The
Michigan AuSable Valley is a one-quarter-scale railroad operating on
16-inch track in Fairview, Michigan. It was designed and constructed by
Howard Schrader in the 1990’s. The railroad’s route through mostly
forested land was created to provide passengers with a variety of scenes
and terrain during the 18-minute ride. It features a 115-foot long
tunnel and two large wooden trestles. On site are authentic structures
and buildings inspired by historic North American railroad architecture,
including the depot, where Joanne Schrader serves as stationmaster. The
buildings support the railroad operation as well as Schrader’s Railroad
Catalog, a business offering quality retail products for rail
enthusiasts.
Motive
power for the 1.5 mile mainline is a twin set of F-7 diesels and a
4-6-4 steam locomotive. The diesel set was constructed in 1997 by Custom
Locomotive of Chicago. Each unit is 15 feet long and together weigh
about 11,000 pounds. Powered by a Perkins 80 horsepower four-cylinder
diesel engine, hydraulic motors in each of the four trucks provide power
to all 16 wheels on the two units. The steam locomotive was built by
the late Carrington Eddy, who constructed the 27-foot long locomotive
from 1956 to 1961, and gave it the number 5661. The 4-6-4 Hudson is
oil-fired and has 20-inch drivers. It is capable of pulling 10 or more
cars carrying about 120 people.
Our
program was captured during a weekend when both steam and diesel
powered trains were operating, and happy riders came from near and far.
We think you will be as impressed as we were by this fun and remarkable
little railroad!
