On an August afternoon in 1976, Edward Hodges photographed the equipment for the Clinton Local outside the Budd Company plant in Clinton, Michigan. Although this is the fifth month of Conrail’s existence, the equipment on this day remains completely in the colors of Penn Central, Conrail’s predecessor.
The Budd Company’s Clinton Wheel and Brake Division plant opened in May 1967. The company was the major shipper on the Clinton line from its opening until it closed in 1980. Finished automotive components were shipped out in 50′ boxcars to auto plants across the USA.

Loading finished disc brake components at the Budd Company plant in Clinton, Michigan, circa 1972. (Budd Company photo)

Penn Central #21616 is an N-7A class caboose. This car was built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1952.
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