The Au Sable & Northwestern Railway

The Au Sable & Northwestern Railway connected Oscoda Twp., MI with the logging country to its north and west, ending near Comins, MI for a distance of roughly 55 miles. (Right of way)

"The Lightning Special on the AS&N RR." C.T. Stoner photo, c.1910

Originally a collection of a few different logging railroads, most notably the J.E. Potts Lumber and Salt Company and the Potts Logging Railway, the AS&NW began operations in 1887. Towards the line's north end, a spur connected Fairview, MI to E of Rocky Ranch, MI.

Via MichiganRailroads: Photo Info/Credit -  Au Sable & Northwestern locomotive works in the woods near Messinger Brothers, Comins, MI.


By 1914, the line had been incorporated into the larger Detroit & Mackinac Railway, who made it a standard gauge operation. The line would not last long however, as operations to Comins were abandoned in 1927. Very little of the right of way exists today.

Thanks as always for reading!

Location: Comins Township, MI, USA

Comments

  1. Dennis NorrisDecember 16, 2023 at 9:42 PM

    The BZ&C RR bought 2 narrow gauge locomotives from Au Sable RR in 1900.

    ReplyDelete

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