Eastern Railroad Discussion > Where to Find Lake States Action

We're going to be in the Thumb area of Michigan soon between Bay City and Frankenmuth and were wondering where we could catch some Lake States trains.  Going to stop at Durand either going there or coming back.  If anything else can be found in the area, we would appreciate a lead on that, too.  Thanks in advance.

Lake State's base of operation is the former CSX yard northeast of downtown Saginaw, but I don't believe it is very accessable.  They make an overnight turn to interchange with the CSX in Flint (this line goes through Birch Run).  There are also turns from Saginaw to Midland and Bay City on former CSX trackage.  The Saginaw-Bay City line is east of the Saginaw River.  They cross the river on the north side of Bay City to connect to their former Detroit & Mackinac trackage to Alpena and NYC track to Gaylord.

The other line in the area is the Huron & Eastern whose main yard is on the northwest side of Bay City, NYC's old Winona yard.  They make a daytime turn to Durand and also a turn to Midland.  They operate the trackage in the "Thumb" but I think the connecting trains from there pass through Saginaw overnight.  Their Saginaw-Bay City line is on the west side of the Saginaw River.