RailRoadFan.com

With all the snow panic the last few days, I’m curious about snow plow history on the GR and Plymouth subs.

When was the last time a plow train operated?

Are there any plows or spreaders on the line anymore? I don’t think so—I think somebody said all that was left is the jet to blow out switches in the GR yard.

If we got a heavy winter, like the old days, where is the nearest plow on CSX?

There is a ballast regulator with a V plow based at Waverley yard in Holland Michigan. Many years ago when we had the mega winter of 2103-2014 the regulator was stationed on the Hamilton branch. It was parked on the BuhlerPrince siding between US 131 and 32nd St. in Holland Michigan for most of that winter.

Note: I have seen on a number of occasions a backhoe used to clear the entire M.J. lead in Zeeland Michigan.

As I recall they used a Jordan Spreader between GR and Holland in 2007 or 2008 once after a big snow fall. Otherwise, it’s probably been since the 90s or even before that. They just run trains or in the more recent past would send out a set of light engines to keep the line clear.

What about this sweet little plow/snow blower? Is it still around?

J T wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 27, 2022 12:45 pm

What about this sweet little plow/snow blower? Is it still around?

Yes this is the unit that I was talking about J T thank you as always you nailed it. It has been replaced with a newer model it’s green now.

Note: 02/12/2014 is when J T took these amazing pics of the ballast regulator on the Ottawa Beach branch next to the De Leeuw Lumber Company in Holland Michigan.

Looks like the one CN keeps up in L'Anse.