To All: The Port Huron & Northwestern RR was formed in 1878 as a 3 foot narrow gauge line in the Thumb area of Michigan. The main line ran from Port Huron to Vassar and East Saginaw. Three branch lines took off from Bad Axe to Port Austin, Palms to Port Hope and Carsonville to Sandusky. The railroad was bought out by the Pere Marquette RR in 1889 and converted to standard gauge. This "What If" car is part of a series of Michigan Short lines that I have painted in this green scheme over a period of 25 years. Photo by Elvin Howland. Yours, Elvin Howland/E. St. Louis Rail Group Layout.