The New Q&TL
After a short distance traveling along the trail, we came to a clearing. In front of us, crossing the trail and blocking our path, was a rail line. This line, however, was intact and relatively new looking. What’s more, it was actually three rails. The rails on the outside were normal enough, but the third rail in the center had a series of teeth along its length, looking more like the edge of a saw. Looking down its length the line dropped off the edge the hill beyond our view. In the distance we could see the lift bridge towers rising just above the ridgeline. Amazingly this rail ran directly down the side of the hill.
An Abandoned Rail Car
Moving past the cog-rail, we rejoin the Quincy and Torch Lake Railroad on its journey east. High up on the hill beyond we could make out the silhouettes of the Quincy #2 complex, now the only remnants of a vast industrial skyline that once graced this hill. To those in the valley floor, the industrial power of the Keweenaw was on full display each day as this hill moaned and breathed with life. Now, however, only silence was our companion as we moved on down the line.
Mystery Mark
We have seen our fair share of graffiti on the ruins and relics of the Keweenaw. But after a few hours along the Quincy and Torch Lake we found a recurring mark on the relics we were finding which begged further explanation then simple graffiti. Both the upside down tender and the abandoned rail car were branded with a red “S”.
A Train Forgotten
If you look closely along the ridge above Ripley, you can see them. Sitting atop an apparent poor rock pile, they stand watch over the valley below. Left on a siding at some time during the railroads life, they sit waiting for a passing locomotive to pick them up; a locomotive that will never come. For unknown to them, the railroad has long since closed, the rails torn up, the locomotives sold or scrapped, and they have been forgotten.
Back to the Roundhouse
We return today to the Quincy & Torch Lake Roundhouse - at least what’s left of it. Since our last visit to the site over a year ago some more rehabilitation work has been undertaken on the structure. Along with a great deal of the other ruins at Quincy, the top of the roundhouse walls has been strengthened by a type of concrete cap. Also a good deal more brush has been whacked down around it so even more of it can be seen. Today we return for a few more panoramics - this time along the outside of the building.
