In Celebration of the CSX.

[grande man]

The CSX has been taking a lot of heat lately. I'm sure they make their mistakes, but our experience is that some very fine folks are employed there. They have been very good to us as railfans.

Post your CSX (and predecessor roads) pics here. Let's celebrate the CSX! They are a colorful RR with a history to match!

As a kick off, here's a few taken of fast moving freights on the S&NA sub between Birmingham and Cullman, Al.

http://www.imagebee.org/images/2391NB%201.JPG

http://www.imagebee.org/images/3691SB5.JPG

[Alcomotive]

Pic didnt come out????

[Alcomotive]

These were taken yesterday on the Tropicana line in Manatee County, FL.

GP39
GP39-2

[Alcomotive]

here are some of the cars for the juice these are empties.....

[grande man]

Pic didnt come out????

Rut Roh Raggie, back to the old photo host. :D

See um now?

[grande man]

Great pics Alco!!! :cool:

GE's finest at Boyles Yard. I love that paint scheme. :)
http://www.imagebee.org/images/3612UBoat%20@%20Boyles.JPG

[Alcomotive]

Yeppers! :eek: I SEE them now !!!! SWEEEEET!:p

[grande man]

Yeppers! :eek: I SEE them now !!!! SWEEEEET!:p

LOL. Trains are supposed to be big... :D

[Alcomotive]

My goal is to get a new camera this year....the camera I used for these pics sux...it has something like 3.2 mega pixel.....

I have another one that is better but did not have it with me it is a 5.2.


I want to get one that is 10.1 or more....big money.... I know about your the XTi you got......I researched it. very nice.... ;) I will be sure to let you know when I pick a new one up!:D

[grande man]

My goal is to get a new camera this year....the camera I used for these pics sux...it has something like 3.2 mega pixel.....

I have another one that is better but did not have it with me it is a 5.2.


I want to get one that is 10.1 or more....big money.... I know about your the XTi you got......I researched it. very nice.... ;) I will be sure to let you know when I pick a new one up!:D


I know what it's like to want a new camera. I wanted my Canon for several years before I bought it.

It's sure fun to play with, a whole new hobby actually. The more I read, the more interesting photography is to me. My next thing will be some decent lenses. The kit lens is definitely a starter affair.

My pics are resized at 72dpi and most are cropped before being sized at 1000x1000 pixels. They still resize to almost 1meg when converted from RAW. The RAW files would be great for wall poster sized prints, lol.

Please keep taking pics and posting them with your current gear. I'm enjoying what you're shooting and posting! :cool: It's all about having fun with your online train buddies, not a photography contest.

[grande man]

Alco, you and I must be the only ones that like the CSX...;) :D

Leased power on the point.
http://www.imagebee.org/images/7684Headin%20out%20of%20Hayden.JPG

[Alcomotive]

Yep I guess so...funnny though....I am a UP modeler and fan but I LOVE ALL TRAINS....a trainmaniac I am!!!!!:p

[ssw9662]

Alco, you and I must be the only ones that like the CSX...;) :D

Not really. ;) :cool:

[CSX_road_slug]

Great thread Eric, I often feel like a stubborn fan of an unrespected football team, but CSX is the only game in my area. My compliments to all contributors [so far].

Here's a few oldies from my archives. Glad I saved all my RailImages stuff before their old server went offline. Quality isn't too great on some of these, but I couldn't always get the Sun to cooperate with me...:rolleyes:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_ac4400_356.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_7710_side_rear.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_RDMT_2212.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_sd50_8602.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_sd40-2_8312.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_gp40-2_6012-1.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_gp38-2_2520-1.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_meet_at_Woodstock.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_ac4400_508-1.jpg

[grande man]

Lovin the pics guys! :cool:


Ken, I see CSX6012 head on and as it passed, but there's also one of a meet with it and CSX 2522. Were these taken the same day?


Northbound freight smoking across the Mulberry Fork on the S&NA Sub.
http://www.imagebee.org/images/9418Crossing%20Mulberry%20Fork.JPG

Wet Paint!
http://www.imagebee.org/images/1211CSX8729.JPG

[grande man]

The first pic of the lead post in this thread shows a freight on a trestle. Here's a better shot of the trestle. Back in the L&N days, it was double tracked. :cool: It's amazing to watch trains with 3 and 4 locomotives in the consist cross it a speed. The locos seem to get "out of sync" with each other and look to be each moving vertically up and down about a foot or so. When one is going up and the next going down, it's a sight to behold.
http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/543/Trafford_Trestle.JPG

[SP_SD9]

CSX...they're everywhere!

Leading a freight in North Dakota, near Williston.
And south of Montreal, Quebec.

Regards,

René

[grove den]

Very very impressive and beautiful pictures Alcomotive Ken L and grande man.
Gm: thanks! you kept your promise!=) ( nice trees too!!lol)

Jos

SP-SD9right picture:" Howla, die kiept bijna om" Great pictures too, René!!

[OldGettysk]

Grande Man here's a couple of CSX pictures for you !!!

[grande man]

Great pics guys. :cool:

René, I love the shot of the centerbeams in the curve.

Paul, Thanks for showing the personal side of the CSX. The CSX people we've run into have been fantastic to us laymen.

[CSX_road_slug]

. . .Ken, I see CSX6012 head on and as it passed, but there's also one of a meet with it and CSX 2522. Were these taken the same day? . . .


Sure 'nuff Eric - within the same 2 minutes to be exact!:D

The train led by 6012 was parked on the passing siding when I got there, I had just climbed out of my car and snapped that shot of #2520, and was walking ~30ft from the r-o-w, when suddenly I heard the blast of a 5-chimer. I barely had enough time to point and focus my camera as #2522 and its train came barrelling thru! After it went by, I got some shots of #6012. (I never walked or stood directly on the ballast to get any of these shots. The ones that appear close were 'zoomed'-into.)

IMPORTANT SAFETY LESSON here:
Never stand too near - let alone on - 'unoccupied' tracks when photographing trains! :eek:

[OldGettysk]

It sure is words to the wise Ken l. Had to include this since were on the topic. It was in my local paper today .

[jbaakko]

I've been seeing allot about the "problems" though its always been pointed out to me, that they could be as simple as a bent handrail.

[SP_SD9]

Off track....

[grande man]

Love that last shot René. :cool:

Ken, Most folks don't believe a freight train can "sneak up" on you. I learned long ago that a train gliding downgrade can surprise you in a hurry!

As for your comments on railfanning, it can be some fast action at times!

Paul, I hate the the CSX is getting such bad press. I'm not sure if any of it is substantial of not. Any time I see Chucky Schumer hogging the spotlight on an issue, the red flag goes right to the top of the pole.

[Smoke]

http://www.imagebee.org/images/2391NB%201.JPG

grandeman,
What's the chord running alongside the engines?

-Smoke

[Alcomotive]

electric extension cord??? LOL ummm really what are u talking about? and where? I see the cable on the guard rail....

[grande man]

Yep, it's the guard rail cable.

[Smoke]

electric extension cord??? LOL ummm really what are u talking about? and where? I see the cable on the guard rail....

Oops it was the guard rail I was seeing. I thought I had missed something major but............

[grande man]

LGM and I got into some gooood railfanning this afternoon. ;)

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/IMG_07781.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/Depot_Train.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/IMG_0764.JPG

[grande man]

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/IMG_0780.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/IMG_0798.JPG

http://www.imagebee.org/images/5123IMG_0773.JPG

[jbaakko]

Not bad not bad, maybe wee need to do a few of these threads?

[CSX_road_slug]

Yes indeed, excellent idea for a thread. Somebody started a CSX photo thread across the street ~ 2 years ago, it grew pretty long until a number of CSX-bashers jumped in and ruined it

[OldGettysk]

More nice photos of CSX Eric !!

[grande man]

Yes indeed, excellent idea for a thread. Somebody started a CSX photo thread across the street ~ 2 years ago, it grew pretty long until a number of CSX-bashers jumped in and ruined it


I guess ya'll have figured out by now that I like taking railfan pics. ;) I agree though that proto pic threads are great. How can you model if you don't have a decent handle on the prototype? Besides, looking at train pics is great entertainment. :cool:

[jbaakko]

My one and only CSX unit shot, an ES44AC taken way back in the fall of 2006.

[grande man]

Something tells me that one was a long way from home. ;) Good shot Josh!

[grande man]

Helper at Lakon, Al.
http://www.imagebee.org/images/5649IMG_0887.JPG

Spiffy Paint! LGM snapped this one while we chased the train in the truck.
http://www.imagebee.org/images/1843IMG_0896.JPG

[RexHea]

Hey, I am really enjoying this fellows. Keep it up!;) :)

[CSX_road_slug]

Hey, I am really enjoying this fellows. Keep it up!;) :)
OK Rex, here's some more fer ye! :D

This SD40-2 I snapped at Rougemere Yard during a trip to Detroit, it has a story behind it (look at the number) - anyone care to guess what I'm talking about? (Sorry about the poor photo quality, it was before my 'digital' days)
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos_2/sd40-2_CSX8888.jpg



The daily "trash train":

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos_2/CSX_5255_trash_train.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos_2/CSX_8763_trash_train.jpg


Weed train:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/misc_etc/CSX_B36-7_5859.jpg

Yet another meet:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/misc_etc/meet__csx7917_and_5859.jpg

[grande man]

Great pics Ken. Tell us the story behind CSX 8888.

From yesterday, UP power on the CSX. Sorry for the shadows. Prime time for this spot is noon and we were running late. :o
http://www.imagebee.org/images/7666IMG_0848.JPG

http://www.imagebee.org/images/9777IMG_0853.JPG

[CSX_road_slug]

Great pics Ken. Tell us the story behind CSX 8888.

OK Eric, you heard the legend of the Headless Horseman, right? Well, this is the story of the.....Driverless Train! :eek:

The link below has the full story, it explains it much better than I possibly could:
http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/05/15/runaway.train.05/index.html

(Unfortunately, the video clips are no longer available :rolleyes: )

P.S. Could make for a purty interesting op session, ya think?

[grande man]

Awesome Ken. I remember that incident.

[jbaakko]

Grandeman, I like that overhead shot of the SD70M with flares!

[OldGettysk]

Eric some more nice shots. Ken L Really crazy seems like I remember that video also !!

[CSX_road_slug]

...and managed to snag this:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_758_at_woodstock_02.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/proto_photos/CSX_758_at_woodstock_03.jpg

One of the very FEW times I've seen a train headed by a widenose that was not GE! :D

[grande man]

Those are some clean looking shots, Ken. The power company might want to rethink their pole placement though...:D

[CSX_road_slug]

Yeah, that's the one drawback with this location: clutter. The only way to get any unobstructed view of these trains - without trespassing - is to stand in this one tiny area.

[Old 97]

Here's my contribution to this thread......

Yard work in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/jato321/switch2ruger.jpg

[jbaakko]

Grandeman, you should start posting some of the roster shots on Locophotos.com. I know Stan is getting more picky, but...

[grande man]

Grandeman, you should start posting some of the roster shots on Locophotos.com. I know Stan is getting more picky, but...

I'll check into that, Josh. It will be a while before I can justify it, but I'm looking to get some new glass for the XTi. Hopefully, that will allow me to capture some really clean images for uses like that.

[grande man]

Aaaarrrhhhh! The wiener dogs at image bee shut down and nuked some of my pics in this thread. :rolleyes:

Here's a few new shots from Black Creek at lunch.
http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/Northbound_at_Black_Creek.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/IMG_1156.JPG

[OldGettysk]

More nice shots Eric, Here's a couple of shots of a CSX Boxcar left on the siding!!

[grande man]

Nice boxcar Paul. :)

Here's a couple from a Garden City meet yesterday. If you'd like a full size view, click the thumbnail and the photo it links to.

Southbound train in the hole. I got to talk with the conductor while we waited on the opposing train. There are some great folks working for the CSX. :cool:
http://images6.theimagehosting.com/IMG_1173.d57.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=IMG_1173.d57.JPG)

Hotshot northbound comin on strong. Check out the conductor...
http://images6.theimagehosting.com/Garden City NB.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=Garden City NB.JPG)


http://images6.theimagehosting.com/IMG_1215.c89.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=IMG_1215.c89.JPG)

http://images6.theimagehosting.com/CSX544.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=CSX544.JPG)

Wonder where the trains are...
http://images6.theimagehosting.com/Hirailer.th.JPG (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=Hirailer.JPG)

[Alcomotive]

These were taken on 4/26/07 on a spur off the Tropicana Line (CSX). The guys were re-lining the track and inspecting other areas that needed attention.


6394

6395

6396

[Brakie]

I took this at Marion(Oh) 2 weeks ago.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/Brakie-2/100_0970.jpg

This was at Crestline(Oh) last year.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/Brakie-2/Picture-024.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/Brakie-2/Picture-026.jpg

[grande man]

Nice work guys. Alco, I like the people aspect in your track crew pics.


Here's two from Garden City last night.

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/IMG_1815.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/IMG_1824.JPG

[grande man]

A few new CSX photos...

Colorful consist in Birmingham.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2521.JPG

Mainline action near Garden City
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2395.JPG

Playin with the photo editor...;)
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2272.JPG

[jbaakko]

GRANDEMAN that overpass shot near downtown is AWESOME!

[grande man]

GRANDEMAN that overpass shot near downtown is AWESOME!


Thanks Josh.

How would you like to be in charge of stocking touch up paint for that consist? :D :D :D Guess that's why some of the locals call it the rainbow RR.

As a side note on that image, the smoke stack to the left of the shot was part of Alabama Power's generating system that was once used to power Birmingham's street cars.

[OldGettysk]

Ditto here Eric love the overpass shot and the rainbow also !!

[grande man]

Thanks Paul.

Here's a shot of one of the leased units in the consist. I don't know why, but the scheme caught my eye.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/664/IMG_2525.JPG

[jbaakko]

Not to bad, there's not too much thats hard to paint in there. ;)

[Smoke]

Not to bad, there's not too much thats hard to paint in there. ;)

Ditto to that. It looks nice for only having a couple blue stripes on a white backround.

-Smoke

[jbaakko]

Ditto to that. It looks nice for only having a couple blue stripes on a white backround.

-Smoke
It's actually not white, but a light primer gray, notice the difference between the nose & hood. Here's a shot I took back in '05 I believe. It really shows off the white to gray on the stripes on the nose. Unusual, but nice.

Good match for the gray would be Model Flex primer, or Testors neutral flat gray. I think Microscale makes decals.

[jbaakko]

Ah, never mind, its Highball Graphics that makes them, along with other lease units, including the sliver/green SD40-2.
http://mgdecals.com/L-170.htm

I kind of feel like that guy who used to do all the RR paint shop articles in MR.

[grande man]

A few more from my fav class 1...

Autorack train boils off Sand Mountain. We heard this train on the handheld on our way home this afternoon, turned around and barely made it back to Lacon in time for the shot. I didn't even have a chance to get the tripod out.:eek:
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2855.JPG

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2862.JPG


Southbound at Hartselle. There was no grass growing under this one either. ;)
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2782.JPG

Overpass action
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2863.JPG

Headin south from Boyles Yard
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_2726.JPG

[jbaakko]

Awesome pics there Grandeman!

[grande man]

Awesome pics there Grandeman!

Thanks Josh. For more detail on yesterday's adventure, check here. http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=160561#post160561

[jbaakko]

Man Grandeman, you're turning into a true railfan, when are we going to get you back!?

[grande man]

Man Grandeman, you're turning into a true railfan, when are we going to get you back!?

I haven't gone anywhere, I'm just trying not to bore ya'll to tears with proto pics... :rolleyes: Trust me, I'm a lifelong model railroader. I go thru cycles that grab my interest, but I love model trains ( real ones too ;)) and always will.

[CSX_road_slug]

Excellent shots Eric! Here are some that AlcoMotive shot in FL, I'll include them here to keep all the CSX stuff together:

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6184

[Alcomotive]

I didnt think to post it here ....thanks for the hook up!
GM let me know what ya think!

[grande man]

I didnt think to post it here ....thanks for the hook up!
GM let me know what ya think!

Great shots Alco. I love that 30 slug in the new paint. :cool:

[grande man]

Heat Wave! Train Q7516 blazes south on a hot June afternoon near Hartselle, Al.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/772/IMG_2778_heat_wave.JPG

CSX downtown. This is a view looking down 14th Street from a looong way off. ;)
It was taken from atop Red Mountain at a private restaurant called "The Club". An item of interest is, it's on the site of the former Valley View iron ore mine (1904-1924). There are still mine openings and a concrete portal on site. The Vulcan Walking Trail runs directly beneath the property. It is on the old L&N Mineral RR right of way that ore trains shuffled loads from the mines to the District's many blast furnaces over.

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3067.JPG

CSX 7878 rolls by the Amtrak passenger loading platform on it's way to Boyles Yard in Tarrant.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3049.JPG

[OldGettysk]

Love that downtown shot !!

[grande man]

Thanks Paul. Glad you went "downtown" with us. :cool:

Here's a few shots from Decatur yesterday afternoon. CSX serves the Meow Mix cat food plant there and we caught a friendly crew switching there late in the afternoon.

Street sign
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/507/IMG_31011.JPG

Switch action
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3089.JPG

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3098.JPG

[jbaakko]

Look at the difference in grays on those two units!

[Little Grande Man]

On the south side of the Decatur, AL drawbridge. What a great place to railfan!

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/IMG_0718_2.JPG

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/540/IMG_0706_2.JPG


Bridge Silhouette

http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/543/IMG_0690_2.JPG

[Smoke]

Huh,I knew there was a Grande Man, but didn't know there was a Little Grande Man.:D

-Smoke

[Alcomotive]

Alright! LGM getting in on the Action! ....ahem the Action.........lol

[grande man]

Huh,I knew there was a Grande Man, but didn't know there was a Little Grande Man.:D

-Smoke


LGM is my lifelong railfanning/model train buddy/Digitrax programmer. :D He's 12 and takes his own photos with a Canon Rebel XT he just upgraded to from a P&S. He has, however, been known to borrow a lens from Dad on occasion... ;)

We've been railfanning and modeling since he was 4 years old and have had an absolute blast! :cool:

[RexHea]

:) Hi LGM! That is some great photos. I really like the draw bridge shot...very professional looking. You should enlarge and frame it. Is that the Tennessee river/Wheeler Lake? GM, you sir have some competition!:D

Eric, I have been following your thread since the beginning and really appreciate you sharing your excellent photos. Love the inclusion of the different perspectives of the CSX trains.;)

[trainman24]

After Watching this for long enough, I'm joining in.:)

Pic 1: The famous CSXT 4617 with C&O on the longhoods

Pic 2: CSXT 6160 sits all alone outside the usual busy Acca Engine Shops on a great evening for railfanning.

Hope you all enjoy!

Any comments or critiques are certainly welcomed.

[grande man]

Awesome pics Trainman!!! I love the shot of CSX 4617. :cool:

Rex, LGM's pics were taken at the Tennessee River in Decatur. That's a hotspot because the CSX and NS share trackage across the river. BTW, thanks for staying with the thread. We sure have fun taking the photos and I'm glad to know you enjoy them. :) As for LGM, his photos are some stiff competition! :cool:

Here's a view of a southbound CSX train on approach to the river. This train was a loooong way from us.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_28161.JPG

[trainman24]

A SD40-2 in YN1 works the yard job at Collier, about two-three weeks after this picture was taken, no trespassing signs and barricades have been put up here.

Thanks for those comments Grande Man. Currently the 4617 is in Erie PA I believe. When I find it, I'll post my pics of the 4601 in Seaboard System paint. It has since been retired. Very nice pic BTW Grande Man.

[OldGettysk]

Here's some old pixs of 2731 I thought you might enjoy !!!!

[grande man]

Nathan and Paul, Great shots! :cool:

Here's a couple I took earlier today before the weather turned stormy on us.

Northbound train near Garden City on the CSX led by the smoke belching LMS 7920, a GE Dash 8-40CW
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3186.JPG

Runaround move at South Hanceville. The siding and main were occupied by northbound trains and a third northbound stopped at the red signal at the south end of the siding. He must have gotten dispatcher approval to pass the signal because he followed the runaround northbound train in this photo a few hundered yards behind. What a log jam. :cool:
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3198.JPG

[grande man]

Ooops, forgot one...


These guys had just crossed the Mulberry Fork on their trip toward Nashville, TN.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_3174.JPG

[grande man]

A few new shots from my fav class 1...;)


Ghost Train
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/602/Ghost_Train_2.JPG

Decatur depot. This one is leaning a little. Sorry. ;) :D
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_4417.JPG

30 Slug
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/581/IMG_4463.JPG

[grande man]

Cullman, Al...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1232/1410152681_672faf1b0a_o.jpg

[Myowngod]

WOW!:eek: What a great shot. Was that done with an extra long exposure?

[grande man]

WOW!:eek: What a great shot. Was that done with an extra long exposure?

Thanks Ron. This shot was 30 seconds at f8, ISO200 with my 17-40L lens. It's all ambient light and other than minor tweaks to the white balance, contrast and sharpness, it's pretty much what the camera saw.

[OldGettysk]

Another fine shot of CSX Eric!!!

[Maxitrains]

Excelent shot

:( I can never post such shots here :S

I can only post aircraft shot, which is not the right place to do :(

[grande man]

Thanks for the comments on the last pic. I'm glad to hear ya'll enjoyed it. :cool:

As few more from the CSX...:)

Ever had that "run over" feeling? :D
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/581/IMG_5209.JPG

Work Train
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/561/IMG_5286.JPG

Heavy Metal
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/1388861967_2b89fbe75e_o.jpg

[Maxitrains]

Excelent details of the Ballast and rails Grande Man :D, that's what I mostly needed :)

[jbaakko]

Beautiful shots of the road slugs Grandeman!

[ThoroughBreed]

Grande man, on that last shot with all the Caterpillars on the left side, does it look like theres a radiator cover open, on the right side, on the lead GE?

[Smoke]

Grande man, on that last shot with all the Caterpillars on the left side, does it look like theres a radiator cover open, on the right side, on the lead GE?
Are you seeing the sunshade?

[Old 97]

Looks like the sunshade to me......Nice pics Eric.

[ThoroughBreed]

heres the area in question
http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/csx.JPG

[jbaakko]

heres the area in question
http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/data/500/csx.JPG
Thats the Dynamic Brake housing on the trailing unit. There's no panels there on a GE that open that way. The only ones that hinge upwards are the roof sections above the engine, on some GE's. Looks like Grandeman got lucky and lined up the edge of the grills with the top lip of the GE's cooling housing perfectly. Talk about a 1 in 1,000,000 shot there.

[grande man]

Thats the Dynamic Brake housing on the trailing unit. There's no panels there on a GE that open that way. The only ones that hinge upwards are the roof sections above the engine, on some GE's. Looks like Grandeman got lucky and lined up the edge of the grills with the top lip of the GE's cooling housing perfectly. Talk about a 1 in 1,000,000 shot there.

Ding, ding, ding... We have a winner. :D I went back and looked at the RAW file at 100% and Josh is very correct.

[ThoroughBreed]

I was just curious as to what it was, and why they would leave it unclosed.:cool:

[grande man]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1193/1415040848_6bfe6d569f_o.jpg

[grande man]

Great folks and a great railroad, more from the CSX.

Tied down for the night.

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/602/IMG_6447.JPG

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/602/IMG_6441.JPG

[jbaakko]

http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/data/602/IMG_6447.JPG
Huh, little bit of ballast in the way there?

[RexHea]

Josh, that's what the shovel is for on the front end:rolleyes: :D :D

A very nice shot, GM!

[Little Grande Man]

A few shots from the other night.

[Alcomotive]

LGM!!!

I like shot 2 & 3 ....looking good buddy!

[RexHea]

Nice work LGM! Very good angles. I believe you are at the least, good as Dad.

[chimmike]

These were taken yesterday on the Tropicana line in Manatee County, FL.

GP39
GP39-2

funny you'd post that, I live in Parrish, out by the Florida Gulf Coast RR museum :D

I imagine i'll probably meet you at one of the sarasota MRC meetings.

[OldGettysk]

Nice shots LGM and love that headon one !!

[L&N Castle]

Morning Eric,hey Trey.Well fellows,I saw a night photo shot that was perfect,well,maybe not perfect,but close to it. It was on the old ACL,AB&A,mainline through Chelsea Ala. I was travelling down 280,and happened to look down,and well,here they come,at least two GE's 0n the point,and fully lit up. Oh man,what a shot,if only I could have in position to capture it.:( ,oh well. By the way,the photo you posted of the CSX loco in front of the ballast pile,was that taken at Lacon? It kind of looks like it. As always dude,Grande photos,:D ,sorry,couldn't resist. Anyway,I'll be back in town,on Tuesday,so,I'll check in then.William.

[OldGettysk]

Another CSX headon . Man tried to stop one !http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/10912691.html

[CSX_road_slug]

Another CSX headon . Man tried to stop one !http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/10912691.html

...and as always, I'm sure the "experts" will find a way to say it was all CSX's fault....!:mad:

[grande man]

Well weathered slug at Cullman. I think what paint was left on this faded old unit is a perfect 18% grey. The camera's meter loved it. ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2080095783_23203de515_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2080095139_b7b2d6b1b0_o.jpg

[grande man]

One from tonight, CSX 2218 at dusk in Cullman.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/2151300428_dd04725143_b.jpg

[4Starcstms]

Those are some really great shots GM and LGM and well everybody else. I just went thru all six pages ... very cool shots!!

[OldGettysk]

Nice shot Eric , How did I miss the shots of that rustbucket ? Looks like CSX needs to get that baby in the shop and off the line .

[grande man]

Nice shot Eric , How did I miss the shots of that rustbucket ? Looks like CSX needs to get that baby in the shop and off the line .

LOL. One of the local CSX guys couldn't believe we wanted to take photos of that "piece of junk". :D

[UP2CSX]

Nice pics as usual, Eric. I don't think I could ever weather anything like that slig and think it was realistic without having seen that picture. Are those handrails really painted orange or is that an artifact of the light?

It's interesting listening to the CSX on the scanner, especially over the holidays Seems like most of the shop crews were given days off and the engines are breaking down at a record pace. Once angry engineer the other night started out with five working units from Montgomery and all but the head end unit were broken down within 25 miles after leaving the yard. He said he was about to call a taxi and let the roadmaster figure out how to move the train off the main. It seems like more and more CSX trains end up stalled on the main because they don't have enough working power to pull the train.

[CanuckMark]

Darn, missed this thread. Awesome shots!!!!

Mark

[grande man]

Jim, the 35 slug's handrails look like the yellow in the "Bright future scheme" to my eye.

As for the breakdowns, I'm sure CSX has their problems like everyone else. They are spending tons of $$$ on track upgrades, I wonder if that could be draining other departments? I know we have really enjoyed living close to the S&NA North Sub. Most of the folks we've met with the CSX have been really fantastic people. It's a cool RR with great historical roots (L&N) to this area. I look forward to future railfanning trips on the CSX with LGM and am thankful for the great times we've had in the past watching CSX trains!

Mark, Thanks for checking the thread out. :cool:

[grande man]

LGM and I spent the entire day railfanning the CSX. Here are a few highlights.

After running around a rail train north of Decatur (Harris siding), this northbound blazes toward the state line.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2186733396_0770f7716b_o.jpg

Southbound at Harris earlier in the day...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/2185949789_fee6dbacc6_o.jpg

Mother/Slug parallel the river to access industries nearby.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2186732552_b4fb88cf2f_o.jpg

Crossing Lake Wheeler shortly after daybreak.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2186732072_481fd9b8bf_o.jpg

CSX crew puts a local together for a switching run to the river.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2184602392_468d438003_o.jpg

Barge passing under the draw bridge during a 2 minute exposure.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2184602758_b3de9e8189_o.jpg

[okiecrip]

great photos would like to see more.


OKIECRIP>

[OldGettysk]

Really nice photos as always Eric and LGM !

[grande man]

Glad ya'll enjoyed them.

Okie, here's one of the CSX running 18" radius track at Black Creek. :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2180903624_303b9445c4_o.jpg

[JeffShultz]

This has been quite the thread.... and I think today was the first time I've actually seen it.

Some really, really good photography going on there.

[4Starcstms]

I agree with Jeff.... Simply AWESOME!!!

[wheeler1963]

I was down at the Hamlet NC yard a couple of weeks ago. I didn't see anyone's pictures of an RC engine, so here ya go.

This is an RC SD-40-2 working the hump yard.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_1248.jpg

Working with the RC SD-40-2 was this slug.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_1246.jpg

Here's a close up of the RC antenna.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_1265.jpg

[UP2CSX]

Very nice picures, Eric and LGM. That time exposure of the bridge is a real eye-catcher.

Jerome, thanks for the pics of the R/C unit and the slug. They don't get photographed very often. That antenna used for radio control is very odd. It's a VHF yagi design, which is extremely directional. If it's pointed in the direction of the transmitter or receiver, it's great, otherwise you have the equivalent of no antenna. Does that engine always stay on straight track, where the antenna is always pointed at a transmitter down the tangent? Most of the R/C antennas I've seen are omnidrectional becuase you never know what the orientation of the engine will be compared to the transmitter.

[wheeler1963]

Jim,

5 or 6 tracks (north/south) all coming into the top of the hump yard (south end). The tower (south again) is just past the top of the hump (about 5 stories tall). There was 3 sets of these RC SD-40-2's/slugs working the hump yard on this Saturday.

[grande man]

That's an interesting slug Jerome. Thanks for posting it! :cool:

[wheeler1963]

Grande man,

Here's another one that was there also.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_1261.jpg

[grande man]

Thanks Jerome!

Here are a couple of extra shots from the last trip to Decatur.

Work train on the approach to cross the river. It began dropping replacement rail on the north side of the drawbridge. Note the replacement rail and tie plates in place on the track the train is on.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2189522399_0098d1b778_o.jpg

I don't shoot a lot of backlit shots. In this pic an ex Conrail GP38-2 is switching Bunge industries. I couldn't resist the glistening rail in the yard.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/2189483869_f79af00146_o.jpg

[wheeler1963]

Speaking of backlit shots. This is a shot of the holding tracks where the RC SD-40-2's were working. Caught one coming up inbetween tracks, has a nice lighting affect on the cars.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_1238.jpg

[grande man]

Work train near Garden City, Al led by GE B36-7 # 5851
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2355271034_71c77278e2_o.jpg

Blinded by the Light, Decatur...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2356068632_66e92c966c_o.jpg

Birmingham in the rearview mirror... Leaving Boyles, a freight heads north at Black Creek.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2323/2356058390_48db2d1694_o.jpg

[OldGettysk]

Love that CSX Eric , your flash probably blinded him !!

[RexHea]

Naw, he is just camera shy
Eric, that camera is worth every argument it caused with the wife .:D

[CanuckMark]

Great shots...those night shots are simply to http://tuningemotion.com/forum/images/smilies/drool.gif for...

Mark

[grande man]

Rex, Don't worry, Mrs Grande is already over the camera purchases... :D

Mark, Hopefully we'll get out for some new night shots before to long. Thanks for the comments. :)

[grande man]

Northbound train smokes thru Trafford, Al on it's trip to Nashville and points beyond.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/2387965583_b8884f7f1d_o.jpg

[grande man]

One more for today... ;) This one was backlit, so I tonemapped it in my HDR program. It has a different look than a shot straight from the camera. Ya'll give me some feedback, pro or con...

Crossing Locust Fork at Trafford, Al
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2388815560_ef571430dd_o.jpg

[OldGettysk]

Looks pretty good to me Eric !!!

[grande man]

Looks pretty good to me Eric !!!

Thanks Paul. :)

Here are a couple of shots from earlier today.

CSX 5441 leads a southbound at Middle Holmes Gap, north of Cullman, Al.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2439678038_bbf4929f75_o.jpg

Better days behind... Caboose at Cullman. I miss the caboose. :(
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2438854615_ebf63ec2f2_o.jpg

[OldGettysk]

I miss the caboose also Eric , Love that one and the curved track also !

[UP2CSX]

Nice shot of that trestle and train, Eric. Looks like it used to be double tracked at one time. What ever you did to it gives it a nice, moody look of an impending storm.

I miss cabooses to. Is that one at Cullman still in use?

[grande man]

Paul, The caboose was spotted in a difficult place to access for a shot. Since I was shooting across the yard I decided to go for the curved track in the composition. The intent was to lead the eye to the subject and make the best of a less than desirable vantage point.

Jim, You're correct, the trestle was double tracked in the L&N days. There was talk of going back to double track thru that area recently with all of the track upgrades but nothing ever came of it.

As for the caboose in Cullman, I assume it's still in service. That said, LGM an I shot the local peddler freight yesterday without it. :( It's been there for the last few weeks.

[L&N Castle]

After looking at all these fine photos,I thought I might add a couple from yesterday,while I was down by Shannon,Ala. Grande photos as always Eric.Y'all let me know what you think of these two.William.

[grande man]

Nice shots William.

[OldGettysk]

Ditto William some nice CSX shots !

[L&N Castle]

Thank you fellows. Tomorrow if I get the chance,I have some more,that I'll put out there for y'all to enjoy. William.

[L&N Castle]

Morning all. Well,as I said last night, I had few more shots to post,so here they are. Enjoy. Uh,guys,due to a situation,the pictures will be slightly delayed.Sorry.:o :( .William.

[L&N Castle]

Okay.I hope I have resolved the issue. So,here is take 2.

[L&N Castle]

This was the only CSX train I was able to photograph yesterday. I thought they turned out okay. Let me know what y'all think.William.

[trainman24]

Hey all!

I haven't been here in awhile and I'll try and get some more shots up real soon. William Good shots.

[UP2CSX]

Nice photos, William, even if you didn't have the best lighting to work with on the day you took them. It's amazing how much that overpass in the background looks like the Rix model.

[grande man]

Nice work William.

Here's a new shot of slug 2247. If they don't get something new in Cullman soon, I'm going to wear what's left of the paint of this one shooting it. :D
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/2463621036_5015ba0383_o.jpg

[wheeler1963]

Grande Man, I guess CSX is so broke they can't even replace number boards anymore?? That is a beautifully lit photo you took. Great job as always!!!!

[grande man]

Jerome, I think they spent it all on track and signal upgrades...

Here's another (later) shot of 2247 at Cullman taken earlier tonight.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2462843859_64b2415385_o.jpg

[wheeler1963]

Eric, what kind of exposure did you use to get that shot? I've never seen the yellow birds over this way. Just the light gray slugs.

[grande man]

Eric, what kind of exposure did you use to get that shot? I've never seen the yellow birds over this way. Just the light gray slugs.

This one was taken with the 40D/EF 17-40 f4L combo at f8, ISO 200 for 25 seconds. Lighting is from nearby street lights.

We saw a 30 slug a while back in the bright future scheme.

[UP2CSX]

Nice photo under tough conditions, Eric. That really is turning into a rolling rust bucket, even for a slug. I have yet to understand why the CSX engines I see down here seem to be about half nice and half in just awful looking condition. Maybe it's just the Montgomery area but the engineers are constantly complaining on the radio that half the consist dies before they get 20 miles from the yard.

[grande man]

Nice photo under tough conditions, Eric. That really is turning into a rolling rust bucket, even for a slug. I have yet to understand why the CSX engines I see down here seem to be about half nice and half in just awful looking condition. Maybe it's just the Montgomery area but the engineers are constantly complaining on the radio that half the consist dies before they get 20 miles from the yard.


Yeah, some of the slugs can be rough, but we need to keep in mind that they many of them are 45 years old!

As for the rest of the fleet, I'm not sure the CSX has any more problems than the competition. There's always room for improvement, but #$%^ happens, ya know.

They have been spending millions on track upgrades. Maybe loco renovations are next. ;)

[UP2CSX]

No, Eric, the CSX down here is having significant motive power problems. I mointor both the NS and CSX and the CSX engineers report problem engines in their consists at least five time more often than I hear on the NS channels. I know you're a CSX fan but something is wrong, at least in this area. Not only are the consists suffering more breakdowns but the attitudes of both the engineers and dispatchers is getting downright surly. Yelling matches on the radio are quite common. :(

[grande man]

No, Eric, the CSX down here is having significant motive power problems. I mointor both the NS and CSX and the CSX engineers report problem engines in their consists at least five time more often than I hear on the NS channels. I know you're a CSX fan but something is wrong, at least in this area. Not only are the consists suffering more breakdowns but the attitudes of both the engineers and dispatchers is getting downright surly. Yelling matches on the radio are quite common. :(


Hum, I only monitor the radio while actually out shooting/railfanning so maybe I'm missing it, but I haven't heard as many locomotive issues. There are some, to be sure, but that's part of the game.

I've certainly not heard any yelling on the radio. There are occasional comments on the dispatching though. I always just chalked it up to being human nature to complain.

It's true that I'm a CSX fan. Their fore runner was very historic to this area, their folks have treated LGM and I very well over the years and they have colorful paint schemes. What's not to like. :D

[grande man]

A few new CSX shots...;)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2763233723_da087e8ebb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2740572308_87f6859b66_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2180903624_303b9445c4_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2631194414_6bcef7a11f_o.jpg

[UP2CSX]

Nice shots as usual, Eric. Some rare clear blue skies in August for us, really makes the trains look even better.

[grande man]

Thanks Jim. Here's a shot from today. I call it Afternoon Express.

Northbound train blurs across the Mulberry Fork outside Garden City, Al
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2854145101_9b796483c0_o.jpg

[CSX_road_slug]

Excellent shots as always Eric! I remember standing in exactly that location (old Hwy 31 bridge) where you got that last 'action' photo, during my August visit.

[grande man]

Excellent shots as always Eric! I remember standing in exactly that location (old Hwy 31 bridge) where you got that last 'action' photo, during my August visit.

Thanks Ken.

That was a fun day on the S&NA North! :cool:

LGM and I were talking yesterday on the way home from our railfanning about how much we've enjoyed train watching on the CSX. It's close to home, there are usually a good number of trains running and the folks on the CSX locally are the best. It all adds up to fun! :cool:

[UP2CSX]

Nice shot, Eric. Being a bridge buff, that's an unusual type. It must have been built around 1900, when engineering standards and materials were different than today. The span crossing Mulberry Fork must be the longest one between piers and the curved cord deck truss was to carry the heavier loads of the longer span. Today, they'd just build a straight truss because of stonger steel and better connections. It's a very graceful design compared to the utilitarian designs we see today.

[grande man]

Nice shot, Eric. Being a bridge buff, that's an unusual type. It must have been built around 1900, when engineering standards and materials were different than today. The span crossing Mulberry Fork must be the longest one between piers and the curved cord deck truss was to carry the heavier loads of the longer span. Today, they'd just build a straight truss because of stonger steel and better connections. It's a very graceful design compared to the utilitarian designs we see today.

Jim, in addition to the great backgroud info you provided, the bridge used to be double tracked.

Here's a new shot from the CSX...

CSX 4732 leads an empty westbound coal train at mp 400 near Winetka on a former section of the old L&N Birmingham Mineral RR north branch. The bridge in the background is part of the former Tennessee Coal and Iron (US Steel) "High Line" that dates to the mid 1920s and connected the Fairfield and Ensley steel mills to the company's red ore iron mines on Red Mountain. The High Line will potentially be developed into a greenway connected to Birmingham's new Red Mountain Park.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3172179742_6c5381bc7e_o.jpg

[UP2CSX]

Man. that looks like Saluda grade in that photo, Eric. :) How steep is the actual grade? That old bridge would be an interesting addition to the park. What kind of shape is it in?

[grande man]

Man. that looks like Saluda grade in that photo, Eric. :) How steep is the actual grade? That old bridge would be an interesting addition to the park. What kind of shape is it in?

My track chart only shows it at 1.25%. Welcome to the world of telephoto compression. :)

The high line bridges are in good shape. They are structurally sound, but need paint.

[UP2CSX]

It really does look a lot steeper than 1.25%, not saying that that's a small grade either. I'm glad to hear the high line bridges are in good structural condition. Maybe they can one day be restored to their rightful use.

[OldGettysk]

Another nice shot of CSX action Eric !!

[grande man]

Jim, the bridges on the high line would only be used for foot and light vehicle traffic. There is a section of the high line near I65 (Fairfield) that still sees railroad use.

Paul, thanks for the comments. I'm glad you enjoy the CSX images.

[UP2CSX]

Eric, I guess I missed the high line bridges on I65. What exit are they near?

BTW, have you been listening to the defect detectors lately? You can tell car loading is really falling off. Seems to me that average train length before July was about 4500 feet. Now it's down to about 3000 feet.

[grande man]

Eric, I guess I missed the high line bridges on I65. What exit are they near?

BTW, have you been listening to the defect detectors lately? You can tell car loading is really falling off. Seems to me that average train length before July was about 4500 feet. Now it's down to about 3000 feet.

The bridges are by the USS plant at Fairfield. I'm not sure what the nearest exit it.

I hadn't really noticed the shorter trains, but it sure does seem like the traffic is lighter than it was a few months back. :( I hope things pick back up soon. Heck, fewer and shorter trains aside, LGM and I may just go shoot some CSX action again soon. ;)

[joem5127]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p119/joem5127/1-10-09009.jpg
Crew switches the yard in Garrett, IN on a snowy January morning.

[grande man]

Cool shot, Joe (really cool). Those must have been some tough conditions for railroader and railfan alike!

[joem5127]

Thanks Eric. It wasn’t too cold, just lots of snow! I always enjoy your photos. I am also part of a father son railfan team. You might enjoy this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSwU065ddGE
Sort of crappy quality after uploading it to Youtube but still enjoyable.

[vato loco]

What's that white stuff??????????? Sand?

[joem5127]

Chris,
Yup it's "sand". -5 deg with a blowing and drifting "sand" advisory!:D

[grande man]

CSX photoshop fun... :) Ever get that run over feeling?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/3207511136_8994cd998b_o.jpg

[grande man]

LGM and I had a great weekend railfanning. After a wonderful day with the alrails group yesterday, we shot at Cullman this afternoon. I think we saw more trains in the last two days than the last two weeks! Life is good. :)



Night falls as a southbound coal drag blasts thru Cullman enroute to Birmingham.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3264727587_5ab6935883_o.jpg

[UP2CSX]

You lucky dog! I missed our one train through Prattville today because I was in church. :(

[grande man]

You lucky dog! I missed our one train through Prattville today because I was in church. :(

They were running strong again today Jim! LGM and I spent the day in Decatur and had a blast. Here are a couple of night shots from the trip.

Power on Tap... Decatur Beltline
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3336548943_371ec2201c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3336548379_e11b8a4cf9_o.jpg



Here are a few images from this past week in Birmingham. I got a lew lens and had to try it out. ;)

Almost there... A CSX northbound clears the crossing at Shannon Rd and heads toward Red Mountain's Graces Gap for its entry into Birmingham.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3327708483_f7ae97dd73_o.jpg

Southbound train at Oxmoor.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3332323666_0209ea37e4_o.jpg

[UP2CSX]

Eric, sounds like you and LGM had a great day. Only problem is, all your images are showing up as the dreaded red "X". :( Something apparently went haywire.

[kbkchooch]

They look good to me Jim, need to clean your glasses???:D:rolleyes:

[L&N Castle]

Afternoon all. Eric,I see you and Trey have been busy. I managed to catch a few CSX Trains down off US 280,around the towns of Westover and Sterrett. As I was returning Saturday Morning,the day before the big snow, my scanner stated to pick up radio traffic off the old ACL that runs next too Highway 280. The first pic is of a freight waiting to go North. They were waiting on two Southbounds. William.

[L&N Castle]

The second train was a short local headed south most likely to do some switching,before going on to Waycross GA.

[L&N Castle]

The third and final train was a MOW train. I don't know exactly where they going,I guess to a site further down towards Talladega,maybe even Coosa Pines. But one thing about the motive power,was how new it looked. The engines looked as though they had been out of the paint shop only short while.:cool:.William.

[grande man]

Nice shots William!

[RexHea]

I can see'um! I can see'um!

Nice shots Eric, but they show a better quality than what you take. Must have been Trey.:rolleyes::D

[UP2CSX]

I can see them now too. Amazing shot of the train on the downgrade with all the exhaust heat distortion, Eric (or Trey :) ). Good shots from you too, William. That siding sure looks like it has a nasty right bank to it. :eek:

[grande man]

Thanks Rex... (Where's my shoot the bird emoticon when I need it???:D:D:D)


Jim, glad you can see more than the dredded X now. Heat waves are something the new supertelephoto lens is good at recording, thanks for the comments on the shot.

[grande man]

More for my fellow CSX fans...

Black Creek, just north of Birmingham's Boyles Yard
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/3536820523_c2c69f0e1e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/3537632848_1cccbbf09c_b.jpg

[trainman1980]

I love the S5T horns on the CSX engines like these I caught.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=legsbluetrain&view=videos&query=csx+s5t

[wheeler1963]

Well I finally had the camera at work, and I had a train too. So here is the local taking empty flats out of Ft. Bragg this afternoon.

2 ES44DC's today. Much bigger power than I normally see.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_4396.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_4413.jpg

The engineer was kind enough to let me climb on top of his lead unit to get detail shots!! :)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_4416.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_4417.jpg

He had a string of 60 or so DODX flats behind him.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/wheeler1963/100_4421.jpg

[UP2CSX]

Nice detail shots, Jerome. That's just what we need more of for modeling. I never knew an ES44DC had an RV type skylight on the cab roof. I assume the white, round object behind it is the GPS receiver. That's weird mounting for the Sinclair radio antenna also. Those antennas are directional so they usually get mounted so the ends are in line with the track. First one I've seen mounted sideways. I also wonder why all the horn chimes but one had bug screens on them?

[wheeler1963]

Jim, I don't think that is a sinclair antenna. I think that is a grab iron. Notice the one in blue (bottom left corner) of the same picture. That's what I used climbing up from the catwalk on the conductor's side.

[V&AL]

I wonder if the "skylight" is what they put in for units that dont come with a roof A/C? prefab cabs might all have the hole for it...

[UP2CSX]

Jerome, might be a grab iron but then where's the train radio antenna? I know Sinclair makes VHF radio antennas that look (and are built to be used) like grab irons and this looks like one of them. I think I can see a coaxial cable coming out of the right side. But, then again, I could be completely wrong. :)

V&AL, do you thibk the unit with the skylight is meant to be sort of sime-permanent "B" unit? The hole was there because they all come from the factory with the hole for A/C but CSX may have added the skylight as the cheapest covering if the unit is not normally occupied. It's hard to imagine a regular engine with A/C in the South.

[V&AL]

it's hard to imagine a unit designated a "semi B unit" otherwise why not plate over the windows and yank the control stand?

it is perplexing...

[UP2CSX]

Makes sense if you think about it. Leave off the expensive things like A/C and use it as a temporary B unit during hot weather. When things cool down again, you can use it as a regular locomotive. Since most trains have MU'd consists, why provide A/C for unoccupied cabs?

[martin_lumber]

The "bonnets", aka bug screens, fall off. That's why it's gone.

BTW, it's a AirChime K5HL....and notice how it's mounted....4 bells back, 1 chime forward. New FRA regulations require Class Is to mount their horns so that 100 feet infront of the loco, they sound at 110 db. Of course, the railroads just decided that it was easier to mount the entire horn BACKWARDS in order to comply with this. Next time at trackside, think about how the government is risking our lives to comply with the yuppie's ears.

Damn government.

[V&AL]

yea, cause at 55 MPH the train is moving at 75 feet.. per SECOND. sure I can jump outta the way of a speeding locomotive that fast. but then again, my granddaddy was clark kent...

[NC&StL]

Hi folks,
I am a newby here, and I am in the heart of CSX country (Gadsden, AL) and I have a ton of L&N, Family Lines and CSX era photos on paper. I will get a scanner and get some of them posted. I have the F7 pair just outshopped in Nashville back in the early 80's among others, and a Geep with a broken axle (!) at Gallatin, TN.

[grande man]

Hi folks,
I am a newby here, and I am in the heart of CSX country (Gadsden, AL) and I have a ton of L&N, Family Lines and CSX era photos on paper. I will get a scanner and get some of them posted. I have the F7 pair just outshopped in Nashville back in the early 80's among others, and a Geep with a broken axle (!) at Gallatin, TN.

Sounds like fun Bob! Post them when you can.

We've been shooting some at Gadsden in recent months. The ATN is a fun little RR, especially considering their ancestry of L&N, NC&StL and Seaboard.

My grandfather worked at a foundry in Gasden in the late 40s - early 50s and my mom has some fond memories of that time.