the Ludington and Northern, Michigan - an ultra-short shortline

The L&N's only loco in the 1970s, number 16, a SW8 built by EMD in January 1952.

The Ludington and Northern Railway, also known as the Dummy Train, or the L&N, which operated to 1982, was only 2.79 miles (4.49 km) in length, and was for decades the shortest operating common carrier railway in Michigan, although it only served one customer.

The line dated from March 1895 when the Epworth League Railway in Mason County was organized and  completed a 2 mile (3.2 km) line the next year from Ludington to Epworth. On 18 July 1901 the name was changed to Ludington and Northern Railway. The Sargent Sand company began mining operations just north of Ludington and south of the Ludington State Park in 1936, selling sand to foundries and other businesses. When Sargent Sand bought the Ludington & Northern Railway, the rails ran from Ludington to Epworth Heights, and continued to the southernmost boundary of the Ludington State Park.

The Sargent Sand company shortened the route to the length mentioned above, terminating it at their 79.6-acre (32 hectare) mining operation. When Sargent Sand ceased mining operations, the railway fell into disuse and the L&N officially became abandoned on 15 June 1982. More here