A northbound Michigan Central heavyweight passenger train arrives in Grayling in the late 1930's during the winter season.  Grayling was an important city on the Michigan Central's Mackinaw Branch and was home to a yard, roundhouse, coal and water tower.  At least two branch lines left the main track north of the depot, one going due west and then south to the Michigan National Guard base (called Rasmus) and the other northeast to Lewiston and beyond.  There was also a "loop" track north of the depot on Guard property to turn troop trains without having to "wye" the locomotives and cars.  The "Rasmus" line was part of a former branch of the Manistee & Northeastern. Grayling also served for many years as a crew change point for trains operating between Bay City and Mackinaw City.   The route to Grayling was built by the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw, and was rolled in to the Michigan Central before it was fully completed.  The photo was probably taken from on top of the water tower.

©  Alan Loftis Collection

Grayling, MI

Michigan Central