New Jersey photographer Rudy Garbely III took a trip in August of 1989 to the upper peninsula of Michigan to capture the iron ore-hauling Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. With a rich history dating to 1896, the LS&I had become a haven for rare ALCo and GE power in the 1980s. 

In August of 1989, the railroad was transitioning from ALCo RS3s, RSD12s, and ex-Santa Fe RSD15s and GE U23Cs and U25Cs to newer, secondhand ex-Burlington Northern U30Cs and C30-7s. Garbely visited this location during a short four-month window where all of the new and old power was operating simultaneously.

Upon his arrival, Garbely found the railroad to be extremely hospitable towards railfans – so much so, that he was offered a three-hour cab ride in the last operating U25C in the country, along the full length of the railroad’s mainline from Eagle Mills to the ore docks at Marquette.

Join Garbely and Tri-State in riding the LS&I back in time, and view a few surprises along the way. As always, attendance is free, and all are welcome!

Click here for directions.