CSX Heritage & Speciality Locomotives – Jim Pearson Photography

CSX I026 with CSX Seaboard Air Line Railroad Heritage Unit, 1900 leading at Crofton, Ky

CSX I026 with CSX Seaboard Air Line Railroad Heritage Unit, 1900 leading, heads northbound in a light rain, at Crofton, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on November 13th, 2024, under stormy skies.

According to a CSX Press Release: August 29, 2024 – CSX has unveiled its 18th heritage locomotive, a tribute to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, marking another milestone in celebrating the rich history of American railroads. This latest addition to CSX’s heritage series honors the legacy and the significant role that the Seaboard Air Line Railroad played in shaping the rail transport landscape in the United States.

The Seaboard Air Line Railroad, originally established in the late 19th century, was renowned for its efficient service and innovative routes, connecting the southeastern United States to the broader nation. Over the decades, it became famous for its passenger and freight services, symbolized by its slogan “Through the Heart of the South.”

In 1967, Seaboard Air Line merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. This merger was part of a larger trend in the railroad industry aimed at increasing efficiency and competitiveness. Eventually, Seaboard Coast Line became part of CSX Corporation in the 1980s through a series of mergers and consolidations that included the Chessie System and other lines. This ultimately positioned CSX as one of the leading rail networks in the U.S.

The creation of the Seaboard Air Line heritage unit was no small feat, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of ONE CSX team. Jeromy Hutchison, a CSX carman painter, commented on the complexity of the project, stating, “This was one of our harder projects. All of the stripes on the unit are hand laid, making it very complicated.” The intricate detailing is a testament to the commitment delivering a great work product and honoring the legacy of the railroad.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 24mm f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 2200.

CSX I025 sits at the beginning of the viaduct that passes over the flood plain…

CSX I025 sits at the beginning of the viaduct that passes over the flood plain leading up to the bridge at Henderson, Ky that crosses over the Ohio River with the CSXT Pride in Service Honoring Our Law Enforcement unit leading on October 26th, 2024.

The train was held up for about 2 hours as members of the Henderson Fire Department finished putting out a tie fire on the bridge that spans the river on the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Henderson, Kentucky; fortunately, except for the ties, the bridge is made out of steel.

CSXT 3194 is painted primarily in black, blue and white, with the slogans “To Protect and Serve” and “Honoring Our Law Enforcement.” It also prominently features the CSX Transportation Railroad Police logo, as well as police, fire and emergency responder logos.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 100.

CSX I026 with CSX Seaboard Air Line Railroad Heritage Unit, 1900 leading, heads north at Kelly, Kentucky

CSX I026 with CSX Seaboard Air Line Railroad Heritage Unit, 1900 leading, heads north at Kelly, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on November 13th, 2024.

According to a CSX Press Release: August 29, 2024 – CSX has unveiled its 18th heritage locomotive, a tribute to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, marking another milestone in celebrating the rich history of American railroads. This latest addition to CSX’s heritage series honors the legacy and the significant role that the Seaboard Air Line Railroad played in shaping the rail transport landscape in the United States.

The Seaboard Air Line Railroad, originally established in the late 19th century, was renowned for its efficient service and innovative routes, connecting the southeastern United States to the broader nation. Over the decades, it became famous for its passenger and freight services, symbolized by its slogan “Through the Heart of the South.”

In 1967, Seaboard Air Line merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. This merger was part of a larger trend in the railroad industry aimed at increasing efficiency and competitiveness. Eventually, Seaboard Coast Line became part of CSX Corporation in the 1980s through a series of mergers and consolidations that included the Chessie System and other lines. This ultimately positioned CSX as one of the leading rail networks in the U.S.

The creation of the Seaboard Air Line heritage unit was no small feat, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of ONE CSX team. Jeromy Hutchison, a CSX carman painter, commented on the complexity of the project, stating, “This was one of our harder projects. All of the stripes on the unit are hand laid, making it very complicated.” The intricate detailing is a testament to the commitment delivering a great work product and honoring the legacy of the railroad.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 800.

CSX I026 with CSX Seaboard Air Line Railroad Heritage Unit, 1900 leading…

CSX I026 with CSX Seaboard Air Line Railroad Heritage Unit, 1900 leading, heads north at Crofton, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on November 13th, 2024, under stormy skies.

According to a CSX Press Release: August 29, 2024 – CSX has unveiled its 18th heritage locomotive, a tribute to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, marking another milestone in celebrating the rich history of American railroads. This latest addition to CSX’s heritage series honors the legacy and the significant role that the Seaboard Air Line Railroad played in shaping the rail transport landscape in the United States.

The Seaboard Air Line Railroad, originally established in the late 19th century, was renowned for its efficient service and innovative routes, connecting the southeastern United States to the broader nation. Over the decades, it became famous for its passenger and freight services, symbolized by its slogan “Through the Heart of the South.”

In 1967, Seaboard Air Line merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. This merger was part of a larger trend in the railroad industry aimed at increasing efficiency and competitiveness. Eventually, Seaboard Coast Line became part of CSX Corporation in the 1980s through a series of mergers and consolidations that included the Chessie System and other lines. This ultimately positioned CSX as one of the leading rail networks in the U.S.

The creation of the Seaboard Air Line heritage unit was no small feat, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of ONE CSX team. Jeromy Hutchison, a CSX carman painter, commented on the complexity of the project, stating, “This was one of our harder projects. All of the stripes on the unit are hand laid, making it very complicated.” The intricate detailing is a testament to the commitment delivering a great work product and honoring the legacy of the railroad.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 24mm f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 2200.

CSX M498, with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading at Mortons Gap, Kentucky

CSX M498, with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading, passes under the highway 41 overpass at Mortons Gap, Kentucky as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on October 19th, 2024.

According to the CSX Website: January 3, 2024 – A CSX locomotive commemorating the New York Central Railroad has become the eighth unit in CSX’s heritage locomotive fleet.

Designated CSX 1853 in recognition of the year the NYC was founded, the newest heritage unit was repainted in a special design combining the current CSX colors with the traditional gray and white of the NYC system. The NYC heritage unit has been placed into regular revenue service, proudly carrying the NYC colors across the CSX network.

All of the heritage unit paint schemes have been created at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop, where employees performed the challenging work of applying the unique designs. Click below to watch a video of CSX 1853 rolling out of the Waycross shop and hear employees describe the 22-day effort to repaint the unit.

At its height, the New York Central system encompassed more than 11,000 track miles and provided vital transportation service between New England and the Midwest. It merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad to become the Penn Central in 1968 and later became part of Conrail.

A majority of former NYC lines were acquired by CSX in 1998, and today CSX employees continue to operate trains across the primary NYC routes that have been carrying freight and supporting the U.S. economy for more than a century.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 190.

CSX M498, with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading, heads north at Henderson, Kentucky

CSX M498, with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading, heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, at Henderson, Kentucky, on October 19th, 2024.

According to the CSX Website: January 3, 2024 – A CSX locomotive commemorating the New York Central Railroad has become the eighth unit in CSX’s heritage locomotive fleet.

Designated CSX 1853 in recognition of the year the NYC was founded, the newest heritage unit was repainted in a special design combining the current CSX colors with the traditional gray and white of the NYC system. The NYC heritage unit has been placed into regular revenue service, proudly carrying the NYC colors across the CSX network.

All of the heritage unit paint schemes have been created at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop, where employees performed the challenging work of applying the unique designs. Click below to watch a video of CSX 1853 rolling out of the Waycross shop and hear employees describe the 22-day effort to repaint the unit.

At its height, the New York Central system encompassed more than 11,000 track miles and provided vital transportation service between New England and the Midwest. It merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad to become the Penn Central in 1968 and later became part of Conrail.

A majority of former NYC lines were acquired by CSX in 1998, and today CSX employees continue to operate trains across the primary NYC routes that have been carrying freight and supporting the U.S. economy for more than a century.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110.

CSX 498 with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading meets CSX M513 at the south end of the siding at Slaughters, Kentucky as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on October 19th, 2024.

According to the CSX Website: January 3, 2024 - A CSX locomotive commemorating the New York Central Railroad has become the eighth unit in CSX’s heritage locomotive fleet.

Designated CSX 1853 in recognition of the year the NYC was founded, the newest heritage unit was repainted in a special design combining the current CSX colors with the traditional gray and white of the NYC system. The NYC heritage unit has been placed into regular revenue service, proudly carrying the NYC colors across the CSX network.

All of the heritage unit paint schemes have been created at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop, where employees performed the challenging work of applying the unique designs. Click below to watch a video of CSX 1853 rolling out of the Waycross shop and hear employees describe the 22-day effort to repaint the unit.

At its height, the New York Central system encompassed more than 11,000 track miles and provided vital transportation service between New England and the Midwest. It merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad to become the Penn Central in 1968 and later became part of Conrail.

A majority of former NYC lines were acquired by CSX in 1998, and today CSX employees continue to operate trains across the primary NYC routes that have been carrying freight and supporting the U.S. economy for more than a century.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 110.

#picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography

CSX 498 with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading meets CSX M513 at Slaughters, Kentucky

CSX M498, with the New York Central heritage 1877 unit leading, meets CSX M513 at the south end of the siding at Slaughters, Kentucky as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on October 19th, 2024.

According to the CSX Website: January 3, 2024 – A CSX locomotive commemorating the New York Central Railroad has become the eighth unit in CSX’s heritage locomotive fleet.

Designated CSX 1853 in recognition of the year the NYC was founded, the newest heritage unit was repainted in a special design combining the current CSX colors with the traditional gray and white of the NYC system. The NYC heritage unit has been placed into regular revenue service, proudly carrying the NYC colors across the CSX network.

All of the heritage unit paint schemes have been created at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop, where employees performed the challenging work of applying the unique designs. Click below to watch a video of CSX 1853 rolling out of the Waycross shop and hear employees describe the 22-day effort to repaint the unit.

At its height, the New York Central system encompassed more than 11,000 track miles and provided vital transportation service between New England and the Midwest. It merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad to become the Penn Central in 1968 and later became part of Conrail.

A majority of former NYC lines were acquired by CSX in 1998, and today CSX employees continue to operate trains across the primary NYC routes that have been carrying freight and supporting the U.S. economy for more than a century.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 110.

CSX M648 with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (CE&I) heritage at Evansville, Indiana

CSX M648 with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (CE&I) heritage unit leading heads north from Evansville, Indiana on the CSX Evansville Terminal Subdivision on October 26th, 2024.

Here it’s passing under the pedestrian overpass for Mead Johnson at Evansville and on the subdivision that the CE&I originally ran on, between Evansville, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois.

According to the CSX Website: July 26, 2024 – CSX has unveiled its 17th heritage locomotive, paying tribute to the historic Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. This locomotive is part of CSX’s ongoing series celebrating the rich legacy of America’s railroads.

The C&EI was established in 1877, initially serving as a regional line connecting Chicago with southern Illinois, St. Louis, Mo. and Evansville, Ind. Over time, it expanded its reach, becoming an important link between the Midwest and the southern United States. The C&EI played a vital role in transporting coal, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, significantly contributing to the region’s economic development.

In 1967, the C&EI was absorbed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In the 1980s, as CSX expanded its network, it acquired various lines and assets from other railroads, including parts of former C&EI lines that had been integrated into the Missouri Pacific. This indirect acquisition process allowed CSX to incorporate the historic routes and legacy of the C&EI into its expansive system.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 110.

CSX I025 sits at the beginning of the viaduct that passes over the flood plain leading up to the bridge at Henderson, Ky

CSX I025 sits at the beginning of the viaduct that passes over the flood plain leading up to the bridge at Henderson, Ky that crosses over the Ohio River with the CSXT Pride in Service Honoring Our Law Enforcement unit leading on October 26th, 2024.

The train was held up for about 2 hours as members of the Henderson Fire Department finished putting out a tie fire on the bridge that spans the river on the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Henderson, Kentucky; fortunately, except for the ties, the bridge is made out of steel.

CSXT 3194 is painted primarily in black, blue and white, with the slogans “To Protect and Serve” and “Honoring Our Law Enforcement.” It also prominently features the CSX Transportation Railroad Police logo, as well as police, fire and emergency responder logos.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/5, 1/2500, ISO 100.

CSX M648 with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (CE&I) heritage unit leading…

CSX M648 with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (CE&I) heritage unit leading heads north across the Ohio River from Henderson, Kentucky, after members of the Henderson Fire Department finished putting out an initial tie fire on the bridge that spans the river on the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Henderson, Kentucky on October 26th, 2024, and fortunately except for the ties, the bridge is made out of steel.

The fire did disrupt traffic on the CSX Henderson Subdivision for a couple hours and while CSX M648 did make it across after being delayed about 30 minutes and after the ties were first put out, afterwards the ties reignited and delayed hot intermodal I025 on the Evansville, IN, side of the river for almost two hours, till the ties were completely extinguished.

According to the CSX Website: July 26, 2024 – CSX has unveiled its 17th heritage locomotive, paying tribute to the historic Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. This locomotive is part of CSX’s ongoing series celebrating the rich legacy of America’s railroads.

The C&EI was established in 1877, initially serving as a regional line connecting Chicago with southern Illinois, St. Louis, Mo. and Evansville, Ind. Over time, it expanded its reach, becoming an important link between the Midwest and the southern United States. The C&EI played a vital role in transporting coal, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, significantly contributing to the region’s economic development.

In 1967, the C&EI was absorbed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In the 1980s, as CSX expanded its network, it acquired various lines and assets from other railroads, including parts of former C&EI lines that had been integrated into the Missouri Pacific. This indirect acquisition process allowed CSX to incorporate the historic routes and legacy of the C&EI into its expansive system.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/5, 1/1250,

June 26th, 2006 – Blast from The Past – CSXT 9993 leads the CSX Business Train…

June 26th, 2006 – Blast from The Past – CSXT 9993 leads the CSX Business Train northbound across the Gum Lick Trestle, between Kelly and Crofton, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on June 26th, 2006.

The “Gum Lick” name comes from the fact that the valley here is named Gum Lick Hollow and it sits between Crofton and Kelly Kentucky where it crosses over the West Fork of Pond River.

Tech Info: Nikon D2H, Sigma 24-70 @24mm, f/4, 1/640, ISO 500.

Atlantic Coast Line Heritage Unit CSXT 1871 runs as a mid-train DPU at Hopkinsville, Ky

Atlantic Coast Line Heritage Unit CSXT 1871 runs as a mid-train DPU unit as it heads south at Hopkinsville, Kentucky on July 12th, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. This was my first catch on this heritage unit and while I would prefer it to be leading, I didn’t want to pass up a chance of catching this unit for my first time!

According to a CSX Press Release: November 29, 2023 – The CSX fleet of heritage locomotives is continuing to grow with the introduction of a unit painted in a custom design honoring the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.

Designated CSX 1871, the seventh locomotive in the heritage series was unveiled at the CSX Locomotive Shop in Waycross, Georgia, which has designed and applied the paint schemes for all the heritage units. The latest in the series features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning to historic paint scheme and logo of the Atlantic Coast Line at the rear.

The Atlantic Coast Line name first appeared in 1871, and the American Coast Line Railroad (ACL) was officially incorporated in 1900. The ACL extended from Georgia to Richmond, Virginia, and later expanded into Florida. In 1960, the company opened a new headquarters building in Jacksonville, which continues as CSX headquarters to this day. The ACL merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in 1967 to form the Seaboard Coast Line, which later became part of CSX.

“We do a lot of research on the colors and the schemes just to make sure that we get it right,” said Jeromy Hutchison, CSX carman painter. “We want to make sure we do our heritage justice.”

CSX 1871 will carry the ACL colors in service across the 20,000-mile CSX network, reinforcing employee pride in the history of the railroad that continues to move the nation’s economy with safe, reliable and sustainable rail-based transportation services.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 110.

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 leading, heads south as it meets M500…

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 leading, heads south as it meets M500 in the siding at the north end of Trenton, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on September 13th, 2024, under stormy skies.

According to a CSX Press Release: June 6, 2024 – CSX has released a new heritage locomotive, the P&LE 1875, paying tribute to the storied Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad (P&LE). The 15th in CSX’s heritage locomotive series, this new addition to the company’s fleet not only celebrates the rich history of P&LE but also marks a significant milestone in CSX’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacies of America’s historic railroads.

The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad was established in 1875 with a primary mission of transporting essential industrial materials such as coal, coke, iron ore, limestone, and steel among the bustling industrial hubs of the region.

“It’s mainline connected Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Youngstown, Ohio and Connellsville, Pennsylvania. It did not actually reach Lake Erie until 1976,” explained Tim Music, a carman painter at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop where the unit was produced.

Despite its relatively modest route mileage, the P&LE Railroad earned the nickname “Little Giant” due to the enormous volume of heavy tonnage it moved. This impressive capability drew significant attention and by 1887, the P&LE became a subsidiary of the dominant New York Central Railroad. Under this new ownership, the P&LE enjoyed substantial improvements to its tracks and added capacity for passenger services, further enhancing its regional significance.

Over time, P&LE expanded by leasing branches from smaller railroads. These extensions included lines southeast along the Monongahela River through Homestead and McKeesport, and along the Youghiogheny River to Connellsville, where it connected with the Western Maryland Railway.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 230.

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 leading at Sand cut, north of Crofton, Ky

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 leading heads south as it passes through the Sand cut, north of Crofton, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on September 13th, 2024.

According to a CSX Press Release: June 6, 2024 – CSX has released a new heritage locomotive, the P&LE 1875, paying tribute to the storied Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad (P&LE). The 15th in CSX’s heritage locomotive series, this new addition to the company’s fleet not only celebrates the rich history of P&LE but also marks a significant milestone in CSX’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacies of America’s historic railroads.

The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad was established in 1875 with a primary mission of transporting essential industrial materials such as coal, coke, iron ore, limestone, and steel among the bustling industrial hubs of the region.

“It’s mainline connected Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Youngstown, Ohio and Connellsville, Pennsylvania. It did not actually reach Lake Erie until 1976,” explained Tim Music, a carman painter at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop where the unit was produced.

Despite its relatively modest route mileage, the P&LE Railroad earned the nickname “Little Giant” due to the enormous volume of heavy tonnage it moved. This impressive capability drew significant attention and by 1887, the P&LE became a subsidiary of the dominant New York Central Railroad. Under this new ownership, the P&LE enjoyed substantial improvements to its tracks and added capacity for passenger services, further enhancing its regional significance.

Over time, P&LE expanded by leasing branches from smaller railroads. These extensions included lines southeast along the Monongahela River through Homestead and McKeesport, and along the Youghiogheny River to Connellsville, where it connected with the Western Maryland Railway.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit at Nortonville, Kentucky

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 leading heads south at Nortonville, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on September 13th, 2024.

According to a CSX Press Release: June 6, 2024 – According to a CSX Press Release: May 23, 2024 – CSX Transportation has launched its newest heritage locomotive, paying tribute to the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (SCL). This latest addition is part of CSX’s ongoing initiative to honor its historical roots while paving the way for the future of railroading in America.

The Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (SCL) was a prominent rail line that operated in the southeastern United States from 1967 until 1983. SCL emerged from the merger of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. In 1986, SCL became part of CSX through a series of mergers and acquisitions that formed one of the largest Class I railroads in North America.

“When SCL was an active railroad, it was the eighth largest railroad with almost 10,000 miles across the southern United States,” explained CSX Carman Painter Jason Merritt, one of the team members who worked on the project. “In fact, the ‘S’ in CSX actually stands for Seaboard.”

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 230.

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 passes through the north end of Kelly, Ky

CSX I025 with CSX Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Heritage Unit (SCL), 1967 leading heads south as it passes through the north end of Kelly, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on September 13th, 2024.

According to a CSX Press Release: June 6, 2024 – CSX has released a new heritage locomotive, the P&LE 1875, paying tribute to the storied Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad (P&LE). The 15th in CSX’s heritage locomotive series, this new addition to the company’s fleet not only celebrates the rich history of P&LE but also marks a significant milestone in CSX’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacies of America’s historic railroads.

The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad was established in 1875 with a primary mission of transporting essential industrial materials such as coal, coke, iron ore, limestone, and steel among the bustling industrial hubs of the region.

“It’s mainline connected Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Youngstown, Ohio and Connellsville, Pennsylvania. It did not actually reach Lake Erie until 1976,” explained Tim Music, a carman painter at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop where the unit was produced.

Despite its relatively modest route mileage, the P&LE Railroad earned the nickname “Little Giant” due to the enormous volume of heavy tonnage it moved. This impressive capability drew significant attention and by 1887, the P&LE became a subsidiary of the dominant New York Central Railroad. Under this new ownership, the P&LE enjoyed substantial improvements to its tracks and added capacity for passenger services, further enhancing its regional significance.

Over time, P&LE expanded by leasing branches from smaller railroads. These extensions included lines southeast along the Monongahela River through Homestead and McKeesport, and along the Youghiogheny River to Connellsville, where it connected with the Western Maryland Railway.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 100.

September 7th, 2024 – Episode 88 – Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography

This week we catch action between Slaughters and Hopkinsville, Ky from the air and ground, with CSX RF&P Heritage unit and CSXT 911 leading M513 on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. Sit back, turn up the sound, expand to full screen and enjoy the trains!! Please like, share, subscribe and thanks for watching!

CSX M513 heads south out of Casky Yard as it continues it’s run south from Hopkinsville, Kentucky

CSX M513 heads south out of Casky Yard as it continues it’s run south from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with CSX Heritage Unit L&N 1972 Family Lines System Leading, on August 16th, 2024, on the Henderson Subdivision.

According to CSXT: Our fleet of heritage locomotives is growing again as we unveil CSX Locomotive 1972, a tribute to the Family Lines System! The #ONECSX team in Waycross, GA recreated this unit to celebrate the special time from 1972-1982 when the Seaboard Coast Line, Clinchfield and L&N railroads were marketed as one. Eventually merging to become the Seaboard System Railroad, and ultimately the CSX we know today, the Family Lines System represents an integral part of our railroad’s rich history.

The CSX heritage series is reinforcing employee pride in the history of the railroad that continues to move the nation’s economy with safe, reliable, and sustainable rail-based transportation services.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 130.

CSX M513 heads south out of Casky Yard as it continues it’s run south from Hopkinsville, Kentucky

CSX M513 heads south out of Casky Yard as it continues it’s run south from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with CSX Heritage Unit L&N 1972 Family Lines System Leading, on August 16th, 2024, on the Henderson Subdivision.

According to CSXT: Our fleet of heritage locomotives is growing again as we unveil CSX Locomotive 1972, a tribute to the Family Lines System! The #ONECSX team in Waycross, GA recreated this unit to celebrate the special time from 1972-1982 when the Seaboard Coast Line, Clinchfield and L&N railroads were marketed as one. Eventually merging to become the Seaboard System Railroad, and ultimately the CSX we know today, the Family Lines System represents an integral part of our railroad’s rich history.

The CSX heritage series is reinforcing employee pride in the history of the railroad that continues to move the nation’s economy with safe, reliable, and sustainable rail-based transportation services.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 170.

CSX Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Heritage Unit (RF&P) 1836 and CSX 911 SB at Mortons Gap, Ky

CSX Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Heritage Unit (RF&P) 1836 and CSX 911 Honoring first Responders were paired up on August 19th as they led CSX M513 south at Mortons Gap, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

According to a CSX Press Release: February 15, 2024 – CSX has once again demonstrated its commitment to honoring the legacy of American railroads by launching its latest heritage locomotive, the RF&P 1836. This addition to the heritage fleet represents a significant milestone for the company, marking the tenth locomotive in this distinguished series.

This new locomotive, numbered 1836, pays tribute to the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac (RF&P) Railroad’s founding year. The RF&P 1836 is a testament to CSX’s dedication to preserving and celebrating railroad history, as well as its commitment to innovation and modernization.

“Heritage goes far beyond the paint, the font and the schemes,” said Adam Oakley, CSX Supply Chain Manager, who assisted with the project. “Heritage is the people who make these railroads.”

The RF&P 1836 made its debut after being released from the CSX Waycross paint shops. With a modern business look up front and a fun heritage look in the back, the CSX heritage scheme has been described as a “mullet” in the world of locomotives.

The launch of the RF&P 1836 follows a series of similar releases by CSX, each paying homage to a different railroad that has made significant contributions to the industry. The company’s heritage program continues to be a way for CSX to honor the past while also looking towards the future.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 110.

CSX M513 heads south out of Casky Yard at Hopkinsville, Ky, with CSX Heritage Unit L&N 1972 leading

CSX M513 heads south out of Casky Yard as it continues it’s run south from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with CSX Heritage Unit L&N 1972 Family Lines System Leading, on August 16th, 2024, on the Henderson Subdivision.

According to CSXT: Our fleet of heritage locomotives is growing again as we unveil CSX Locomotive 1972, a tribute to the Family Lines System! The #ONECSX team in Waycross, GA recreated this unit to celebrate the special time from 1972-1982 when the Seaboard Coast Line, Clinchfield and L&N railroads were marketed as one. Eventually merging to become the Seaboard System Railroad, and ultimately the CSX we know today, the Family Lines System represents an integral part of our railroad’s rich history.

The CSX heritage series is reinforcing employee pride in the history of the railroad that continues to move the nation’s economy with safe, reliable, and sustainable rail-based transportation services.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110.