most of the shots I wanted. It is always neat to see such a classic locomotive earning its keep, the ADBF's DCON really has a classic feel to it.
And some still from the day:
Detroit Connecting Railroad by Michigan Central Lines, on Flickr
Detroit Connecting Railroad East Yard by Michigan Central Lines, on Flickr
It was a lot of fun to chase the train through Detroit, and nice to get more footage. The most recent YouTube footage I could find was 7 years old so this will serve as a nice updated video. Thanks for watching and reading!
A Day on the Detroit Connecting Railroad
A Day on the Detroit Connecting Railroad
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"
All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown
All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown
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Re: A Day on the Detroit Connecting Railroad
I like your intro, video, narration and everything. Thanks for posting!
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...
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Re: A Day on the Detroit Connecting Railroad
Now that is sweet. thanks for sharing...This is taken from an angle of Detroit railfanning that is seldom seen.
Exit stage left
Re: A Day on the Detroit Connecting Railroad
Thanks AARR and redside it was a fun trip and great to get that footage
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"
All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown
All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown
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Re: A Day on the Detroit Connecting Railroad
Great video. I like the inclusion of the scanner audio. Also, that horn is a beast.