Michigan Shortlines January 2014

[AARR]

Last I heard they were loosing most if not all of Shape's buisness via Bay Logistics. Something about a transfer in manufacturing facilities and parts are going by truck instead. Too bad. It was nice to see a good mix of cars on MS trains.

This will be a significant blow to MS's business. I think Shape's was MS's #2 customer behind the sand.

[Patriot]

GRE was EB over the Grand River just after noon today with two CHs. They since had come back; however, they are currently EB again at Leonard/Plainfield with seven CHs, three tankers and the wire-gon.

[AANscaleRunner]

GLC 398 left Cadillac at 0945 towards Clare with 1 plastics hopper, 4 empty coke hoppers, 2 plastics hoppers and 7 sand cars.

GLC 398 returned at 1435 with 3 sand hoppers, 5 coke hoppers and 7 sand hoppers. Headed to Yuma shortly after arriving to Selma Yard.

[trnwatcher]

GRE was EB over the Grand River just after noon today with two CHs. They since had come back; however, they are currently EB again at Leonard/Plainfield with seven CHs, three tankers and the wire-gon.

I heard them around 1:00pm asking for a signal WB and then again EB at Fuller. Kind of figured they had a hot car or where making two trips east today.

[Jetlink]

GRE was EB over the Grand River just after noon today with two CHs. They since had come back; however, they are currently EB again at Leonard/Plainfield with seven CHs, three tankers and the wire-gon.

I heard them around 1:00pm asking for a signal WB and then again EB at Fuller. Kind of figured they had a hot car or where making two trips east today.

I saw the crossing signals activated at Plymouth ave as I was headed downtown tonight. Just before 6:00 pm. I assume they were returning then.

[59caddy]

AARR heading south from osmer. Engines and consist unknown to me.

[KVERBERK]

GLC 398 arrived in Traverse City today around 11am with one box car.

[Standard Railfan]

GLC 398 arrived in Traverse City today around 11am with one box car.

I hear GLC headed south of TVC at 1400

[KVERBERK]

GLC left town with one empty center beam

[Patriot]

GRE: Just crossed Leonard/Plainfield with 8 CHs.

[AARR]

GRE: Just crossed Leonard/Plainfield with 8 CHs.

Were they CSX covered hoppers?

[EMDACESteve]

HESR 740 switching Wenona yard with the 1721.

[Patriot]

Today's GRE EB consist --- IIRC, four of the eight were CSX, with the other four being the usual CHs.

[EMDACESteve]

HESR 702 is having to make a very awkward move move in Genesee yard in Saginaw after picking up cars at the at the south or west end of the yard. They are having to shove back north through Mershon to clear the Paines switch in order to able to head to Durand. They have the 2668, 2661 and 90 to 95 cars.

[KVERBERK]

Kinda late for this but the GLC made a run to Kalkasa today with a couple tank cars. looks like they may have gone to TC as well.

[Saturnalia]

9:21 EST: Sounds like GRE EB through Creston....expecting a consist report from Leonard Tower shortly

[Patriot]

Leonard Tower Report --- 11 cars in all, consisting of 1 tanker, 9 CHs for King and 1 Amway-looking CH.

[Patriot]

Leonard Tower Report --- GRE WB with a total of 14 cars, consisting of 12 CHs (a few CSX ones) and 2 tankers. A few of the CHs looked "non-King".

[Firemedic Mike]

CPMY ran a plow extra with 3049 from Coopersville to just east of Marne today. Made for some impressive in cab and front walkway views of snow drifts being blasted through. Some drifts were over the coupler.

[csx801]

Michigan shore is on their way back north after taking an engine light south to the switch in west olive to clear snow from the tracks. First train on the line south of Muskegon since Thursday night so they have lots of snow to plow. No southbound in that long has also built up a good cut of out bounds for the night crew. Look for 28 Lincoln and 7 Barry (Nugent sand) on tonights train. Not sure if they will split it up or not. I doubt they can take the hill with the 2 38's and the 1200 with all that sand.

Edit: sounds like they are taking it up to henry for fuel then to tie down for the afternoon. I can hear them in Norton shores as I type this.