Coal Tower: Augusta, MI (MCRR)

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Coal Facility: Augusta, Michigan (MCRR)

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Augusta, Michigan

(Michigan Central Railroad)

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The Coal Dock at Augusta, Michigan on the Michigan Central main line straddled the main line. Four locomotives could be coaled at one time by using the two main tracks and sidings on either side. The booth at the right was used to empty coal cars and the dock was filled by the electric elevator. This photo was taken in November, 1984. The dock still exists as of 2002. [Charlie Whipp photo]. Another shot, taken in 2002, shows that the coal tower is still straddling the now single track main line. [Dale Berry]

The coaling tower at Augusta, Michigan was built in 1923 by Fairbanks-Morse, Inc. Coal loading was on the north side, with the hoppers dropping into a pit, and then lifted into the bin via enclosed conveyor. The coal capacity was 500 tons. Sand was also stored in the top center of the structure. 4 locomotives could be coaled at the same time.

After 1940, it was used mostly by freights, as most passenger trains ran from Chicago to Detroit without refueling or were diesel powered.

As to access, it's surrounded by private property. I'd try walking along the NS line from the point where the tracks veer away from M-96. I've never tried getting close, myself.

An elevation showing the arrangement of the tower was shown in a Fairbanks-Morse catalog of the mid-'30s that was reprinted a few years ago. The Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society library has a copy of the elevation drawing.

From: Mark Tomlonson, Kalamazoo MI via RRMichigan list.