Prototype Pic of the Day #22

D&M Alco C420 #976 | Image courtesy of David Hedlund via RailPictures.net

While it may be a few minutes into July 5th as I am writing this, I thought I would post a pic today of something showcasing the red, white and blue for the fourth of July. In the picture above is D&M Alco C420 #976 wearing it's bicentennial paint scheme. Other than the obvious departure from the standard D&M colors, this one has Detroit & Mackinac Railway spelled out in a fancy font and the words "Spirit of 76" were added to the sides of the cab.

Prototype Pic of the Day #20

Lake State Railway Alco RS-2 #469 | Image Courtesy of Steven McKay via RailPictures.net

Today's picture is another one featuring a piece of the former Detroit & Mackinac railway. This is Lake State Railway #469 shown sitting at the LSRC yard in Saginaw, MI. As far as I know, this is the last Alco still around from the D&M. I even have a picture of myself up on the front of this exact locomotive from back when I was a kid and was exploring the LSRC facilities in Alpena, MI. Click here to see my post about that.

Layout Idea: Detroit & Mackinac and the TankTrain™

Even though I am focused on my office shelf layout at the moment, I still like to look for ideas to use on my future layouts. Someday I would like to have at least part of a layout dedicated to the Detroit & Mackinac and their Michigan operations during the late 80's and early 90's. I have a good start on some rolling stock, but nothing when it comes to locomotives yet. That layout wouldn't be for quite a while, so I have some time to work on accumulating more pieces for my D&M collection. In the meantime, I am always on the lookout for ideas that would work on a D&M layout. 

Today I came across something interesting when looking through all the pictures I have for #1280. The picture below shows it in front of two CM units and another unknown fourth locomotive, but the most interesting part is what's behind that last one. If you look close, you can see several tank cars. These are not just any tank cars though, they are actually part of the TankTrain™ from GATX (Great American Transportation Corporation).

DM 1280 leading three other units somewhere in Michigan.

Here is the description from the GATX website: "TankTrain™ System - A string of interconnected tank cars with flexible hoses, developed exclusively by GATX’s research and development team, allows for quick loading and unloading of commodities including crude petroleum oil, benzene, light fuel oil and phosphoric acid." 

A better look at the TankTrain cars in real life.

The best part is there are several models out there for these specific tank cars. I found a great example from Athearn. They can be bought as individual intermediate cars or as an A/B set of two. For my purposes, I would probably go with three cars total to match the picture shown above. Here are some pictures I found of these models.  

A look at one of the Athearn models.

A look at two of the units connected to each other.

A closer look at the connecting hose between the two units.

These would definitely look good on a layout with some D&M locomotives pulling them around. I'll have to do some more research to see where exactly these things would've been used in Michigan. I'm assuming it is somewhere within D&M or CM's trackage, but that's a large area so it may take some time to figure out for sure.

New D&M Rolling Stock: InterMountain PS 5277 Cu. Ft. Boxcars

Last week I posted some new Detroit & Mackinac boxcars that InterMountain was going to be releasing early next year. There are a total of six new road numbers being released, but one thing I noticed was that they had already released these at least once before. Looking at the actual part numbers, these start at -07 and run through -12, which means there was six more done at some point in the past. 

Anyway, I was doing some searching for these upcoming models and stumbled across a website that showed two of the earlier road numbers: 2217 and 2256. I called to inquire further and they were in fact in stock, so I decided to go ahead and get both of them because these things are impossible to find. In fact, these are the only two versions of this model that I have ever even seen for sale. Here is a look at them in their boxes:

D&M boxcar #'s 2217 and 2256

The store I bought these from is called Spring Creek Model Trains and they are based in Deshler, NE. I will say the service was excellent and the shipping time couldn't have been better. I placed the order on Friday and they were waiting for me when I got home on Monday. Together the two set me back $60 with shipping, which doesn't seem all that bad for a couple of quality models like these. I even saved a few bucks off the original sticker.

As you can see from the ends of the boxes, these are -01 and -04 from what I am assuming is the original run of six models. The store told me they had gotten them all the way back in 2007, so these are actually pretty old now. That's ok though, all that matters is that I have them now. Here are some pictures of the details on these cars:

An overall view of DM2217.

A look at the excellent decal work on these models.

A look at the details on the end of the car.

A look at both of the new boxcars together.

These two are exactly what I was looking for, plus I don't have to wait until early next year to get them. Now I just need to see if I can track down any of the others from the first six. I would like to get at least a few more of these to be able to build a decent consist of D&M rolling stock. Just for fun, here's what my entire D&M fleet looks like right now.

Seven cars isn't all that much, but its a good start if you ask me. These things are pretty hard to track down, so I will always take what I can get. Also on a side note, I think its kind of neat that InterMountain used 2217 as the stock image for the upcoming release and I was lucky enough to have that be one of the two I picked up.

Detroit & Mackinac: InterMountain PS 5277 Exterior Post Boxcar

In addition to the 50' double door boxcar I posted recently, I found out that InterMountain will also be releasing a more modern Detroit & Mackinac boxcar sometime in 2015. These would be more of a priority for me because they would fit right into the time period I would model if I pursue a D&M themed layout someday.

InterMountain 5277 cubic foot exterior post boxcar.

There are also six road numbers for this one: 2219, 2263, 2235, 2277, 2254, and 2290. I would love to pre-order the entire set because there is some savings in doing that. I believe the whole set retails for around $170, which isn't bad if these are a nice as they appear to be. While I don't have any prototype photos of these six, I have plenty of others in this series of boxcars, so it would be really nice for my collection to have all of them.

Detroit & Mackinac: InterMountain 50' PS-1 Double-Door Boxcar

Detroit & Mackinac models in HO scale are not exactly the easiest thing to find, so when I see there is something new already out or about to be released, its kind of exciting. The other day I found out that InterMountain has release a set of Pullman Standard 50' double door boxcars. There are six road numbers: 3202, 3237, 3210, 3241, 3226, and 3248.

InterMountain 50' double door boxcar

These things look great and I am hoping to at least get one of them for myself, although getting the full set would be the ultimate goal. The only thing I need to do is see if either of my two local hobby shops will have them in stock. If not then there are several places online selling them for right around $30 including shipping.

Detroit & Mackinac Stone Depot in Harrisville, MI

Harrisville, Michigan is a place that will always be a great memory from my childhood. In addition to it being my family's summer vacation spot, it was where I first encountered the Detroit & Mackinac. Harrisville is home to one of D&M's older passenger stations. I remember going to see it all the time to watch the trains go by and search the grounds for any little piece of discarded railroad equipment we could find. I know my dad has a nice collection of spikes and date nails hidden away somewhere. I'll have to see if I can get some of them to show off here one of these days. 

Back to the depot, according to the sign out front it was built in 1901 and that is backed up by the information I've been able to find on the internet. This link has some great background about the depot and a neat story from 1902 about how it ended up being constructed with stone donated by the townspeople of Harrisville. It would be in service for 50 years until passenger service on the D&M was stopped in 1951. 

It sat virtually unused since the 1960's until renovations were started sometime in the early 2000's, I'll have to do some more digging on that one as I don't have any details about the project. From the outside, you can tell the roof and windows have been replaced, while most of the original stone structure appears to be intact. It is not open to the public, so it was hard to get a good look at the inside, but from what I read it is still in decent shape.

This past weekend I was in Harrisville vacationing with my family and made sure I set aside some time for a trip to the old depot. It's nice than I remember because the last time I saw it was before any of the renovations took place. I still remember the roof being partially caved in and all of the windows broken out. It was nice to see it looking so much better. Here are some of the pictures I was able to get.

A look at the front of the stone depot in Harrisville, MI

A look at the sign out in front of the depot.

A look at the south end of the building.

A look at the southwest corner of the building.

A look at the west side of the building closest to the tracks.

A look at the north side of the building.

A close-up of the Harrisville sign above the door on the east side.

It is really an amazing piece of architecture, something you don't see everyday. Just the fact that it was built 113 years ago is impressive in itself. With a little bit more work, this would make for an excellent tourist attraction. It is marked as an Alcona County historical site, so hopefully it remains standing for the foreseeable future. Here are a few pictures of the current LSRC line that runs by the depot.

Current LSRC line headed south toward downtown Harrisville.

Current LSRC line headed north toward Alpena, MI.

That's all I have for right now. This has got me wanting to head back up there and get some more pictures of the old D&M line between Tawas and Alpena. This is the area I was around the most as a kid. On the plus side, I may even be able to capture some LSRC trains running this route.

Original Detroit & Mackinac 35mm Slide

There are positives and negatives to being a fan of a small railroad like the Detroit & Mackinac. The negatives mostly being the fact that it has ceased to exist for the last 20 years now. On the other hand, when it comes to memorabilia and other related items, there isn't exactly a lot to go around, so it becomes that much more exciting each time I come across something new to possibly add to my collection. 

In addition to searching for HO scale models on eBay, I've been on the lookout for anything and everything related to the D&M. I've found things like playing cards, drinking glasses, and postcards. Beyond that, the one thing that has gotten my attention lately is 35mm slides and the photos generated from them. These are the small transparent images mounted in a small cardboard frame from back before the digital cameras of today. While its not the same as owning an acutal photo, its pretty neat to have an original slide. 

Here is a look at the first slide for my collection:

35mm Kodachrome slide of DM974

This one features one of D&M's old RS3 units shown in Alpena, MI during the summer of 1993. This would have been after they were sold and became the LSRC, but the locomotive still has its D&M paint scheme. Below is a copy of the full size image that the seller posted in the eBay listing.

The full size final image from the slide shown above

While this is an ancient technology in today's society, it's pretty neat to have one of these. There are a ton more of them out there for sale, so maybe I will try to start a D&M slide collection moving forward. The only thing I would have to do is find my own way of extracting the true high-quality images from the slides. After some searching online, it would involve buying an expensive scanner or camera attachment, so that may have to wait.

Railfanning at Greenfield Village

This past weekend my family and I made it out to Greenfield Village and I was able to get some nice pictures of the various locomotives and rolling stock they have on the grounds. While I'm not big on steam, it was still pretty neat to see what they had to offer. Up first us a picture of the train that runs around the park. It pulls several open air passenger cars and makes several stops at different locations in the park.

LSMS 4-4-0 #1 passing through the farm section of Greenfield Village

While we were waiting for the train to arrive at the depot in the back of the park, I was able to get some pictures of some rolling stock they had stored on a siding next to the main line. Then there was also some stuff sitting just outside the turntable and roundhouse.

C&O Boxcar #491556 sitting on a siding in the back of the park.

C&O Boxcar #25038 sitting on a siding in the back of the park.

UTLX Tank Car #1328 sitting on a siding in the back of the park.

More rolling stock featuring some DT&I, C&O, and Cotton Belt on the same siding.

Here are some pictures of the turntable and roundhouse. Interesting that the turntable is man-powered. I wonder how many people it takes to get these items turned around on there. Inside there were some more steam locomotives to check out. It was really cool getting to see them up close like this.

A look at the man-powered turn table in front of the roundhouse.

A look at the front of the roundhouse.

Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. locomotive inside the roundhouse.

This one is a little blurry, but still a pretty nice looking locomotive.

A look at the caboose that was being worked on inside the roundhouse.

Another steam locomotive inside the roundhouse. This one you could walk underneath.

Last but not least was an interesting piece of equipment that I happened to find tucked away on the siding with all the extra rolling stock. It is a Detroit & Mackinac steam locomotive, at least what's left of it. There are no identifying numbers so I can't really say what it is other than the D&M painted on the side. 

I did some searching around online and came across this link that talks about additions to Greenfield Village from the D&M. All it says is that the D&M donated a 1914 Baldwin locomotive, so this has to be it. There is also a YouTube video about it, click here to see it. There are some great closeup shots.

Unknown Detroit & Mackinac steam locomotive sitting on a siding.

Not bad for my first real attempt at railfanning. Now I just need to get out and find some pictures that I can use for my layout projects. I'd really like to get out and get some good shots of the various industries and locations served by the railroads here in south east Michigan.

Prototype Pic of the Day #11

DM Alco C425 #381 | Image courtesy of Garland McKee (alcostalker) via Flickr

I've been way to busy lately to work on any of my modeling projects, so its time for another prototype pic. Today's picture is another Detroit & Mackinac shot from Garland McKee. It shows #381 switching the railroad ferry Chief Wawatam at Mackinaw City, MI. The Chief was used to transport rail cars between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan since there was no rail connection along the Mackinac Bridge. The Chief operated from 1911 to 1984.

Awesome Detroit & Mackinac Photo Album on Flickr

Lately I've been on the lookout for prototype pcitures of the Detroit & Mackinac and have found some really good stuff through RailPictures.net and RRPictureArchives.net, but I have to say Flickr has become my new favorite spot. While it is not as easy to sort the pictures on there, you can find some really great stuff with the right search criteria.

The album that I stumbled upon this time is called "D&M / Lake State" from the user aclostalker. Below is an example and one of my favorites. It shows #281 along with one of the other centuries hauling a line of D&M boxcars. On top of that there is nothing but pure Michigan scenery as far as the eye can see, which makes for an amazing photo.

DM Alco C425 #281 | Image courtesy of Garland McKee (alcostalker) via Flickr

There are a lot more shots just like this one, so click here to see the entire album. There is more than just D&M stuff too if you look at all their photos. They have a ton of great pictures of other Alco's from different railroads. I really enjoyed clicking through all of them. It's kind of neat to see all the different paint jobs these types of locomotives had, although the D&M scheme is definitely my favorite.

Detroit & Mackinac Herald King Decal Set for Alco C425's

Lately I've been on the lookout for anything Detroit & Mackinac that I can find on eBay and at train shows. While there has been plenty of rolling stock, relatively speaking, I haven't come across any locomotives for sale and I'm starting to think I will never find one. Then I came across something I hadn't seen before, a decal set for detailing an Alco C425 in the D&M paint scheme complete with numbers, logos, and proper striping.

The set comes from Miller Advertising out of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, at least that's what is printed on the slip that came with it. Not sure if this is even a company anymore because when I did some searching online I found a standalone Herald King website that is based out of Bettendorf, IA. Anyone know anything about them?

Here's a look at the sheet of decals:

A look at the full sheet of decals.

Here's the instruction sheet that came with it:

Instructions page provided with the decals.

Now I just need to find myself an undecorated C425 to try this out on. I love that they have included the specific paint colors needed to fully customize for the D&M paint scheme. I'll have to be on the lookout for these color paints now too. 

New D&M Rolling Stock: 50' Berwick Boxcar

This one will be the third boxcar for my collection of Detroit & Mackinac rolling stock. It comes from Branchline Trains Blueprint series of models. The kit came fully assembled and in pretty good shape. I was lucky enough to grab it on eBay for $9.49 plus shipping. Here are some pictures of it.

D&M 50' Berwick boxcar #20235 from Branchline Trains.

A look at one end of the car.

A look at the other end.

A look at the excellent decals on the left end.

A look at the decals in the center of the car.

A look at the decals on the right end.

Just for fun, a look at the box from Branchline.

This has definitely become my new favorite piece of rolling stock. I love the level of detail that went into this thing. Everything from the clean and crisp decals to the separate grab irons. Doesn't get much better than this if you ask me. 

From what I've seen online, there are a few other car #'s out there for this model, so I will definitely be on the lookout for those to help build my D&M fleet of rolling stock. I just love the look of these cars with the white on red paint scheme. It's simple and effective. Makes me want to hurry up and get to building a running layout already so I can see these things in action.