The Amtrak Michigan Line

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Hi everyone, This video was a real labor of love for me. I was born and raised in Jackson County, Michigan and spent a lot of my childhood watching trains along the Michigan Line. I consider this line to be my "hometown railroad." When I moved to Tennessee in 2019, I had to give up my dream of producing a Michigan Line documentary - similar to the films I've produced on Saluda Grade or the Madison Railroad. I had recorded interviews with MDOT officials, railroad employees, and historians with the intent to use them in a proper documentary. However, with a full time job over 500 miles away from my home State, I knew the likelihood of being able to complete such a large project was low. So, I decided to upload all of my Michigan Line B-Roll clips into two videos that showcase the many trains I've seen over the last decade. Part 1 may be viewed at the following link. The video covers the first five years of Delay In Block's history and includes some footage of trains you just can't see anymore. Watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGmueqmVaKZ9odE The Amtrak Michigan Line, in my opinion, is rather underrated by the railfan community. Because of its low train count, railfans tend to overlook this interesting stretch of railroad. My hope with this series is to show that the Michigan Line is worth visiting, documenting, and experiencing. Prior to 2012, when Norfolk Southern owned the rails and dispatched the line, everything was different. A lot has changed in the last decade but NS still has a presence in Jackson and Battle Creek. With PSR implemented in 2020, a lot of the freight trains seen in this video have either been abolished or have adopted new symbols. That being said, there are still several locals in Jackson that run with classic EMD locomotives like SD40-2s, GP38-2s, and GP60s. Indeed, in this modern era of GEVOs, ACes, and other locomotives without any kind of character, Norfolk Southern's Michigan Line harkens back to the golden era of railroading. When Norfolk Southern took over from Conrail in 1999, they made it clear that they were not interested in the Michigan Line. Or Michigan in general. Prior to the takeover, there were a handful of through trains from Detroit to Kalamazoo and Elkhart. Not only that, but there were also plenty of trains to Lansing, Grand Rapids, and beyond that all utilized the Michigan Line to get to their final destinations. I must say though, the traffic decline isn't entirely Norfolk Southern's fault. You see, a lot of customers surrounding the automotive industry shut down in the late 90s and early 2000s which meant the lifeblood of Norfolk Southern's secondary or "feeder" lines was no more. Still, NS made it clear that they were only interested in running trains from Point A to B. They did not want to serve local customers because they did not make "enough" money - even though they were turning a profit. The truth is, when NS told the State that they did not have enough traffic to justify maintaining the trackage for Amtrak speeds, they were only doing so to prompt the State to buy the line. They knew that if they played their hand, the State would freak out and end up buying the railroad from them. To NS, it made a whole lot of sense. They could still profit off all the freight business without having to spend ANY money to take care of their railroad while forcing the taxpayers to foot the bill. They'd still have operating rights until the end of time while Amtrak, MDOT, and most of all - the taxpayers - would fit the maintenance bill for them. All they'd have to do is the minimum. They simply would serve the existing customers they had without promoting freight rail as an option to potential customers. It was a total cakewalk for NS. So here we are in 2022. The Michigan Line is dispatched by Amtrak, is equipped with PTC, is mostly single track, all the freight trains run at night, Norfolk Southern has no plans of developing any kind of through traffic or local business beyond what they already have, and Amtrak dispatchers are too scared of their own shadows to allow NS to run anything during the day. It is a far cry from what it was 40 years ago. Under Conrail, the Michigan Line was double-tracked, saw roughly 8 through trains per day plus locals, 6 passenger trains, and had a healthy customer base that fed their business all the way until the split with NS and CSX. Although it is a mere shadow of its former self, it still holds a special place in my heart and I hope that this video will give you a newfound sense of appreciation for this important rail corridor. I hope you enjoy watching the video as much as I did while putting it together. So thanks for stopping by.

[@NickThatRailfan]

Do you think you could start doing more stuff with the Indiana Northeastern please

[@TheCheffydave]

You are as always, a wealth of information, which I dearly appreciate! Thanks so much.

[@PGHammer21A]

The reason for AMTRAK's fear is due entirely to Congress - which has been beating up on them since they were founded. Joe Biden is easily the ONLY Member of Congress - current OR former - that has a positive of AMTRAK - the rest of Congress has a distinct automobile OR air bias.

[@PGHammer21A]

Jiffy is a competitor to Bisquick - and makes bread mixes in competition to it - for residential and commercial use ("Jiffy" branded).

[@paulduncan4892]

Love your videos, I don't know much about US railway operations, but find your videos easy to watch, informative and addictive. Particularly like your stuff on the lesser known railways/railroads.

[@MichiganCentralLines]

Glad to see my appearance was in the first scene of the video.. So much younger back then. Loved seeing your coverage of the P32-8's in the video, awesome to see some of the footage that Had not been posted yet!

[@iiigraghu]

Hearty Greetings to Drayton from India. This video presentation is incredible. I always love your sweet voice and excellent narrative. Excellent Enterprising Emerging Evolving Railfanning Endeavour🎉🙏

[@anetajohnson8446]

I Bought my first home in Michiana shores, a east suberb of Michigan City, IND tracks paraleld hy 12east was the mane rail line from Chicago to Detroit. Canadian trains also used that corador, crossed into Winsor Canada, and went to TORONTO. I recall two passenger trains a day went passed my house in the 70s.Was music to my ears, and you could almost set your watch to there passing! I Moved many years ago, but those tracks are still maine line! They connect with the route in this video!

[@Tmerk1221]

Just want to say thank you for this. My 3.5 is obsessed with trains and your videos are some of his favorites. And I enjoy the history and background you provide. Thanks so much! 🙂

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Tara, thank you so much. That really means a lot! I’m so glad your little one enjoys the videos. -Drayton

[@ronm1779]

The final winter scene at Jackson was incredible, one of the most spectacular pieces of video recorded (!). And as an ex-Conductor on the Amtrak Michigan Line, this brought back so many memories - but things sure have changed since 2010...

[@ednorton47]

Why don't they replace that broken-down concrete secondary platform at Jackson? What an embarrassment!

[@protowave]

@@ednorton47 because money

[@ericerickson7544]

@@ednorton47 Totally agree with you Edward Safety is my concern along with beatification, also train delays & money is a big issue. I'm sure the Station Mater/Manager & Employees write it up on their daily safety reviews. Hope to see it get done soon.

[@emjeebutterz4405]

Almost 3 hours of Michigan Line glory! I've lived in southeast Michigan my entire life, and I've loved watching videos like yours on the Michigan Line! I remember the times when your channel was mostly Michigan content, and while that may not be the case anymore, the quality of your videos has always gotten better over the years! Thanks for this documentary about our hometown line, it really is a unique one that has gone through many eras!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Thanks for this video! I grew up in Michigan City in the 50's and early 60's. The CSS&SB, NKP, and Monon were more accessible to a young railfan, but the NYC/MC and C&O/PM got some attention from me. Everyone in town called the NYC the Michigan Central line (and the C&O was still called Pere Marquette, as well). The swing bridge over Trail Creek had a manned tower on top of it, and I once got to visit it and help turn the bridge. While there, a westbound passenger train passed underneath, pulled by the usual E units. I also recall once seeing an SW unit parked further east in the small yard, probably to service the American Cyanamid plant beyond the coaling tower to the east. Another NYC customer in the old days was a Smith Brothers Cough Drop plant. The lead for it broke from the main east of the swing bridge, as the plant was on the northern shore of Trail Creek, across from the power plant. In the early 20th century Michgan City was a division point on the Michigan Central, and some of the shop buildings were still there, taken over by a construction company. (Not too far from there the Monon had one of their "drive thru" freight houses, too.) So there was a lot to see and explore back then, eh?

[@DDavis-co9ck]

Drayton, I know it is cold in the south but I look forward to your live cams. I miss them very much. From your Undertaker friend in New Market, Alabama

[@bryanlosen3262]

My favorite short line in Michigan is the one between Jackson and Lansing.. The JAIL. I'm a truck driver and I often visit Mason Michigan and go to the cardboard plant there, MPC. It's always great to see a lot of box cars in there and I've seen as many as 15 or 20. That line has really come back in recent years and it is encouraging to see along with serving a scrap yard again on the North side of town at Old Town Lansing, a section that was dormant for many years.Your videos are wonderful and very informative. thank you so much.

[@TheCheffydave]

Your drone use is impeccable!

[@sargentslaughter3509]

It was awesome hearing those GP's digging in , it reminded me of when I was younger, my grandparents lived near the Missouri Pacific train yard in Coffeyville Ks. I can remember the sound of the trains heading out of the yard.

[@oldforestroad]

This is a truly amazing documentary! I learned so much and will save to watch over again. Such great footage, audio, incredible information and details. The aerial views are awesome, especially looking at the front of the locomotives. That full power hill climb with the SD40-2 and GP's at 1:11, wow! Thank you very much.

[@augustinetabeling7467]

As a Washtenaw county rail fan I really appreciate this labor of love! Thank You!

[@chingachgook34]

Fantastic videos of my part of Michigan... thank you! Keep up the good work.

[@ericerickson7544]

Great presentation D.I.B. Until viewing this I did not know that Track speed was 110, thought it was 79. Impressive that Amtrak got the DOT & State of Mich. to approve the speed.

[@derekbjurman]

Incredible video 😮 Just one example of many: This shot 2:14:09 and beyond provides such an unreal perspective. Phenomenal camera work throughout the entire video. Great job 👊

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks so much for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed it! -Drayton

[@marcusfountain2344]

The drone footage is over the top. nice work !!

[@bennyringstrom7765]

Drayton,the living history book about US railroads.very interesting.thanks u.👍👍👍👍👍

[@scotabot7826]

Thanks Drayton. Just Awesome as usua!!!!!!l

[@peterjhillier7659]

Another great Video with lots of Yard Work which makes it so interesting. Thanks.

[@ThisWorks4Me]

Thank you, This video was like going home for me. My aunt lived along the NYC R/W in Dearborn, not far from the Livernois Yard. Then lived outside of Kalamazoo and have a few short videos on my channel of winter action there.

[@joshw1687]

Nice job on this video and ur other one. Cool line to explore

[@railfanningwithtom6453]

This is a extremely amazing video both me and my wife loved this one more then most others! I rode the 355 from Chicago to Jackson station, and that’s where I met my wife for the first time. We both have rode the 355 multiple times over the last 11 years of being together!

[@daviddelaet8116]

Excellent video, Jiffy mix from Chelsea can be found around the country. Gotta love the corn bread with chili.

[@aleu650]

Beautiful EMD 2T sounds

[@yahrique_gaming]

I watch the whole video and it had some nice information

[@elliotthamilton1361]

Hey Mr Delay In Block it’s me Elliott the kid from the stream I’m going back to that rail yard where we met and happy 10 anniversary for the channel!

[@eddiejackson5729]

enjoy all of your videos

[@roberttrains8696]

Awesome video Drayton keep up the great work.....Robert Trains

[@hoscalecsxgrandrapidssubdi3437]

I shared to my Facebook group...just awesomeness 🎥🎬👊🏽✌🏽😁

[@stephenheath8465]

This is one of the most underrated line of the old NYC System.Everybody talk about the Water Level Route and the Big Four Line but the Michigan Central line in historic in it own right

[@snakeman48]

@2:20 Thomson Rd, north of Niles. I lived on Thomson Rd, just north of White St, from 1974 to 1989. I remember when the railroad had 2 tracks before the removal of the one track. Still live in the area today, on the west side out by US31.

[@marykrauthamel7559]

Very Nice. A little more explanation about some of the unusual buildings would enhance the experience.

[@F40M07]

Yes.

[@edwardhammer5427]

What another awesome video Drayton!!!! The drone footage is phenomenal. I'm going to miss these Michigan Line videos, especially since I've seen more of this territory on your videos vs in person! Your AML dispatcher, EAH.

[@penskepc2374]

The Chelsea grain elevator is grain for the company"jiffy mix" owned by Howdie Holmes who raced IndyCars in the 80s under the Jiffy sponsorship.

[@nedj10]

Isn't it interesting that even when Amtrak runs freight..they are STILL faster than NS...

[@sventee6365]

Thank you for this amazing video. I`m german and enjoy the moments, to watch trains on the track or videos like this. It`s in the USA normal, that the passenger trains only use one door for the people come in and go out or is this only at the michigan line? I saw it a few times in your video and wondering a bit.

[@skydancerforever]

WoW, I live in Jackson and love trains and didn't know any of this? All i know here in 2022-23 there isn't many trains or at least long 3 or4 engine freight trains? I live real close to the tracks right after Jackson Hill behind walmart. I hear the trains at night as they throttle up or down or sit by my house. Never see many freight trains during the day. Love this video and glad i watched the whole thing. By the way is there any apps for train info as there are for boats or airliners??? I would love to know more about the trains i hear or see come thru jackson. thank you for such a good video and excellent drone footage. I did ride on the AMTRACK from Jackson to Pontiac a few years ago to go pick up a new car i bought up in the area. It was a nice relaxing ride and was cheaper then driving there in my car. It was interesting when we headed north from the east track turn off.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks so much for watching! It’s so great to hear feedback from someone living in my hometown. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately, railroads don’t really share train information with the public, but their is a website you can join called “TrainMon5.” It will give you access to traffic patterns if about 40 different freight railroads all over North America. The Michigan Line isn’t one of them since Amtrak is the primary operator, but you can follow Amtrak trains by searching “Amtrak Find My Train Map” on Google. It’ll show you where every Amtrak train in the USA is, what speed they’re going, and if they’re running on time. I hope that helps! You may like some of our other Amtrak Michigan Line videos. We have an entire playlist about it on our channel. Considering subscribing, we’d love to have you. Happy railroading!

[@DistantHorn]

Wonderful video!! I really enjoyed it!.

[@itsmatt2105]

Who in the world would take videos of trains and post them to YT? It's just trains, that would be stupid. Here I am, my third train video in a row.....

[@michaeljudge860]

I know 1 Amtrak Train that is still using P42DC’s. The Amtrak Maple Leaf which travels from Toronto Ontario to New York City and return. Which goes to New York City every morning and returns to Toronto Ontario during the evening.

[@railfanningthesoutheast8318]

very nice draton

[@alfredogarbanzo2276]

Bout to ride a train for the first time here soon! I'm hella excited!!

[@albertvieira6635]

Once again outstanding video outstanding job job well done A+ across-the-board I want to pass your information to a friend of mine she's a real thin like me I like watching trains he basically create a monster with me I have a love for trains whenever young kid now I'm all grown up my city of New Bedford is about to have commuter rail going from Boston to New Bedford and also Fall River maybe you can come this way and check out the commuter rail towards the end of 23 I'll keep you posted

[@zygmundzygmundowski]

Great video.

[@rosemaryarmitage3391]

i family and uncle where raise up working for the railroad for years. I have seen many changes. Never went to Michigan. But I wonder watching this video and to see a young boy butting stuff on the track. But to see a father telling his son that it could cost someone life. I know what you might said. Many accident are cause by people been careless. For all the people that lost there life for give. I have a love one by someone think is fun.

[@domcataldi5188]

Used to get blocks and blocks of those ex PC cars on the Delmarva all the time.

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Awesome video friend

[@wdmiller8507]

Dispatcher...RSK....GODDDD Love'em!

[@nolantherailfan5048]

Awesome

[@TrainLoverHimu]

Excellent video 👌👌

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Nicely done, very nice!

[@Nicola636128]

Excellent video!

[@cookie32470]

Nice video!

[@arispaktanichannel5819]

The amtrak... hallo my friend... how are you ... iam from indonesia love you video train you full

[@SenTirTv07]

Good 👍

[@USASteamProductions]

Delay in block productions you should make a return to rock island rail in Mississippi it's been awhile since you last went there.

[@MrRayWinger]

THESE VIDEOS ARE GREAT. I LE THEM. WOULD YOU TRY TO FIND SOME VIDEOS ABOUT HOW THE ENGINES ARE BUILT AND SOME ABOUT HOW THEY ARE BUILT AND REBUILT FROM PARTS OF WRECKED ENGINES, AND PUT BACK TO WORK WITH NEW OWNERS OR THE SAME LINE. THANKS. KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK YOU DO. THESE MACHINES ARE WHAT MADE THIS NATION GROW SO FAST AND STRONG. LOVE IT. GOOD DAY.

[@douglasengle2704]

This comment isn't for this video, but I was wondering about seeing rail fan videos of crude oil trains from the Alberta Canada oil sands. With the cancelation of the Keystone oil pipeline and and it being unlikely any other group is going to be willing to take on the project any time soon, the medium to long term solution is now to transport crude oil by rail with upgrades to the process as a long term solution. Large scale implementation of these upgraded crude-oil Alberta oil sand trains should make for substantial rail traffic that shouldn't have the safety concerns in a crash and spill situation that the diluent mixed crude oil or the flammable gasses present in certain types of shale oil have. The upgrade to Alberta oil sands crude-by-rail is to minimize the diluent needed for pipeline transfer of crude oil for transfer by rail tank car. The diluent takes up volume and adds weight besides needing to be removed it also makes the crude oil highly flammable. In order to facilitate unloading the crude oil tank car may need be heated with steam through pipes in the tank cars intended for that purpose. The thick sludge would be ugly and smelly, but should have minimal long term health concerns in a crash and spill that with proper cleaned up process. I'd like to see a crude oil car being heated by steam for unloading. Maybe it doesn't really show, but maybe there is a cloud of condensing steam mist around the black oil car reminiscent of the steam locomotives era. The big deal of minimizing the diluent in the crude oil is it makes transfer by crude oil tank car much cheaper and much safer in crash and spill situation than it was before. Alberta oil sand reserves are suppose rival Saudi Arabia crude oil reserves.

[@SamuraiSun]

Nice Train Video😉👍️✨

[@ednorton47]

Are the trains running at 110mph between Kalamazoo and Dearborn yet? What is the holdup? It only took 18 months to build the Empire State Building.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

LOL… Yes and the Empire State Building was built as private enterprise. This is government we’re talking about. The railroad line was designed in 1842 and features a tremendous amount of sharp curves east of Battle Creek which prohibit them from hitting 110MPH.

[@zfactortedzabel9267]

I Love "your" sign at 1:00:40 !

[@mitchellwright4346]

Keep up with the video

[@haasebahn]

At 2:38:19, at Jackson Station, did you ever wonder what those rusty boxcars and maybe an old coach car, to the right of the shot?

[@jessestrainclub4760]

Cool video 👍

[@WhiteTornadoGaming]

How are those cars moving? Am I missing the engine

[@abockrath]

I gave this video it's 500th like

[@erie910]

Yes, it's a shove, but it's a forward move, considering engine orientation. Nice views.

[@Benthetrainman]

New subscriber

[@danmathers141]

At 1:40, did you see the deer on the track? There were two.

[@keegansvids]

What camera do you use to make your videos have such good quality in 2022? Awesome video !!!!

[@democraticpatriot2657]

Short Freight trains with locomotives at either end are certainly unusual. What is the reason?

[@williamh.jarvis6795]

It is most likely to facilitate switching moves whereby the switch points to any customer's siding can be in either direction of their train's movement serving them. Such operations require three train crew personnel, usually one to operate each locomotive and, one conductor, who will be in charge of both engineers, instructing either engineer as to what moves to perform. Only one of those locomotives is working, making railcar moves while the other one MUST sit idle, awaiting further instructions from the conductor in charge of "his/her" train's operations. Otherwise, with locomotives at only one end, the crew is only able to serve certain customers, those who switch points are in the trailing position only to the train's movement, whichever end the locomotive is placed on the railcars in tow. As well, the freight train utilizing the tracks here will be fouling the operations for this high speed Amtrak, and all of its operations for a much longer period of time. The Providence and Worcester Railroad, its local operations down in the southern Rhode Island area, usually utilizes locomotives on both ends of their local freights, so to facilitate switching moves in the area. Also, with the shortline operations of the Grafton and Upton Railroad in Massachusetts, they also have a new connection reinstalled in Milford, MA, a former New Haven Railroad line, just south of the village, whereby the train must be reversed so to continue its journey southward. The same reason will apply here, their ability to switch out railcars with the customer's switch points in either the trailing or facing direction. (Apparently, time is of the essence here, along with the very small runaround track not very far to the north, so to be able to place their locomotive on the opposite end of their train in order to continue their southward journey at the Milford reconnection with their train in tow.)

[@mackfisher4487]

This Seems like a subsidy for Norfolk Southern, does Norfolk southern have to pay anything to use the Michigan State track or do they just get a free ride?

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Totally a free ride. They got the ultimate sweetheart deal.

[@christopherdibble5872]

The engineers don't wave from the trains anymore, not like they did back in 1954!

[@straypacket]

Top and tail engines on a freight !?!

[@trainsbreath6517]

Super😍

[@paulduncan4892]

From the UK, what does Wolverine mean? Not a term I'm familiar with...

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

A Wolverine is an animal known for its fierce anger when bothered. Michigan is known as “The Wolverine State” as it was nicknamed by Ohioans during the Toledo War. Look up the Toledo War if you’re interested. The University of Michigan’s mascot is the Wolverine as a result of this long Michigan tradition.

[@ajknaup3530]

5094 is 2000 HP diesel loco. What is the designation? P-32-8? The phrase "...Jackson lacks maintenance facilities..." sounds so strange. Didn't Jackson once house many such facilities?

[@martialmusic]

Where’s Amtrak. I see a freighter

[@NickThatRailfan]

Can you start doing more stuff with the Indiana Northeastern please

[@bryanlosen3262]

There are at least 10 delay in block Indiana Northeastern railroad videos that he has done. Easy to find…

[@NickThatRailfan]

@@bryanlosen3262 I know he has I watched all of them I want him to do more though

[@cam_e6195]

I now know where cornbread comes from

[@danmathers141]

1:54; Did she have a conductor?

[@rh1960]

Government should help these rail systems modernize more to electric. Like Japan with a European layout system. That would greatly relieve a lot of vehicle polution. Give people good jobs too. Hi bread electric powered locomotives. The hi bread car/truck is the best way to go on personal vehicles.

[@brianfalzon6739]

Wonder what happened to it now?

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Sweet♐♐♐♐♐♐♐♐♐

[@ednorton47]

You would think that RFMX could finally spring for a coat of paint. What a bunch of cheapskates!

[@USArailfan2000]

[2:17:38] Rolling Thunder!

[@MontanaNorthernRockportRail]

Hello! Permission to use one of your videos audio cause it has a horn that would sound perfect, I just want to let you know

[@tarnishedknight730]

@44:07 you were a block and a half from where I live. Yeah, yeah, I know... Who cares?

[@arifalfarizi1972]

Waw mantap👍

[@train_chicken6143]

do you live in michigan drayten and if you do wut town

[@leonardolucero4437]

Pobre señora que golpe se pegó cuando bajo del coche.

[@taslimchoudhary1253]

🎄🍂🇮🇳🎄🍂 Nice Video

[@komrad1983]

Ah, good old US railroad stuck in 1950's. Too complicated to follow Europe, Asia or even Russia's railroads when you lobby for highways (that you can repair daily)

[@liliannjeri297]

I wish our country would have bought trains from US instead of China, I prefer the empire engine 💪💪💪👌

[@Robbi496]

135 miles for 150 million bucks. That was pretty cheap I think?

[@zygmundzygmundowski]

Difficult access for the physically disabled on those Amtrak trains.

[@Texasrailfan89]

I say 68 in texas