Re: Some Huckleberry background

Ross,

When the Huckleberry Railroad was first opened in 1976, it was a mile longer than at present and included a short but steep grade. Motive power was 4-6-0 #2 (since renumbered to #152) and a Porter 2-6-0 #3. Both locos had to move right along to maintain a one hour cycle time. The #2 could handle a 10 car train but the #3 had to be flogged to manage even a five or six car train on that schedule. When the 464 was offered to the Huck, it allowed for longer trains and when winter operations began it really earned its keep. The #152 can manage a 10 or 11 car train in the winter, but it has to work hard. The 464 can handle the winter trains with ease.

In 1990 the line was shortened to the current approximately 4 mile length, all of which, with the exception of the end loops, is on the former Pere Marquette Fostoria branch grade. For a discussion of the abandoned trackage and the reasons for doing so, see NGDF Huckleberry east loop

Shortening the line has also permitted even longer trains to run in winter, with the addition of the combine, three coaches built on EBT flats and one ex Diamond and Caldor logging flat converted into an enclosed all season car. Without the 464, they would need to run somewhat shorter trains at Christmas, either giving up capacity or having to run more trains each day. Current management also feels that having an historic loco with the cachet of 464 is an asset and any attempt to replace it would probably be rebuffed.

Michael Allen