@BillYo414 posted:Would the Capitol Limited work? I'll follow the tracks on Google Maps.
Bill,
Living in the Detroit area, with so much of it's old manufacturing infrastructure demolished, the industrial archaeology has been tough but satisfying.
I have several favorite sources for leads:
- Yes indeed start with Google Maps. In spite of being so new it has surprisingly good coverage of old rail lines; not necessarily industrial spurs but you can easily follow what is there by car and look for the hints that are likely buried under vegetation, here-and-there renovation or removal of trackside buildings, or larger urban renewal projects.
- Look for old maps at train shows or the big auction site. You'll have to purchase these but they're a good investment.
- Use online photos when you can find them. A good example for us here in Detroit are those now held by Wayne State University locally, and originally generated by Detroit Edison back in the day. DE started photographing SE Michigan after WWII when surplus hi-res camera equipment became available after the war. There are numerous sets taken at five-year intervals afterward. They used them for tracking power feeds and planning future power lines but they clearly also show spurs, from directly above (see example below). A trip to specific locations you spot by studying them is then confirmed with a boots-on-the-ground visit.
(Above photos courtesy Wayne State University, Digital Publishing Unit. See https://digital.library.wayne....te_aerial/index.html. High-Res versions available online as well.)
Mike
