Researching the Tuscola & Saginaw Bay Railway, My Journey Into it's History
When I first laid eyes on the Tuscola & Saginaw Bay Railway (TSBY) in 1984, I was instantly captivated. I was just a teenager at the time, racing Yamaha motorcycles with the same black-and-yellow colors as the TSBY locomotives. Seeing those trains roll through Michigan sparked a lifelong fascination. That little short-line railroad is one of the reasons I became a railfan and eventually a model railroader.
For decades, I carried that curiosity with me, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-50s, that I truly started digging into its history. I wanted to understand not just the trains themselves, but the people, operations, and communities that made the TSBY such an important part of Michigan’s rail network for nearly 30 years.
During my research, I was able to piece together its story, from its humble beginnings in Vassar, Michigan, to its expansions under state contracts, and finally to its sale in 2006 to Federated Railways, when it became the Great Lakes Central Railroad.
From the Big Chief to Regional Impact
TSBY started in April 1977, running a 44-mile stretch of former Penn Central lines in the Michigan “Thumb.” Its first locomotive, the famously named “Big Chief”, arrived that December, marking the start of an era.
What fascinates me most is how the railway grew beyond those humble beginnings. By the early 1980s, the State of Michigan asked TSBY to take over segments of the Ann Arbor Railroad, giving it access to Alma, St. Charles, and eventually Elberta. Then came The Jim Shepherd Era, beginning in 1991, when strategic partnerships with trucking companies and a handful of facilities in Vassar, Owosso, Cadillac, and Clare boosted annual carloads from around 7,000 to 10,000.
Exploring Structures, Facilities and Assists
Part of my research involved uncovering where TSBY owned structures, facilities and assists. From the Cadillac coke transload station to the Clare Engine House, every facility served a purpose, connecting rail lines to local industries. I found it especially interesting that while TSBY never ran passenger service, except for occasional excursions, its Clare Union Depot still stands today as a museum and testament to the railway’s legacy.
Learning about these locations also helped me imagine how freight moved in on its routes decades ago, and how a lean workforce of about 45 employees made it all happen efficiently.
What They Hauled and How It Reached Customers
The TSBY wasn’t hauling glamorous cargo, or exotic commodities but its work was critical. Agricultural products, industrial sand, plastics, lumber, molasses, and even pickles traveled across its lines. The railway’s clever mix of long-haul rail and local trucking ensured deliveries reached the right destinations.
I love this part of the story because it shows problem-solving in action. A small railroad adapting to meet the demands of a diverse economy. For me, it’s a lesson in strategy, partnerships, and thinking outside the box.
People Who Made It Happen
TSBY’s history isn’t just steel and freight cars, it’s about the people behind the operations. While records are scarce, I discovered Renee Holbrook, the railway’s first woman mechanic, who maintained the diesel fleet in the late 1990s. Stories like hers remind me that even small organizations can achieve big things with dedication and expertise.
And of course, Jim Shepherd, the CEO who purchased the railroad in 1991, played a crucial role in growing TSBY into a profitable and respected short-line operator. His leadership is a fascinating case study in regional rail management, a combination of business acumen, logistics planning, and community relationships.
Preserving TSBY’s Legacy
Nearly two decades after TSBY was sold, its memory is alive thanks to railfans, model railroaders, and historical enthusiasts. Online communities, museum exhibits like the Clare Union Depot, and personal projects keep the story going.
As someone deeply invested in preserving this history, I’ve embarked on building my Tuscola & Saginaw Bay Model Railway in HO Scale. This project isn’t just about miniature trains, it’s about reliving a piece of Michigan rail history and sharing it with others. Each track I lay and each structure I recreate is a tribute to the people and places that made TSBY successful.
Why It Matters
The TSBY may no longer operate, but its story offers lessons that go far beyond railroading:
How small organizations can succeed with strategic partnerships
The importance of lean operations and dedication
The value of preserving history for future generations
If you’re curious to dive into the full technical details, equipment rosters, facility maps, and operational history of the TSBY, I’ve compiled everything in my full article The Definitive History of the Tuscola & Saginaw Bay Railway, a reference I constantly return to for inspiration in both research and model building.
Final Thoughts
Researching the TSBY has been a personal journey, connecting me to Michigan’s rail heritage in ways I never expected. From the Big Chief rolling into Vassar in 1977 to today’s HO-scale models on my workbench, it’s a story of innovation, perseverance, and passion.
Whether you’re a railfan, historian, or modeler, exploring the TSBY reminds us that even small lines leave big marks on their communities and on the people who love them.
