Soo/CP Rail, CSX, GTW, Milwaukee Road . Train action Grand Rapids, and Muskegon MI 1987 and 1988.

[@mistyjewell1679]

Born and raised in Northern Michigan, tip of the mitt to be exact, with the former NYC Mackinac branch running through my front yard during the Detroit & Mackinac/ Michigan Northern days. Born in 1975, I was given multiple rides on the newly aquired C-425s! As a result I became an instant railfan! I witnessed those rails being pulled with a broken heart. Although most of the rails in your video are still there as the ex-Pere Marquette, ex-C & O.....Much of the lines in Muskegon are gone, including some in your video. So thank you so much for sharing it with us, so that we can visually remember the last days of Michigan railroads before/ during the Mega-murgers

[@Railfancoasttocoast]

I wish I would have taken more video from around my area, but work got in the way. I got to ride in the engines and caboose a lot also. I rode the Michigan Northern to Mackinac City when I was a kid. Now I am modeling the Detroit and Mackinac in HO scale. You are lucky you got to ride in those beautiful Alcos. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@mistyjewell1679]

@@Railfancoasttocoast I also rode a Michigan Northern from Pellston to Mackinaw City at about 7 ish. It is a shame what the State did to the MIGN! As for my fortunate rides in the C425s, I actually have to thank the Michigan Northern for not taking part in the Staggers Act. The Chief Wawatam went from one to two trips a week, to two or three daily. The D&M had to unload/load the Wawatam, under rights passed on from the MC, NYC, PENN CENTRAL, whether or not any revenue went to the D&M. Hence, my youth was the D&M C425s running freight up to Mackinaw City, or just running light for ferry switching duty. I am also starting a Detroit & Mackinac HO layout myself. I have 3 of the 4 D&M Atlas C425s and 2 of the MIGN gp7s. What made you decide to model the D&M?

[@Railfancoasttocoast]

I live by Muskegon Michigan and always modeled Chessie, Grand Trunk and Conrail. After Grand Trunk left Muskegon, the Central Michigan took over the line and for a little while they brought in a Detroit and Mackinac RS3 #1077. That got me thinking I can still have all three railroads plus a short line railroad with alcos. I don't have a lot of room for a layout so a short line would be perfect. I have 3 of the C425s also and am looking for #281. I also have 2 RS3s and wish I had some Michigan Northern.

[@mistyjewell1679]

@@Railfancoasttocoast As I am sure you know, the Central Michigan was a subsidiary of the D&M, and for a short time, they ran over the former Grand Trunk line from Owosso. It was not uncommon to see D&M power on that line, including the occasional C425s. Strangely, the only D&M RS3 that I ever got to see up here was RS3M 474. I have the decal kits to do all of the RS3s and the 976 but that will take some ingenuity as it was a one of a kind Morrison Knuedson chop nose C420. The D&M 281 however seems to be elusive, as that is the one I am missing as well. So if she shows up on Ebay, happy bidding, as I will most likely be bidding against you! Also if you ever need any D&M information for your layout, feel free to contact me. I have researched it from its beginning.

[@Railfancoasttocoast]

I appreciate all the info you are giving me already. I saw a 281 just recently on Ebay and it went for around 300 bucks, bummer

[@johniwanski4514]

We moved to Holland in the summer of '88. Remember many trips to Waverly Yard, as well as road trips to GR to Wyoming and Plaster Creek once I got my license. Those CP trackage rights trains with Soo and CP (as well as D&H and StL&H) power were wonderful to see. All single stack so that they could navigate the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. That's also right around when CSX started diverting more and more traffic south. Great to see these - thanks for sharing!

[@Railfancoasttocoast]

Yes, it was a lot of fun being a railfan back then. Thanks for watching.

[@mattr5708]

The good ol days, it sure was busy back then Scotty, great stuff 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Railfancoasttocoast]

You got that right!

[@trainlover123trainsrock]

52:08 The Milwaukee Road

[@alisham1060]

The best rolling stock! So many falling flags.

[@Railfancoasttocoast]

I'm glad I videotaped the whole train. I love looking at all the fallen flag stuff. Great memories.