When I was in Saginaw, all of the trackage except the former GTW Durand-BC (now HESR) was our own railroad. We dispatchers handled our trains in all directions from Saginaw. The yardmaster at Saginaw Yard was in charge of movements within the yard. The dispatchers, yardmaster, Wash Ave, and Mershon towers all had to communicate with one another to coordinate movements. Trains arriving Saginaw didn't get past Hoyt, Outer Drive (on the Bad Axe line) or Mershon until the yardmaster gave them yarding instructions. Trains didn't leave the yard in any direction without authority of the train dispatchers by signal indication or other authority in effect (like train orders). The towers were under the authority of the train dispatcher. Our trains heading out toward Paines had to get permission from the GTW dispatcher in Pontiac to/from Paines. Usually the operator at Mershon obtained that permission.
As far as photos, I don't have any of my own. I may be able to find some that are able to be shared -- I'll see what I can do! Thanks for your question--it got me away from the TV for awhile!
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