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| The Michigan AuSable Valley
Railroad has been continuously evolving over a period of
15 years, starting in 1990 when the first plans were drawn up
for the layout of the railroad. Having moved up north in 1990
from downstate Michigan, the Schraders spent the next several
years establishing a mail order catalog featuring gift ideas
for the railroad enthusiast. During these formative years of
the MAVRR, plans were made for the future ground breaking, which
included designing the layout of the track, and drawing up blueprints
for the several buildings that now inhabit the 40 acres of jackpine
forest located in beautiful Northern Michigan. The site, which
overlooks the Comis Creek Valley, proved to be the perfect location
for visitors to experience the beauty and spirit of the up north. |
| In
1994, the Schraders broke ground for the Michigan AuSable
Valley Railroad Station and the 72 foot long engine house.
Before the MAVRR was operational, the station and engine house
were first used as a storage area for the numerous products featured
in the Schrader's Railroad Catalog. Friends and family members
were recruited to help with the laying of the 16 gauge track
which currently contains over 5500 ties spanning over a mile,
and features several landmarks along the route named after area
fauna. Four switches were added to the route in 1995 while work
was done to restore 7 passenger cars that originally ran on the
former Pinconning and Blind River Railroad, also of Fairview,
Michigan. |
| From April 15, 1996 to December
2, the Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad saw the construction
and completion of 2 wooden trestles, the longest of which spans
over 220 feet long and a 115 foot wooden tunnel. Passengers,
when emerging from the darkness of the tunnel are greeted with
a breathtaking view of the valley below and immediately sense
the thrill of crossing the first trestle. This part of the trip
is a favorite for guests and is especially enjoyable during autumn
when the fall foilage is at its peak. |
| While the Schraders worked
at building the tunnel and trestles, technicians from Custom
Locomotive Works in Chicago were busy constructing the custom
diesel locomotive which consists of two F-7 AA units sitting
back to back. The front unit contains the engine while the back
slug unit uses it 5500 pounds of dead weight to balance the front.
Both engines have a combined total weight of 11,000 pounds. The
80 hp Perkins Diesel Engine drives 16 wheels and includes an
intricate air-brake system. The engine is 30 feet long, 58 inches
high, and took 9 months to build. |
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