Comments on: It’s train time at Hawk. The southbound “Tour of the Line” passenger train arrives, guided by a crew member who is standing in the front vestibule of the lead coach. Sitting in the next track over in the yard is northbound freight 571 awaiting their freight crew to come on duty with the solo SD40-2W 5277. The final “Tour of the Line” operated in 2015- which at that time was ran by Railmark crews. During 2021, Watco would put in an offer to purchase the line from Sault Ste. Marie to Oba (as well as various other branches in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) and as of February 1, 2022 would commenced operations as the “Agawa Canyon Railroad”. They currently switch freight mostly in the Sault Ste Marie area and operate the Agawa Canyon Tour train in the fall. But the tracks from Canyon thru Hawk and up to Oba have, as far as I know remained silent ever since. There was hope the passenger would start up again… time will only tell.

By: David Young

David Young — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 03:24:45 +0000

Thanks for that bit of info Ryan. Doesn’t surprise me at all about the current state of the line.

By: Ryan Gaynor

Ryan Gaynor — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 21:53:35 +0000

There are reports of numerous washouts between Canyon and Hawk Junction, and the diamond at Franz has been removed. It is a truly sad state of affairs on the ol’ ACR these days. This photo sure brings back some fond memories though!