Location: Battle Creek, MI - GTW Fuel Pad

The Grand Trunk Western created a fuel "pad" next to their Battle Creek yard after their switch from spring to diesel in the 1950's and 1960's. This pad fueled long distance freight trains operating between Port Huron and Chicago.

Photo info: Four different trains, with CN, Santa Fe, CN and GTW power, are stopped westbound at the fuel pad in March, 2007. [Jonathon Leese photo]. Note the adjacent Battle Creek yard on the right.

Notes

The white raised tanks contain sand which locomotives use for traction on slippery rails.

This fuel pad is no longer used as modern diesel locomotives carry sufficient fuel for the full length of the trip.

Time Line