Film Wednesday – 1993 – Today’s scanned slides were all taken at various places during the time I was deployed during (from Wikipedia) “Operation Deny Flight which was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operation that began on 12 April 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations (UN) no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This is a shot of a crew on locomotive 245-6006 as they wait to enter the station at Milan, Italy. “The United Nations and NATO later expanded the mission of the operation to include providing close air support for UN troops in Bosnia and carrying out coercive air strikes against targets in Bosnia. Twelve NATO members contributed forces to the operation and, by its end on 20 December 1995, NATO pilots had flown 100,420 sorties.” Also from Wikipedia: We were also part of “Operation Provide Hope which was a humanitarian operation conducted by the U.S. Air Force starting in 1992 to provide medical equipment to former Soviet republics during their transition to freedom from the USSR until 1994. The operation was announced by Secretary of State James A. Baker, III on January 22–23, 1992 and the initial shipment of supplies was sent on February 10, 1992. Twelve US Air Force C-5 and C-141 was carrying an estimated 500 tons of bulk-food rations and medicines into Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kyiv, Minsk, and Chișinău from Germany and Yerevan, Almaty, Dushanbe, Ashkhabad, Baku, Tashkent, and Bishkek from Turkey. In total, for nearly two weeks sixty-five missions flew 2,363 short tons (2,144 t) of food and medical supplies to 24 locations in the Commonwealth of Independent States during the initial phase of operation. Much of these supplies were left over from the buildup to the Persian Gulf War.” For 6-months of this operation I was the photo editor for a Combat Camera team that worked out of Aviano, Italy covering both operations. On the weekends, our schedules allowed us some time to travel and on my days off I traveled and today’s photos, along with many others. Tech Info: Camera, Nikon F3, Ektachrome Slide Film, no other data recorded, Scanned with an Epson Perfection V700 PHOTO scanner. #slidescan #filmphotography #trains #railroads #jimpearsonphotography #FilmPhotography

A shot of a crew on locomotive 245-6006 as they wait to enter the station at Milan, Italy

Film Wednesday – 1993 – Today’s scanned slides were all taken at various places during the time I was deployed during (from Wikipedia) “Operation Deny Flight which was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operation that began on 12 April 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations (UN) no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

This is a shot of a crew on locomotive 245-6006 as they wait to enter the station at Milan, Italy.

“The United Nations and NATO later expanded the mission of the operation to include providing close air support for UN troops in Bosnia and carrying out coercive air strikes against targets in Bosnia. Twelve NATO members contributed forces to the operation and, by its end on 20 December 1995, NATO pilots had flown 100,420 sorties.”

Also from Wikipedia: We were also part of “Operation Provide Hope which was a humanitarian operation conducted by the U.S. Air Force starting in 1992 to provide medical equipment to former Soviet republics during their transition to freedom from the USSR until 1994.

The operation was announced by Secretary of State James A. Baker, III on January 22–23, 1992 and the initial shipment of supplies was sent on February 10, 1992. Twelve US Air Force C-5 and C-141 was carrying an estimated 500 tons of bulk-food rations and medicines into Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kyiv, Minsk, and Chișinău from Germany and Yerevan, Almaty, Dushanbe, Ashkhabad, Baku, Tashkent, and Bishkek from Turkey. In total, for nearly two weeks sixty-five missions flew 2,363 short tons (2,144 t) of food and medical supplies to 24 locations in the Commonwealth of Independent States during the initial phase of operation. Much of these supplies were left over from the buildup to the Persian Gulf War.”

For 6-months of this operation I was the photo editor for a Combat Camera team that worked out of Aviano, Italy covering both operations. On the weekends, our schedules allowed us some time to travel and on my days off I traveled and today’s photos, along with many others.

Tech Info: Camera, Nikon F3, Ektachrome Slide Film, no other data recorded, Scanned with an Epson Perfection V700 PHOTO scanner.

September 20th, 2024, A BNSF freight and a BNSF rock train pass each other at the Summit of Cajon Pass in southern California and the BNSF Cajon Subdivision. According to Wikipedia: Cajon Pass is a mountain pass between the San Bernardino Mountains to the east and the San Gabriel Mountains to the west in Southern California. Created by the movements of the San Andreas Fault, it has an elevation of 3,777 ft (1,151 m). Located in the Mojave Desert, the pass is an important link from the Greater San Bernardino Area to the Victor Valley, and northeast to Las Vegas. The Cajon Pass area is on the Pacific Crest Trail. Cajon Pass is at the head of Horsethief Canyon, traversed by California State Route 138 (SR 138) and railroad tracks owned by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. Improvements in 1972 reduced the railroad's maximum elevation from about 3,829 to 3,777 feet while reducing curvature. Interstate 15 does not traverse Cajon Pass, but rather the nearby Cajon Summit. The entire area, Cajon Pass and Cajon Summit, is often referred to as Cajon Pass, but a distinction is made between Cajon Pass and Cajon Summit. The California Southern Railroad, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, was the first railroad through Cajon Pass. The line through the pass was built in the early 1880s to connect the present-day cities of Barstow and San Diego. Today the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway (the successor to the Santa Fe) use the pass to reach Los Angeles and San Bernardino as part of the Southern Transcon. Due to the many trains, scenery and easy access, it is a popular location for railfans, and many photographs of trains on Cajon Pass appear in books and magazines. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #steamtrains #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone #CajonPass

A BNSF freight and a BNSF rock train pass each other at the Summit of Cajon Pass in southern California

September 20th, 2024, A BNSF freight and a BNSF rock train pass each other at the Summit of Cajon Pass in southern California and the BNSF Cajon Subdivision.

According to Wikipedia: Cajon Pass is a mountain pass between the San Bernardino Mountains to the east and the San Gabriel Mountains to the west in Southern California. Created by the movements of the San Andreas Fault, it has an elevation of 3,777 ft (1,151 m). Located in the Mojave Desert, the pass is an important link from the Greater San Bernardino Area to the Victor Valley, and northeast to Las Vegas. The Cajon Pass area is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Cajon Pass is at the head of Horsethief Canyon, traversed by California State Route 138 (SR 138) and railroad tracks owned by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. Improvements in 1972 reduced the railroad’s maximum elevation from about 3,829 to 3,777 feet while reducing curvature. Interstate 15 does not traverse Cajon Pass, but rather the nearby Cajon Summit. The entire area, Cajon Pass and Cajon Summit, is often referred to as Cajon Pass, but a distinction is made between Cajon Pass and Cajon Summit.

The California Southern Railroad, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, was the first railroad through Cajon Pass. The line through the pass was built in the early 1880s to connect the present-day cities of Barstow and San Diego. Today the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway (the successor to the Santa Fe) use the pass to reach Los Angeles and San Bernardino as part of the Southern Transcon. Due to the many trains, scenery and easy access, it is a popular location for railfans, and many photographs of trains on Cajon Pass appear in books and magazines.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

East Broad Top steam locomotive 16 pulls a mixed freight through the countryside on their way to Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, during the museum’s Friends of the East Broad top event. According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #steamtrains #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone #eastbroadtop

East Broad Top steam locomotive 16 pulls a mixed freight through the countryside

East Broad Top steam locomotive 16 pulls a mixed freight through the countryside on their way to Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, during the museum’s Friends of the East Broad top event.

According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a mixed freight through as they disappear into the early morning fog on their way to Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, during the museum’s Friends of the East Broad top event. According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #steamtrains #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone #eastbroadtop

East Broad Top steam locomotive 16 pulls a mixed freight as they disappear into the early morning fog

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a mixed freight through the countryside as they disappear into the early morning fog on their way to Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, during the museum’s Friends of the East Broad top event.

According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

Passengers crowd the depot at Port Clinton, PA and take pictures as Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 arrives at the station at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on October 5th, 2024,during its first day of the year of pulling Fall Foliage Excursions. According to their website: The Reading Company T-1 class #2102 was built in the Reading’s own locomotive shops in 1945. With drivers of 70” diameter, it weighs 404 tons, and its tender holds up to 26 tons of coal, and up to 19,000 gallons of water. After the Reading Steam era was over, the Reading Company used 2102 for the Reading Rambles on several different excursions. The 2102 has had many different owners since it was retired by the Reading Railroad. It is one of only four to survive. The other remaining locomotives are the 2100, 2101, and 2124. The Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad purchased the 2102 in 1987, and it ran on the Temple to South Hamburg line into the early 1990’s. Once the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad became the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, the 2102 ran over Reading & Northern’s rails for a short time before it was removed from service in the early 1990’s. In 2022, steam locomotive 2102 reentered service on the Reading & Northern. The locomotive has been used actively to pull both passenger excursions and revenue freight trains. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1640, ISO 450. #steamtrains #besttrainphotograph #JimPearsonPhotography #RBNRR

Passengers crowd the depot at Port Clinton, PA and take pictures as Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 arrives

Passengers crowd the depot at Port Clinton, PA and take pictures as Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 arrives at the station at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on October 5th, 2024,during its first day of the year of pulling Fall Foliage Excursions.

According to their website: The Reading Company T-1 class #2102 was built in the Reading’s own locomotive shops in 1945. With drivers of 70” diameter, it weighs 404 tons, and its tender holds up to 26 tons of coal, and up to 19,000 gallons of water. After the Reading Steam era was over, the Reading Company used 2102 for the Reading Rambles on several different excursions. The 2102 has had many different owners since it was retired by the Reading Railroad. It is one of only four to survive. The other remaining locomotives are the 2100, 2101, and 2124.

The Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad purchased the 2102 in 1987, and it ran on the Temple to South Hamburg line into the early 1990’s. Once the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad became the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, the 2102 ran over Reading & Northern’s rails for a short time before it was removed from service in the early 1990’s.

In 2022, steam locomotive 2102 reentered service on the Reading & Northern. The locomotive has been used actively to pull both passenger excursions and revenue freight trains.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1640, ISO 450.

 

CSX M513 heads out of Sebree, Kentucky, on January 17th, 2025, as they make their way south on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. M513 has PCS Group Switcher 1144 as the third unit and an ex-Union Pacific 4669 with reporting marks of SPTX stenciled on the side of the cab, with both units dead in tow. According to their website, “PSC Group provides turnkey solutions for safe and efficient rail switching in some of the most challenging and complex sites throughout North America. We manage more than 75 rail switching sites using our own fleet of advanced locomotives and mobile railcar movers, proven safety methods, and highly skilled personnel. By working closely with our customers, we tailor our services to their unique needs, utilizing over 80 locomotives, 30 mobile railcar movers (Trackmobiles and Shuttle Wagons), and more than 1,000 skilled employees to enhance safety, decrease cycle time, prevent derailments, and optimize railcar utilization. Over the years, we have found that performing railcar switching alongside loading/unloading, railcar repair, and inspections, creates a safer and more efficient operating environment while simultaneously delivering considerable savings. By bundling these synergistic services together, we can provide the most value to our customers' operations.” However, I can’t find much information on the SPTX Reporting mark so if anyone can provide me with some, I’d appreciate it! Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 130. #bestphoto #trains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone

CSX M513 heads out of Sebree, Kentucky, on January 17th, 2025 with a PCS 1144 switcher in tow

CSX M513 heads out of Sebree, Kentucky, on January 17th, 2025, as they make their way south on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

M513 has PCS Group Switcher 1144 as the third unit and an ex-Union Pacific 4669 with reporting marks of SPTX stenciled on the side of the cab, with both units dead in tow.

According to their website, “PSC Group provides turnkey solutions for safe and efficient rail switching in some of the most challenging and complex sites throughout North America. We manage more than 75 rail switching sites using our own fleet of advanced locomotives and mobile railcar movers, proven safety methods, and highly skilled personnel. By working closely with our customers, we tailor our services to their unique needs, utilizing over 80 locomotives, 30 mobile railcar movers (Trackmobiles and Shuttle Wagons), and more than 1,000 skilled employees to enhance safety, decrease cycle time, prevent derailments, and optimize railcar utilization.

Over the years, we have found that performing railcar switching alongside loading/unloading, railcar repair, and inspections, creates a safer and more efficient operating environment while simultaneously delivering considerable savings. By bundling these synergistic services together, we can provide the most value to our customers’ operations.”

However, I can’t find much information on the SPTX Reporting mark so if anyone can provide me with some, I’d appreciate it!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 130.

 

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 departs the station at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on October 5th, 2024,during its first day of the year of pulling Fall Foliage Excursions. According to their website: The Reading Company T-1 class #2102 was built in the Reading’s own locomotive shops in 1945. With drivers of 70” diameter, it weighs 404 tons, and its tender holds up to 26 tons of coal, and up to 19,000 gallons of water. After the Reading Steam era was over, the Reading Company used 2102 for the Reading Rambles on several different excursions. The 2102 has had many different owners since it was retired by the Reading Railroad. It is one of only four to survive. The other remaining locomotives are the 2100, 2101, and 2124. The Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad purchased the 2102 in 1987, and it ran on the Temple to South Hamburg line into the early 1990’s. Once the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad became the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, the 2102 ran over Reading & Northern’s rails for a short time before it was removed from service in the early 1990’s. In 2022, steam locomotive 2102 reentered service on the Reading & Northern. The locomotive has been used actively to pull both passenger excursions and revenue freight trains. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 220mm, f/5.6, 1640, ISO 220. #steamtrains #besttrainphotograph #JimPearsonPhotography #RBNRR

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 departs Port Clinton, Pennsylvania

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 departs the station at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on October 5th, 2024,during its first day of the year of pulling Fall Foliage Excursions.

According to their website: The Reading Company T-1 class #2102 was built in the Reading’s own locomotive shops in 1945. With drivers of 70” diameter, it weighs 404 tons, and its tender holds up to 26 tons of coal, and up to 19,000 gallons of water. After the Reading Steam era was over, the Reading Company used 2102 for the Reading Rambles on several different excursions. The 2102 has had many different owners since it was retired by the Reading Railroad. It is one of only four to survive. The other remaining locomotives are the 2100, 2101, and 2124.

The Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad purchased the 2102 in 1987, and it ran on the Temple to South Hamburg line into the early 1990’s. Once the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad became the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, the 2102 ran over Reading & Northern’s rails for a short time before it was removed from service in the early 1990’s.

In 2022, steam locomotive 2102 reentered service on the Reading & Northern. The locomotive has been used actively to pull both passenger excursions and revenue freight trains.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 220mm, f/5.6, 1640, ISO 220.

Union Pacific 6808 and 2659 lead Norfolk Southern 224 over the K&I bridge out of Louisville, Kentucky as they head west over the Ohio River into New Albany, Indiana on the NS Southern East District on April 15th, 2023. According to Wikipedia: The Kentucky & Indiana Bridge is one of the first multi modal bridges to cross the Ohio River. It is for both railway and common roadway purposes together. By federal, state, and local law railway and streetcar, wagon-way, and pedestrian modes of travel were intended by the City of New Albany, City of Louisville, State of Kentucky, State of Indiana, the United States Congress, and the bridge owners. The K & I Bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky to New Albany, Indiana. Constructed from 1881 to 1885 by the Kentucky and Indiana Bridge Company, the original K&I Bridge opened in 1886. It included a single standard gauge track and two wagon ways, allowing wagons and other animal powered vehicles to cross the Ohio River by a method other than ferry for the first time. At the time motorized vehicles were virtually nonexistent. The K&I Bridge company also owned a ferry boat operation during both the 1st and 2nd bridge; eventually that operation was sold as the bridge's success largely outmoded boat usage. In 1910 the bridge company was renamed the Kentucky & Indiana Terminal Railroad Co. From 1910 to 1912, a new, heavier bridge was built on new piers just upstream from the original one, after which the old bridge was demolished. The new bridge was double tracked to handle increasingly heavier train and now automobile traffic, eventually receiving the U.S. 31W designation. The bridge also featured a rotating swing span opening for the passage of ships in high water. The bridge was only opened four times, twice for testing in 1913 and 1915, then in 1916 for the passage of the steamer "Tarascon" and in 1920 for passage of the Australian convict ship "Success". In 1948 it refused opening of the span for passage of the steamer "Gordon C. Greene" citing inconvenience and costs of cutting power and communication lines, an action for which K&I and LG&E both paid damages to that ship's company. In 1955 the K&I sought and received permission to permanently tie down the swing span from the Corps of Engineers. In 1952, the creosoted wood block roadways of the second bridge were eliminated and replaced by a steel gridwork roadway. On February 1, 1979, an overweight dump truck caused a small segment of the steel grate roadway on the bridge to sag about 1 foot (0.30 m). A quick survey promised to reopen the roadway, but automotive traffic was banned thereafter by the railroad. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2500 sec, ISO 130. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #kentuckytrains #mavic3classic #drones #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone #KandIbridge #LouisvilleKy #NSsoutherneast #norfolksouthern

Union Pacific 6808 and 2659 lead Norfolk Southern 224 over the K&I bridge out of Louisville, Kentucky

Union Pacific 6808 and 2659 lead Norfolk Southern 224 over the K&I bridge out of Louisville, Kentucky as they head west over the Ohio River into New Albany, Indiana on the NS Southern East District on April 15th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Kentucky & Indiana Bridge is one of the first multi modal bridges to cross the Ohio River. It is for both railway and common roadway purposes together. By federal, state, and local law railway and streetcar, wagon-way, and pedestrian modes of travel were intended by the City of New Albany, City of Louisville, State of Kentucky, State of Indiana, the United States Congress, and the bridge owners.

The K & I Bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky to New Albany, Indiana. Constructed from 1881 to 1885 by the Kentucky and Indiana Bridge Company, the original K&I Bridge opened in 1886. It included a single standard gauge track and two wagon ways, allowing wagons and other animal powered vehicles to cross the Ohio River by a method other than ferry for the first time. At the time motorized vehicles were virtually nonexistent.

The K&I Bridge company also owned a ferry boat operation during both the 1st and 2nd bridge; eventually that operation was sold as the bridge’s success largely outmoded boat usage.

In 1910 the bridge company was renamed the Kentucky & Indiana Terminal Railroad Co. From 1910 to 1912, a new, heavier bridge was built on new piers just upstream from the original one, after which the old bridge was demolished. The new bridge was double tracked to handle increasingly heavier train and now automobile traffic, eventually receiving the U.S. 31W designation.

The bridge also featured a rotating swing span opening for the passage of ships in high water. The bridge was only opened four times, twice for testing in 1913 and 1915, then in 1916 for the passage of the steamer “Tarascon” and in 1920 for passage of the Australian convict ship “Success”. In 1948 it refused opening of the span for passage of the steamer “Gordon C. Greene” citing inconvenience and costs of cutting power and communication lines, an action for which K&I and LG&E both paid damages to that ship’s company. In 1955 the K&I sought and received permission to permanently tie down the swing span from the Corps of Engineers. In 1952, the creosoted wood block roadways of the second bridge were eliminated and replaced by a steel gridwork roadway.

On February 1, 1979, an overweight dump truck caused a small segment of the steel grate roadway on the bridge to sag about 1 foot (0.30 m). A quick survey promised to reopen the roadway, but automotive traffic was banned thereafter by the railroad.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2500 sec, ISO 130.

Northbound CSX M648 passes under the Paducah and Louisville Railway at Monarch at Madisonville, Kentucky with the CSXT 911, Honoring First Responders locomotive leading, on the Henderson Subdivision on March 9th, 2023. CSXT 911 is painted in vibrant red with white and gold striped accents along with the logo of program partners First Responders Children’s Foundation and Operation Gratitude. It also features generic police, fire and emergency medical services logos. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 170. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #kentuckytrains #csx #csxrailway #csxhendersonsubdivision #barnsely #mavic3classic #drones #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone

Northbound CSX M648 passes under the Paducah and Louisville Railway at Monarch at Madisonville, Kentucky

Northbound CSX M648 passes under the Paducah and Louisville Railway at Monarch at Madisonville, Kentucky with the CSXT 911, Honoring First Responders locomotive leading, on the Henderson Subdivision on March 9th, 2023.

CSXT 911 is painted in vibrant red with white and gold striped accents along with the logo of program partners First Responders Children’s Foundation and Operation Gratitude. It also features generic police, fire and emergency medical services logos.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 170.

CSXT 3194 Honoring Law Enforcement Locomotive, leads loaded coal train, C321 through the rain, as it sits on track one at Nortonville, Kentucky, as the Casky Yard Turn passes on track two, heading north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on March 3rd, 2023. CSX C321 would go on to eventually tie down at this location due to heavy rains and winds that passed through the region causing havoc on the Henderson Subdivision between Hopkinsville, Ky and Nashville, TN with MOW crews having to clear over 130 trees from the right-of-way before thru trains would start moving again the next day. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 230mm, f/5.6, 1/250, ISO 360. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #csxhendersonsubdivision #trainsintherain

SXT 3194 Honoring Law Enforcement Locomotive, leads loaded coal train at Nortonville, Ky

CSXT 3194 Honoring Law Enforcement Locomotive, leads loaded coal train, C321 through the rain, as it sits on track one at Nortonville, Kentucky, as the Casky Yard Turn passes on track two, heading north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on March 3rd, 2023.

CSX C321 would go on to eventually tie down at this location due to heavy rains and winds that passed through the region causing havoc on the Henderson Subdivision between Hopkinsville, Ky and Nashville, TN with MOW crews having to clear over 130 trees from the right-of-way before thru trains would start moving again the next day.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 230mm, f/5.6, 1/250, ISO 360.

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of newly painted and refurbished RJ Corman units 2645 and 2648, along with GMTX 9059, as they sit at Nugent Sand Yard in Louisville, Ky on Saturday afternoon, April 15th, 2023. These first two units were recently acquired by the company from Norfolk Southern and are SD70M locomotives, which are beginning to see road service after coming out of the shops. Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @10mm, f/9, 1/250, ISO 400. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #infraredtrainphotography #infraredphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #RJCrailroad #RJCorman #LouisvilleKy

Saturday Infrared photo is of newly painted and refurbished RJ Corman units 2645 and 2648 at Louisville, Ky

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of newly painted and refurbished RJ Corman units 2645 and 2648, along with GMTX 9059, as they sit at Nugent Sand Yard in Louisville, Ky on Saturday afternoon, April 15th, 2023. These first two units were recently acquired by the company from Norfolk Southern and are SD70M locomotives, which are beginning to see road service after coming out of the shops.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @10mm, f/9, 1/250, ISO 400.

The Valley Railroad Company #97 head through the countryside after departing Essex, Connecticut with a passenger train on October 9th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography. According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 195mm, f/5.3, 1/2000, ISO 2500. #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #trendingphoto #thevalleyroadcompany

The Valley Railroad Company #97 head through the countryside after departing Essex, Connecticut

The Valley Railroad Company #97 head through the countryside after departing Essex, Connecticut with a passenger train on October 9th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.

According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 195mm, f/5.3, 1/2000, ISO 2500.

CSX M513 approaches the New Salem Circle overpass at Nortonville, Kentucky, on January 17th, 2025, as they head south on the Henderson Subdivision. M513 has PCS Group Switcher 1144 as the third unit and an ex-Union Pacific 4669 with reporting marks of SPTX stenciled on the side of the cab, with both units dead in tow. According to their website, “PSC Group provides turnkey solutions for safe and efficient rail switching in some of the most challenging and complex sites throughout North America. We manage more than 75 rail switching sites using our own fleet of advanced locomotives and mobile railcar movers, proven safety methods, and highly skilled personnel. By working closely with our customers, we tailor our services to their unique needs, utilizing over 80 locomotives, 30 mobile railcar movers (Trackmobiles and Shuttle Wagons), and more than 1,000 skilled employees to enhance safety, decrease cycle time, prevent derailments, and optimize railcar utilization. Over the years, we have found that performing railcar switching alongside loading/unloading, railcar repair, and inspections, creates a safer and more efficient operating environment while simultaneously delivering considerable savings. By bundling these synergistic services together, we can provide the most value to our customers' operations.” However, I can’t find much information on the SPTX Reporting mark so if anyone can provide me with some, I’d appreciate it! Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 230. #bestphoto #trains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone

CSX M513 approaches the New Salem Circle overpass at Nortonville, Kentucky with PSC Group 1144

CSX M513 approaches the New Salem Circle overpass at Nortonville, Kentucky, on January 17th, 2025, as they head south on the Henderson Subdivision.

M513 has PCS Group Switcher 1144 as the third unit and an ex-Union Pacific 4669 with reporting marks of SPTX stenciled on the side of the cab, with both units dead in tow.

According to their website, “PSC Group provides turnkey solutions for safe and efficient rail switching in some of the most challenging and complex sites throughout North America. We manage more than 75 rail switching sites using our own fleet of advanced locomotives and mobile railcar movers, proven safety methods, and highly skilled personnel. By working closely with our customers, we tailor our services to their unique needs, utilizing over 80 locomotives, 30 mobile railcar movers (Trackmobiles and Shuttle Wagons), and more than 1,000 skilled employees to enhance safety, decrease cycle time, prevent derailments, and optimize railcar utilization.

Over the years, we have found that performing railcar switching alongside loading/unloading, railcar repair, and inspections, creates a safer and more efficient operating environment while simultaneously delivering considerable savings. By bundling these synergistic services together, we can provide the most value to our customers’ operations.”

However, I can’t find much information on the SPTX Reporting mark so if anyone can provide me with some, I’d appreciate it!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 230.

The crew on The Valley Railroad Company #97 prepares their train outside the engine house at Essex, Connecticut on October 9th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography. According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 31mm, 2.8, 1/2000, ISO 80. #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #trendingphoto #thevalleyroadcompany

The crew on The Valley Railroad Company #97 prepares their train outside the engine house at Essex, Connecticut

The crew on The Valley Railroad Company #97 prepares their train outside the engine house at Essex, Connecticut on October 9th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.

According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 31mm, 2.8, 1/2000, ISO 80.

November 13, 2019 - Union Pacific's Race Across the Southwest was on the move again as UP 4014 Big Boy departs Prescott, Arkansas on its way north on the UP Little Rock Subdivision on a beautiful and cold fall morning. As you can tell the cold weather went a long way in producing beautiful plumes of steam!! Did you know: The Big Boy and its tender is only 100 feet shorter than a Boeing 747! It takes a sedan, a school bus, and a diesel engine to match the length of the Big Boy and its tender. With a height of 16 feet 4 inches, and a length of 132 feet, it falls short of the 232 foot Boeing 747 only by 100 feet! Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @48mm, f/8, 1/1000, ISO 125. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #unionpacificbigboy #up4014 #steamtrain

November 13, 2019 – Union Pacific’s UP 4014 Big Boy departs Prescott, Arkansas

November 13, 2019 – Union Pacific’s Race Across the Southwest was on the move again as UP 4014 Big Boy departs Prescott, Arkansas on its way north on the UP Little Rock Subdivision on a beautiful and cold fall morning. As you can tell the cold weather went a long way in producing beautiful plumes of steam!!

Did you know: The Big Boy and its tender is only 100 feet shorter than a Boeing 747! It takes a sedan, a school bus, and a diesel engine to match the length of the Big Boy and its tender. With a height of 16 feet 4 inches, and a length of 132 feet, it falls short of the 232 foot Boeing 747 only by 100 feet!

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @48mm, f/8, 1/1000, ISO 125.

November 13, 2019 - Union Pacific 4014 passes a northbound BNSF tank Train as it heads back through the Locust Street Yard after turning its train on the Van Buren Wye at Little Rock, Arkansas. They turned the train for its display Thursday in Little Rock and Friday morning it will continue its move as it heads for its next overnight stop in Van Buren, Arkansas. Union Pacific has billed this move as The Great Race Across the Southwest as the train is making a circle around the southwest over a six week or so period hitting Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Tech Info: Fuji XT1, Nikon 18mm, 1/450sec, f/7.1, ISO 200. #fuji #UP4014 #UPSteam #bigboy #unionpacific

November 13, 2019 – Union Pacific 4014 passes a northbound BNSF tank Train at Little Rock, AR

November 13, 2019 – Union Pacific 4014 passes a northbound BNSF tank Train as it heads back through the Locust Street Yard after turning its train on the Van Buren Wye at Little Rock, Arkansas. They turned the train for its display Thursday in Little Rock and Friday morning it will continue its move as it heads for its next overnight stop in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Union Pacific has billed this move as The Great Race Across the Southwest as the train is making a circle around the southwest over a six week or so period hitting Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

Tech Info: Fuji XT1, Nikon 18mm, 1/450sec, f/7.1, ISO 200.

November 13, 2019 - Union Pacific's 4014 Big Boy pulls it's train north out of Union Station at Little Rock, Arkansas on a cold fall afternoon. Union Pacific has billed this move as The Great Race Across the Southwest as the train is making a circle around the southwest over a six week or so period hitting Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. According to Wikipedia: Union Pacific 4014 is a four-cylinder simple articulated 4-8-8-4 Big Boy-type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. Built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York, No. 4014 is the only operating Big Boy of the eight that remain in existence. The locomotive operated in revenue service until 1959. It was donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society in late 1961 and thereafter displayed in Fairplex in Pomona, California. In 2013, Union Pacific re-acquired the locomotive and launched a restoration project at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming.[citation needed] In 2019, No. 4014 was operated for the first time after it sat dormant for almost six decades. Part of Union Pacific's heritage fleet, it now operates in excursion service, in addition to hauling revenue freight during ferry moves. Tech Info: Fuji XT1, Nikon 18mm, 1/350sec, f/7.1, ISO 200. #fuji #UP4014 #UPSteam #unionpacificbigboy #bigboy #unionpacificrailroad

November 13, 2019 – Union Pacific’s 4014 Big Boy pulls it’s train north out of Union Station at Little Rock, Arkansas

November 13, 2019 – Union Pacific’s 4014 Big Boy pulls it’s train north out of Union Station at Little Rock, Arkansas on a cold fall afternoon.

Union Pacific has billed this move as The Great Race Across the Southwest as the train is making a circle around the southwest over a six week or so period hitting Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

According to Wikipedia: Union Pacific 4014 is a four-cylinder simple articulated 4-8-8-4 Big Boy-type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. Built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York, No. 4014 is the only operating Big Boy of the eight that remain in existence.

The locomotive operated in revenue service until 1959. It was donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society in late 1961 and thereafter displayed in Fairplex in Pomona, California. In 2013, Union Pacific re-acquired the locomotive and launched a restoration project at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming.[citation needed] In 2019, No. 4014 was operated for the first time after it sat dormant for almost six decades. Part of Union Pacific’s heritage fleet, it now operates in excursion service, in addition to hauling revenue freight during ferry moves.

Tech Info: Fuji XT1, Nikon 18mm, 1/350sec, f/7.1, ISO 200.