Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Give us a run down of what you saw, post pictures if you'd like...any info is welcome.
Dan Cluley
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Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by Dan Cluley »

I had the chance to get out on Wed and spend the whole day looking for trains.

GLC is running north out of Owosso in the evenings these day due to track work which makes for some nice lighting on a line that heads northwest so I wanted to chase them. I haven't seen much CSX since 328/329 stopped running, but D708 seems to head east from Lansing about Noon most days, so I figured to stay around town at least that long, wander towards Durand for the afternoon and then head for Owosso about 5:00.

That was the plan...

Started on the CN mid morning, but nothing was lined up. Did get some "vintage" power sitting at Snow yard.
CN 5340 Snow Yard Lansing 07 01 2020 a.jpg
I did get the Jackson & Lansing headed north with one car for CSX and then back south light.
ADBF 1751 sbd Hazel st Lansing 07 01 2020.jpg
Sitting in the shade waiting for the signal south across the CN.

While trying (and failing) to catch an eastbound CN, D708 left, I nearly missed them and didn't get a good shot.

Plan B became a run to Webberville to try for D708 again, which worked out much better.
CSXT 5500 & 8016 train D708 ebd Webberville 07 01 2020 a.jpg

Dan Cluley
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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by Dan Cluley »

I was monitoring the Durand scanner feed, and knew that 401 was working there, so I headed up M52 to Perry and then found a spot in Morrice to catch them.
CN 2863 3821 2873  train 401 wbd Morrice 07 01 2020.jpg
While waiting I heard that GLC had a train headed south out of Durand. It seems like that run usually happens at night, so trying to chase it became a priority. After wandering cross country, I got to the GLC tracks at Cohoctah and followed them south, catching up to the train at Oak Grove. I went ahead and set up at the old depot in Howell.
GLC 382 & 393 sbd Howell 07 01 2020.jpg
I assumed they would be stopping at Ann Pere & I could hear D708 in town, so I went looking for them first, and got the classic signal shot when CSX headed west.
CSXT 8016 & 5500 train D708 wbd Howell 07 01 2020 a.jpg

Dan Cluley
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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by Dan Cluley »

The GLC had passed through Howell without stopping, so by the time I got CSX, I started south assuming I would find them headed back. In fact I got all the way to Osmer just as they were ready to come north. Got one shot and then headed back to Howell because I wanted time to set up to do the "Tunnel" shot east of the depot.
GLC 393 & 382 nbd Howell 07 01 2020 a.jpg
GLC 393 & 382 nbd Howell 07 01 2020 b.jpg
One more shot at the Jones road bridge and then I finally headed for Durand.
GLC 393 & 382 nbd Jones rd Howell 07 01 2020.jpg

Dan Cluley
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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by Dan Cluley »

The GLC northbound had a short wait at Pitt until the CN dispatcher could get 451 by them.
GLC 393 & 382 nbd Pitt jct Durand 07 01 2020.jpg
CN 5792 & 5720  train 451 nbd Pitt jct Durand 07 01 2020 a.jpg
CN 5792 & 5720  train 451 nbd Pitt jct Durand 07 01 2020 b.jpg
By this time it was getting to be dusk, and I assume the Owosso north train was halfway to Clare. Guess I'll have to chase that one another time. Plans are overrated, right? :)

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AARR
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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by AARR »

Dan, looks like you had a great day railfanning! Thank you 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: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by Man o' War »

Nice documentation - thanks for posting !

Man o' War

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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by LansingRailFan »

Nice to see you at Pitt, Dan! Nice new drone too!

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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by ConrailDetr​oit »

If understood correctly, GLC had 2 afternoon jobs working out of Owosso? One that went south and the other that went north.

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Re: Random Michigan Trains - July 1 2020

Unread post by Dan Cluley »

ConrailDetr​oit wrote:If understood correctly, GLC had 2 afternoon jobs working out of Owosso? One that went south and the other that went north.

Not sure of exact schedules, but I would guess the southbound crew left Owosso around Noon or 1. The northbound has been leaving around 6 pm.

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