Re: Last Stop...St. Charles?
I believe PC was using the line between Owosso and Paines-Saginaw-Bay City up until Conrail day on April 1, 1976. There were coal trains running up from Toledo on the Ann Arbor to Owosso, and then up the PC to Paines. GTW then took over former PC trackage in the Tri-City area and the coal trains ran DTSL to Detroit and then GTW to Durand and up to Saginaw/BC/Midland. GTW also got the former PC out to Paines and their acquisition actually went out to Swan Creek. GTW was quick to remove the bridge over Swan Creek. I had heard they wanted to stop another railroad from coming up from Owosso into the Saginaw area. I don't know how valid that is. I remember the rail was still there between Paines and Fergus for awhile, but don't recall when it was pulled, but pretty sure before 1980. Our C&O (Chessie) trains ran over the GTW Paines Sub from Saginaw to Paines. Horrible track and 10 MPH!
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