Here is the history of the BCN. They began operations in 1992 when it acquired all the lines operated by the Detroit and Mackinac Railway. The railroad also inherited a unique all Alco locomotive fleet. One of the lines acquired was originally Michigan Central from Bay City to Cheboygan. Another line, originally D&M trackage, branched off in Pinconning and followed Michigan's eastern coastline to Rogers City. Around 1992, trackage north of Gaylord to Cheboygan was abandoned. While a few minor spurs were abandoned, no other mainline was until 2001, when its line past Alpena to Rogers City was removed.
They acquired 14 Alco's in the deal and their initial roster looked like this:
Owner: Bay City Northern 466-4610 (x5)
Model: Alco RS2 Built As: DM 466 (RS2)
Serial Number: 73645 Order No: 20024
Frame Number: prime mover # 10009 Built: 11/1946
Notes: Acquired from D&M in 1992
- 466 sold 1999
- 467 sold 1999
- 468 retired and scrapped 2005
- 469 retired 2006 and sold. Still on property in 2022.
- 4610 retired 1996 as parts source. Scrapped 2006.
Other locos with this serial: DM 466(RS2)
Owner: Bay City Northern 974, 975 (x2)
Model: Rebuilt Alco RS3M Built As: BM 1512 (RS3)
Serial Number: 80751 Order No: 20938
Frame Number: 1st prime mover # 13745 Built: 10/1954
Notes: M-K Model TE-56-4A. Acquired from D&M in 1992. Both retired and scrapped in 2011.
Other locos with this serial: DM 974(RS3M) BM 1512(RS3)
![Image](http://s3.amazonaws.com/rrpa_photos/113126/DM%20rbltAlco%20RS3M%20974%20exBM1512%20sldfrclr.jpg)
Owner: Bay City Northern 976
Model: Alco C420 Built As: LI 208 (C420)
Serial Number: 84779 Order No: 21191
Frame Number: prime mover # 8007 Built: 3/1964
Notes: Acquired from D&M in 1992. Retired and scrapped in 2005.
Other locos with this serial: DM 976(C420) LI 208(C420)
![Image](http://s3.amazonaws.com/rrpa_photos/62876/DM%20976.jpg)
Owner: Bay City Northern 977
Model: Rebuilt Alco RS2m Built As: DH 4020 (RS2)
Serial Number: 77571 Order No: 20390
Frame Number: prime mover # 11212 Built: 11/1949
Notes: Acquired from D&M in 1992. Retired and scrapped in 2005.
Other locos with this serial: DM 977(RS2m) LI 1520(RS2) DH 4020 (RS2)
![Image](http://s3.amazonaws.com/rrpa_photos/51822/DM%20977%20Alpena%201977.jpg)
Owner: Bay City Northern 1077
Model: Alco RS3 Built As: LI 1553 (RS3)
Serial Number: 81353 Order No: 20975
Frame Number: prime mover # 13943 Built: 9/1955
Notes: Acquired from D&M in 1992. Retired and scrapped in 2005.
Other locos with this serial: DM 1077(RS3) LI 1553(RS3)
Owner: Bay City Northern 1280 (2439), 181 (2443), 281 (2442), 381 (2444) (x4)
Model: Alco C425 Built As: PRR 2439 (C425)
Serial Number: 3433-03 Order No: 21247
Frame Number: 3433-03 Built: 12/1965
Notes: Rebuilt by MK. Acquired from D&M 1992. All four overhauled and equipped with AC traction motors 1999-2001.
Other locos with this serial: DM 1280(C425) CR 2439(C425) PC 2439(C425)