Story: Steam Locomotives Are Fascinating Relics Now - 1964

From the Escanaba Daily Press, April 9, 1964

The far away music of a steam locomotive whistle is a fast-fading memory in most parts of the nation but in several Michigan areas, vibrant optimistic notes may still be heard.

Steam railroading is staging a comeback as a big-brother attraction to the dozens of miniature lines which have enchanted visitors for years.

Two full-scale common carrier companies have recently been organized in Michigan primarily as sight-seeing lines, according to the Michigan Tourist Council.

One of the new lines winds along the rugged shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, the other winds through heavy forests and along inland lakes in the western Lower Peninsula.

Railroad buffs have organized the Marquette & Huron Mountain Railroad company (M&HM) and the Cadillac & Lake City Railroad (C&LC). The C&LS line is awaiting approval from the ICC to begin operations. The M&HM has been approved and is readying its equipment and tracks for the influx of spring and summer visitors.

Marquette & Huron Mountain

The M&HM has purchased 11 steam locomotives to service its route which runs between Marquette and Big Bay along the Lake Superior shore.

Passenger coaches from the turn of the century will transport sightseers along the 25 mile route. The locomotives are big 2-8-0 Consolidation types, weighing from 250,000 pounds to more than 400,000.

Eventually, according to John A. Zerbel, spokesman for the company, the project will feature special recreational tours, ski tours for winter sports fans, a railroad museum, restaurant and terminal facilities. An interesting innovation is a railroad fan club that will allow members to ride in the locomotive cab while qualifying as a full-fledged railroad fireman.

Cadillac & Lake City

Three Michigan men have purchased the Missaukee Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad and are awaiting ICC approval before beginning operation as the Cadillac and Lake City railroad. Much of the line's roadbed winds through the Houghton Lake State Forest and along the shoreline of Sapphire, Round and Missaukee lakes. A 70-ton Mikado-type locomotive has been acquired and several other engines will be added to provide tourist and freight service.

Clifford Lenten of Lansing, one of the organizers of the C&LC claims that the two Michigan railroads are the only common carrier steam lines in the Midwest.

In addition to these large gauge companies, there are a number of miniature railroads in Michigan, some that use steam locomotive power.

House of David Park

The most extensive system is the one that has been transporting visitors since 1908 around the grounds of House of David Park at Benton Harbor. The first locomotive was purchased, but subsequent ones have been specially designed and constructed.

Three locomotives, each developing 200 pound head of steam, easily draw ten cars loaded with eight adults. The trains operate over a one-mile track that has a complete electric crossing signal system. Three other engines are ready for assembly in the colony shops.

Eddy Railroad

The Huron National Forest near Mio echoes to the shrill tones of a quarter scale steam locomotive built and operated by E. Carrington Eddy. Eddy built the train to haul lumber to his saw mill but has added refinements such as a station, trestles, water tower, tunnel, switching equipment and open passenger coaches.

At first, the passengers were friends and neighbors, but news of the little railroad spread, and now the majority of Eddy's passengers are tourists who enjoy the lectures on wildlife and lumbering that are given during the 25-minute ride.

Dobson Railroad

A 4-4-0 coal-fired miniature steam engine, built by Wagner & Sons of Plainville, IL is operated by the Dobson Moving Co., on wooded property fronting on the old Au Sable River, five miles south of Oscoda. The 115-foot locomotive runs on track 14 1/4 inches wide and pulls two cars that can carry 24 adults or 36 children.

Other Attractions

Two of the most famous miniature operations in Michigan are at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and at Clinch Park in Traverse City. Both of these lines operate with "diesel-type" engines pulling open cars over narrow tracks.

There are a number of railroad exhibits, miniature railroads and museum displays throughout Michigan which feature steam locomotives. The old "iron horses" are things of wonder for children and nostalgia for adults.

Editors Notes:

1. The M&HM railroad purchased a former logging branch line to Big Bay from the Lake Superior & Ishpeming railroad.  Most, if not all, of the locomotives were also purchased from the LS&I which had recently converted to diesel operation.

2. The Eddy railroad was one of three scale railroads which operated near Fairview, south of East Kneeland Road and west of Abbe Road in Mentor and Comins townships. The most recent of the three operations was the Michigan Au Sable Valley Railroad which was built and operated by the Schrader family, which also operated a well-known railfan gift business. The Schrader's came from Tecumseh to northern Michigan to assist Mr. Eddy with his railroad, and acquired the steam locomotive for use on their line in the 1990's.  The Schrader's retired and MASV was sold. However it was closed down around 2018 due to deteriorating trestles which required a major upgrade. Much of the power and rolling stock has been sold. The editor and his family had the pleasure of riding both the Eddy and MASV railroads. The third railroad is apparently privately held and no other information is available.