CSX Mixed freight X509, a reroute, heads north over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky on April 8th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision as it crosses the flood plain heading into Evansville, Indiana. This area of Kentucky and southern Indiana got record breaking rainfall throughout the region over a three-day period which resulted in major flooding on both sides of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see the farmlands which have been totally covered by the flooding and the ballast deck out of Evansville was close to being covered, but fortunately it didn’t happen. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #flooding

CSX Mixed freight X509, a reroute, heads north over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky

CSX Mixed freight X509, a reroute, heads north over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky on April 8th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision as it crosses the flood plain heading into Evansville, Indiana.

This area of Kentucky and southern Indiana got record breaking rainfall throughout the region over a three-day period which resulted in major flooding on both sides of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see the farmlands which have been totally covered by the flooding and the ballast deck out of Evansville was close to being covered, but fortunately it didn’t happen.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.

CSX Mixed freight X509, a reroute, heads north over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky on April 8th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision as it crosses the flood plain heading into Evansville, Indiana. This area of Kentucky and southern Indiana got record breaking rainfall throughout the region over a three-day period which resulted in major flooding on both sides of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see the farmlands which have been totally covered by the flooding and the ballast deck out of Evansville was close to being covered, but fortunately it didn’t happen. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #flooding

CSX Mixed freight X509, a reroute, heads north over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky

CSX Mixed freight X509, a reroute, heads north over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky on April 8th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision as it crosses the flood plain heading into Evansville, Indiana.

This area of Kentucky and southern Indiana got record breaking rainfall throughout the region over a three-day period which resulted in major flooding on both sides of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see the farmlands which have been totally covered by the flooding and the ballast deck out of Evansville was close to being covered, but fortunately it didn’t happen.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.

CSX loaded coal train C015 heads south over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky on April 8th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. This area of Kentucky and southern Indiana got record breaking rainfall throughout the region over a three-day period which resulted in major flooding on both sides of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see the farmlands which have been totally covered by the flooding and the ballast deck out of Evansville was close to being covered, but fortunately it didn’t happen. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 110. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #flooding

CSX loaded coal train C015 heads south over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky

CSX loaded coal train C015 heads south over the flooded Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky on April 8th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

This area of Kentucky and southern Indiana got record breaking rainfall throughout the region over a three-day period which resulted in major flooding on both sides of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see the farmlands which have been totally covered by the flooding and the ballast deck out of Evansville was close to being covered, but fortunately it didn’t happen.

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

This is one of the last images from my DJI Air 2 drone before it ended up in the top of a 30’ oak tree the next day at Dexter, MO after a Fly Away. In this shot Engineer Ed Dickens waves from the cab as Union Pacific’s 4014, the Big Boy, passes under the signal bridge in downtown McRae, Arkansas on Friday, on August 27th, 2021, as they head north on the UP Hoxie subdivision on its way to Popular Bluff, MO. The Big Boy is an articulated 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive which was manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York in 1941. There were a total 25 of these giants built and of the eight remaining locomotives this is the only operational one. According to Wikipedia: “The locomotive operated in revenue service until 1959, when it was donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society in late 1961 and thereafter displayed in Fairplex at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California. In 2013, UP re-acquired the locomotive and launched a restoration project at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In May 2019, No. 4014 was operated for the first time after sitting dormant for almost six decades. It ran its first excursion, double-headed with Union Pacific 844, three days later on May 4, 2019. Now part of the Union Pacific's heritage fleet, it now operates in excursion service, in addition to hauling revenue freight during ferry moves.” The Big Boy is currently on a month-long tour around the Midwest through, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming before heading home to Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 7th. For the route and schedule visit: https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm to see if it’s stopping near you! Tech Info: Wide Photo: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100, August 27, 2021. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #jimpearsonphotography

Engineer Ed Dickens waves from the cab as Union Pacific’s 4014, the Big Boy at McRae, Arkansas

This is one of the last images from my DJI Air 2 drone before it ended up in the top of a 30′ oak tree the next day at Dexter, MO after a Fly Away in 2021.

In this shot Engineer Ed Dickens waves from the cab as Union Pacific’s 4014, the Big Boy, passes under the signal bridge in downtown McRae, Arkansas on Friday, on August 27th, 2021, as they head north on the UP Hoxie subdivision on its way to Popular Bluff, MO.


The Big Boy is an articulated 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive which was manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York in 1941. There were a total 25 of these giants built and of the eight remaining locomotives this is the only operational one.

According to Wikipedia: “The locomotive operated in revenue service until 1959, when it was donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society in late 1961 and thereafter displayed in Fairplex at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California.

In 2013, UP re-acquired the locomotive and launched a restoration project at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In May 2019, No. 4014 was operated for the first time after sitting dormant for almost six decades.

It ran its first excursion, double-headed with Union Pacific 844, three days later on May 4, 2019. Now part of the Union Pacific’s heritage fleet, it now operates in excursion service, in addition to hauling revenue freight during ferry moves.”

The Big Boy is currently on a month-long tour around the Midwest through, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming before heading home to Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 7th.

Tech Info: Wide Photo: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100, August 27, 2021.

Union Pacific’s 4014, the Big Boy, passes over the Black River as it approaches downtown Corning, Arkansas on Friday, August 27th, 2021, as they head north on the UP Hoxie subdivision on its way to Poplar Bluff, AR. The Big Boy is an articulated 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive which was manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York in 1941. There were a total 25 of these giants built and of the eight remaining locomotives this is the only operational one. According to Wikipedia: “The locomotive operated in revenue service until 1959, when it was donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society in late 1961 and thereafter displayed in Fairplex at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California. In 2013, UP re-acquired the locomotive and launched a restoration project at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In May 2019, No. 4014 was operated for the first time after sitting dormant for almost six decades. It ran its first excursion, double-headed with Union Pacific 844, three days later on May 4, 2019. Now part of the Union Pacific's heritage fleet, it now operates in excursion service, in addition to hauling revenue freight during ferry moves.” The Big Boy is currently on a month-long tour around the Midwest through, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming before heading home to Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 7th. For the route and schedule visit: https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm to see if it’s stopping near you! Tech Info: Wide Photo: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100, August 27, 2021. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #jimpearsonphotography

Union Pacific’s 4014, the Big Boy, passes over the Black River as it approaches downtown Corning, Arkansas

Union Pacific’s 4014, the Big Boy, passes over the Black River as it approaches downtown Corning, Arkansas on Friday, August 27th, 2021, as they head north on the UP Hoxie subdivision on its way to Poplar Bluff, AR.

The Big Boy is an articulated 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive which was manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York in 1941. There were a total 25 of these giants built and of the eight remaining locomotives this is the only operational one.

According to Wikipedia: “The locomotive operated in revenue service until 1959, when it was donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society in late 1961 and thereafter displayed in Fairplex at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California.

In 2013, UP re-acquired the locomotive and launched a restoration project at their Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In May 2019, No. 4014 was operated for the first time after sitting dormant for almost six decades.

It ran its first excursion, double-headed with Union Pacific 844, three days later on May 4, 2019. Now part of the Union Pacific’s heritage fleet, it now operates in excursion service, in addition to hauling revenue freight during ferry moves.”

The Big Boy is currently on a month-long tour around the Midwest through, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming before heading home to Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 7th. For the route and schedule visit: https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm to see if it’s stopping near you!

Tech Info: Wide Photo: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100, August 27, 2021.

CSX I025 passes under the Sub Station Road overpass at the south end of Kelly, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it southbound under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told. Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time! According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 - In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company's predecessor railroads. “The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.” The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad's paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor's scheme on the body. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #csxheritageunit

CSX I025 passes under the Sub Station Road overpass at the south end of Kelly, Ky with the CSX Monon Heritage Unit

CSX I025 passes under the Sub Station Road overpass at the south end of Kelly, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it southbound under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told.

Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time!

According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 – In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company’s predecessor railroads.

“The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.”

The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad’s paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor’s scheme on the body.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

CSX M500 heads north at Mortons Gap, Kentucky as they pass CSX workers working on the communications tower on March 3rd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 180. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx

CSX M500 heads north at Mortons Gap, Kentucky

CSX M500 heads north at Mortons Gap, Kentucky as they pass CSX workers working on the communications tower on March 3rd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 180.

CSX I025 heads south at Crofton, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told. Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time! According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 - In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company's predecessor railroads. “The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.” The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad's paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor's scheme on the body. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #csxheritageunit

CSX I025 heads south at Crofton, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads

CSX I025 heads south at Crofton, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told.

Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time!

According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 – In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company’s predecessor railroads.

“The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.”

The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad’s paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor’s scheme on the body.

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

CSX I025 heads south through Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told. Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time! According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 - In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company's predecessor railroads. “The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.” The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad's paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor's scheme on the body. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 150. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #csxheritageunit

CSX I025 heads south through Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit

CSX I025 heads south through Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told.

Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time!

According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 – In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company’s predecessor railroads.

“The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.”

The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad’s paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor’s scheme on the body.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 150.

CSX I025 heads south at Breton, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told. Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time! According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 - In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company's predecessor railroads. “The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.” The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad's paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor's scheme on the body. “A lot of hard work and planning goes into each project,” said Merritt. “We want to get these right, so we take pride in what we do, from the wash rack to moving them out the door.” The new Monon heritage locomotive is a testament to the enduring legacy of America's railroads. It stands as a symbol of the past while simultaneously pointing towards the future, embodying the spirit of evolution and innovation that drives CSX. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 130. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #csxheritageunit

CSX I025 heads south at Breton, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 at Breton, Ky

CSX I025 heads south at Breton, Kentucky as CSX Monon Heritage Unit 1897 leads it under dark threatening skies on April 2nd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The eleven autoracks behind the engine are loaded with Tesla’s bound for Florida and overseas market from what I’m told.

Capturing this engine means I’ve caught all of CSX’s Heritage units except for the Georgia Heritage Unit, and that one is only a matter of time!

According to a CSX Press Release: January 26, 2024 – In a tribute to its rich railroad history, CSX has unveiled its Monon 1897 heritage locomotive, marking the ninth release its ongoing heritage series honoring the company’s predecessor railroads.

“The Monon Railroad ran from Chicago down to Louisville but most of it was in Indiana,” explained CSX Carman Jason Merritt, who assisted with the heritage project. “Eventually it merged with the Louisville and Nashville Lines and was later absorbed by CSX.”

The new heritage locomotive emerges fresh from the Class I railroad’s paint shop in Waycross, Ga., showcasing a blend of modern and historic aesthetics. The design features the modern CSX design on the head end, transitioning seamlessly into the historic paint scheme and logo of the Monon line. This style reflects the approach taken with previous installations in the CSX heritage series, which often feature the current CSX paint scheme on the nose and the predecessor’s scheme on the body.

“A lot of hard work and planning goes into each project,” said Merritt. “We want to get these right, so we take pride in what we do, from the wash rack to moving them out the door.”

The new Monon heritage locomotive is a testament to the enduring legacy of America’s railroads. It stands as a symbol of the past while simultaneously pointing towards the future, embodying the spirit of evolution and innovation that drives CSX.

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

This is the shot that almost wasn’t! One of the critical things about drone photography is timing and sometimes it doesn’t go as planned! When I pressed the shutter for this photo the Seaboard System unit was places where the nose of the trailing unit is at. There’s always a delay between the time you shoot the picture unit the drone receives the signal to shoot, and that difference always seems to depend on distance and lay of the land. I always have my drone set to do a burst of 7 images and normally the one of the shots are right where I want it. In this shot of the Seaboard System Heritage Unit leading CSX M500 north across Gum Lick Trestle at Kelly, Kentucky, on March 28th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision; this is the first image on the drone. All the other six, after it the engine was cut off! It’s a bit tighter than I like but it works. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 120. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #csxheritageunit

Seaboard System Heritage Unit leading CSX M500 north across Gum Lick Trestle at Kelly, Kentucky

This is the shot that almost wasn’t! One of the critical things about drone photography is timing and sometimes it doesn’t go as planned! When I pressed the shutter for this photo the Seaboard System unit was places where the nose of the trailing unit is at.

There’s always a delay between the time you shoot the picture unit the drone receives the signal to shoot, and that difference always seems to depend on distance and lay of the land.

I always have my drone set to do a burst of 7 images and normally the one of the shots are right where I want it. In this shot of the Seaboard System Heritage Unit leading CSX M500 north across Gum Lick Trestle at Kelly, Kentucky, on March 28th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision; this is the first image on the drone. All the other six, after it the engine was cut off! It’s a bit tighter than I like but it works.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 120.

Union Pacific 9771 leads CSX S982 as the heads south out of Sebree, Kentucky as a set of five new passenger cars for Brightline in Florida on March 26th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, in the golden light of the setting sun. Unfortunately, the last car in the consist has already been hit by a tagger somewhere along it’s run from California. According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run intercity rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida that runs on track owned by Florida East Coast Railway. An extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport was expected to open in 2023. Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. Its development started in March 2012 as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries; a Florida real estate developer owned by Fortress Investment Group. Construction began in November 2014 and the route opened in January 2018. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 140. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #brightline #unionpacific

Union Pacific 9771 leads CSX S982 as the heads south out of Sebree, Kentucky with Brightline Cars

Union Pacific 9771 leads CSX S982 as the heads south out of Sebree, Kentucky as a set of five new passenger cars for Brightline in Florida on March 26th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, in the golden light of the setting sun.

Unfortunately, the last car in the consist has already been hit by a tagger somewhere along it’s run from California.

According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run intercity rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida that runs on track owned by Florida East Coast Railway. An extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport was expected to open in 2023.

Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. Its development started in March 2012 as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries; a Florida real estate developer owned by Fortress Investment Group. Construction began in November 2014 and the route opened in January 2018.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 140.

LORAM Railgrinder 305 waits in the siding at Crofton, Kentucky as they wait on B211 to clear so they can continue to grind their way south on March 24th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. According to Wikipedia: A railgrinder (or rail grinder) is a maintenance of way vehicle or train used to restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn tracks to extend its life and to improve the ride of trains using the track. Rail grinders were developed to increase the lifespan of the tracks being serviced for rail corrugation. Rail grinding is a process that is done to stop deformation due to use and friction on railroad tracks by removing deformations and corrosion. Railroad tracks that experience continual use are more likely to experience corrugation and overall wear. Rail grinders are used to grind the tracks when rail corrugation is present, or before corrugation begins to form on the tracks. Major freight train tracks use rail grinders for track maintenance based on the interval of tonnage, rather than time. Transit systems and subways in major cities continue to use scheduled rail grinding processes to combat the corrugation common to heavily used tracks. Rail-grinding equipment may be mounted on a single self-propelled vehicle or on a dedicated rail-grinding train which, when used on an extensive network, may include crew quarters. The grinding wheels, of which there may be more than 100, are set at controlled angles to restore the track to its correct profile. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 140. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #loram #railgrinder

LORAM Railgrinder 305 waits in the siding at Crofton, Kentucky as they wait on B211 to clear

LORAM Railgrinder 305 waits in the siding at Crofton, Kentucky as they wait on B211 to clear so they can continue to grind their way south on March 24th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

According to Wikipedia: A railgrinder (or rail grinder) is a maintenance of way vehicle or train used to restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn tracks to extend its life and to improve the ride of trains using the track. Rail grinders were developed to increase the lifespan of the tracks being serviced for rail corrugation. Rail grinding is a process that is done to stop deformation due to use and friction on railroad tracks by removing deformations and corrosion.

Railroad tracks that experience continual use are more likely to experience corrugation and overall wear. Rail grinders are used to grind the tracks when rail corrugation is present, or before corrugation begins to form on the tracks. Major freight train tracks use rail grinders for track maintenance based on the interval of tonnage, rather than time.

Transit systems and subways in major cities continue to use scheduled rail grinding processes to combat the corrugation common to heavily used tracks. Rail-grinding equipment may be mounted on a single self-propelled vehicle or on a dedicated rail-grinding train which, when used on an extensive network, may include crew quarters. The grinding wheels, of which there may be more than 100, are set at controlled angles to restore the track to its correct profile.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 140.

LORAM Railgrinder 305 heads south at Nortonville, Kentucky as they grind their way south on March 24th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. According to Wikipedia: A railgrinder (or rail grinder) is a maintenance of way vehicle or train used to restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn tracks to extend its life and to improve the ride of trains using the track. Rail grinders were developed to increase the lifespan of the tracks being serviced for rail corrugation. Rail grinding is a process that is done to stop deformation due to use and friction on railroad tracks by removing deformations and corrosion. Railroad tracks that experience continual use are more likely to experience corrugation and overall wear. Rail grinders are used to grind the tracks when rail corrugation is present, or before corrugation begins to form on the tracks. Major freight train tracks use rail grinders for track maintenance based on the interval of tonnage, rather than time. Transit systems and subways in major cities continue to use scheduled rail grinding processes to combat the corrugation common to heavily used tracks. Rail-grinding equipment may be mounted on a single self-propelled vehicle or on a dedicated rail-grinding train which, when used on an extensive network, may include crew quarters. The grinding wheels, of which there may be more than 100, are set at controlled angles to restore the track to its correct profile. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromadrone #csxhendersonsubdivision #onecsx #loram #railgrinder

LORAM Railgrinder 305 heads south at Nortonville, Kentucky as they grind their way south

LORAM Railgrinder 305 heads south at Nortonville, Kentucky as they grind their way south on March 24th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

According to Wikipedia: A railgrinder (or rail grinder) is a maintenance of way vehicle or train used to restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn tracks to extend its life and to improve the ride of trains using the track. Rail grinders were developed to increase the lifespan of the tracks being serviced for rail corrugation. Rail grinding is a process that is done to stop deformation due to use and friction on railroad tracks by removing deformations and corrosion.

Railroad tracks that experience continual use are more likely to experience corrugation and overall wear. Rail grinders are used to grind the tracks when rail corrugation is present, or before corrugation begins to form on the tracks. Major freight train tracks use rail grinders for track maintenance based on the interval of tonnage, rather than time.

Transit systems and subways in major cities continue to use scheduled rail grinding processes to combat the corrugation common to heavily used tracks. Rail-grinding equipment may be mounted on a single self-propelled vehicle or on a dedicated rail-grinding train which, when used on an extensive network, may include crew quarters. The grinding wheels, of which there may be more than 100, are set at controlled angles to restore the track to its correct profile.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.