Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography
In this week’s video I’m taking you on a tour of some of my favorite spots to railfan between Rankin and Henderson, Ky 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!
Rerouted Canadian National 2256 and 2225 lead southbound CSX X770-20 as it passes the south end of the siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 20th, 2025.
I’m told this is the first of many CN Reroutes off the CN due to flood damage around Cairo Sub at Bardwell, Ky. These are running from CN to Paducah, where they get on the Paducah and Louisville Railway to the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Madisonville, Ky. From there they run to Nashville and then over to Memphis, TN
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/3200, ISO 120.
Rerouted Canadian National 2256 and 2225 lead southbound CSX X770-20 as it crosses over Gum Lick Trestle, between Crofton and Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 20th, 2025.
I’m told this is the first of many CN Reroutes off the CN due to flood damage around Cairo Sub at Bardwell, Ky. These are running from CN to Paducah, where they get on the Paducah and Louisville Railway to the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Madisonville, Ky. From there they run to Nashville and then over to Memphis, TN
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.
CSXT 1981 PanAm Railway Heritage Unit leads G342 northbound, under stormy skies, as it passes the old Louisville and Nashville Railway Depot at Henderson, on February 15th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
According to a CSXT Press Release: November 25, 2024 – CSX has unveiled locomotive No. 1981, the final installment in its series of heritage locomotives, honoring Pan Am Railways. The unit is the 21st and final creation by the Waycross Paint Shop to celebrate the predecessor railroads that form today’s CSX network.
Pan Am Railways, formerly known as Guilford Transportation, was established in 1981 and operated across northern New England, spanning from Maine to New York. It joined the CSX family in 2022 following a purchase agreement.
All 21 heritage units are not just displays of craftsmanship but active locomotives performing daily duties throughout CSX’s 26-state rail network. The dedication behind their creation reflects the artistry of the team at the Waycross Paint Shop.
“I’ve been involved in all of the 21 units,” said CSX carman painter Clyde Marshall. “The work itself has really been enjoyable. The transformation of the units, from when they first arrive in the shop to the finished product, is very rewarding.
Marshall also noted the significance of connecting with railroad history through these projects. “It is an honor to learn about the history of these units, and the importance the railroad played in American history,” he added.
The completion of locomotive No. 1981 stands as a tribute to the history of Pan Am Railways and the pride shared by CSX employees. As CSX approaches its 200th anniversary in 2027, these heritage locomotives symbolize the company’s enduring legacy and its dedication to innovation and service.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 170
CSXT 1981 PanAm Railway Heritage Unit leads G342, under stormy skies, as it waits in the siding at the north end of Rankin, Kentucky for CSX I025 to pass, on February 15th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
According to a CSXT Press Release: November 25, 2024 – CSX has unveiled locomotive No. 1981, the final installment in its series of heritage locomotives, honoring Pan Am Railways. The unit is the 21st and final creation by the Waycross Paint Shop to celebrate the predecessor railroads that form today’s CSX network.
Pan Am Railways, formerly known as Guilford Transportation, was established in 1981 and operated across northern New England, spanning from Maine to New York. It joined the CSX family in 2022 following a purchase agreement.
The heritage series required extra care and precision, according to CSX carman painter Albert Bussey. “It’s always special working on the heritage units,” Bussey said. “Like always, we try to take a little bit of extra care and time in order to do these perfectly.”
All 21 heritage units are not just displays of craftsmanship but active locomotives performing daily duties throughout CSX’s 26-state rail network. The dedication behind their creation reflects the artistry of the team at the Waycross Paint Shop.
“I’ve been involved in all of the 21 units,” said CSX carman painter Clyde Marshall. “The work itself has really been enjoyable. The transformation of the units, from when they first arrive in the shop to the finished product, is very rewarding.
Marshall also noted the significance of connecting with railroad history through these projects. “It is an honor to learn about the history of these units, and the importance the railroad played in American history,” he added.
The completion of locomotive No. 1981 stands as a tribute to the history of Pan Am Railways and the pride shared by CSX employees. As CSX approaches its 200th anniversary in 2027, these heritage locomotives symbolize the company’s enduring legacy and its dedication to innovation and service.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 130
CSX I025 with CSX NC&SL Heritage Unit 1851 leading, heads south past the north end of the siding at Kelly, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on January 27th, 2025. This train typically runs with autoracks behind the power which contain Tesla’s bound for Florida.
According to a CSX Press Release: September 20, 2024 – Railroads have long played a crucial role in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of the United States. Among these storied lines is the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis (NC&StL) Railway, a key player in the growth of the Southeast. CSX has unveiled its 19th heritage locomotive, a tribute to the NC&StL Railway, celebrating the rich legacy of a system integral to regional development.
Operating from 1851 to 1957, the NC&StL Railway was a vital freight and passenger route, connecting communities across Tennessee and other Southern states. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, boosting commerce and fostering community development along its routes. The railway’s strategic links between Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis significantly contributed to the urban and industrial growth of these cities, supporting industries such as agriculture, coal, and manufacturing.
To honor the historical significance of the NC&StL Railway, CSX introduced the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis heritage locomotive. This initiative is part of CSX’s broader program to preserve the legacy of railroads that are now part of its extensive network. Each heritage unit is carefully crafted to pay homage to the unique identity and history of its predecessor, featuring colors and designs reminiscent of the original rail lines.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.
CSX B241, led by Canadian National 3167, heads south between Robards and Sebree, Ky, on February 6th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 150
CSXT 5212 leads northbound hot intermodal I026 as it crosses over White Creek, at the north end of the Latham siding at Hopkinsville, Ky, on February 3rd, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 310.
Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 2100 leads the daily local south, as it arrives at their yard in Princeton, Ky after making its pickup from CSX at Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Kentucky. Part of it’s pickup on January 18th, 2021, was six engines, dead in tow, bound for the National Railway Equipment shops in Paducah, Kentucky.
The power on this train was, PAL, 2100, 2121, 2101, 2104, dead in tow were, CIT/CBFX 1579, 1589 switchers, NERX 2710, 8580 (both ex SP), Northside Mining 2001 and NREX 2724, also ex-SP.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 46mm, f/4, 1/800, ISO 220.
Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography
CSX B210 with Canadian National 3280 leading, heads south from the south end of the siding at Rankin, Ky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on February 10th, 2025., with an empty Phosphate train.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 100.
CSX hot intermodal 025, with the 1776 specialty locomotive leading, heads south, just north of Slaughters, Ky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on February 6th, 2025. All the autoracks behind the power are carrying Tesla’s bound for southern Florida.
According to a press release from CSXT, ES44AH locomotive No. 1776, dubbed “The Spirit of Our Armed Forces,” was unveiled 0n April 30, 2019, at the railroad’s Huntington Heavy Repair shops in West Virginia.
No. 1776, renumbered from No. 3112, wears a combination standard CSX scheme on its cab and a highly detailed digital camouflage paint scheme on its long hood which adorns CSX’s new “Pride in Service” logo. The seals of the five-armed services branches are spread across the rear of the engine’s radiators, and logos for several support organizations for veterans and veterans’ families also appear on the locomotive. A screen-printed American flag covers the side cab windows.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 150.
Paducah and Louisville Railway locomotive 4503 heads up a loaded Louisville, Gas and Electric coal train as they make their way out of the Warrior Coal loop after picking up a load of coal on January 30th, 2025, at Nebo, Kentucky.
Tech Info: Nikon Z30, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 320mm, f/5.6, 1/2500, ISO 2800.
CSX hot intermodal I128, as it heads northbound out Breton, Ky, as it crosses over the Green River, just south of Sebree, Ky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on January 23rd, 2025.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 210.
February 8th, 2025 – Episode 110 Railfanning from Pembroke to Hopkinsville, Ky Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography In this weeks video I’m taking you on a tour of some of my favorite spots to railfan between Pembroke and Hopkinsville, Ky 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 I025 with CSX NC&SL Heritage Unit 1851 leading, heads south under the Henderson By-Pass at Henderson, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on January 27th, 2025.
According to a CSX Press Release: September 20, 2024 – Railroads have long played a crucial role in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of the United States. Among these storied lines is the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis (NC&StL) Railway, a key player in the growth of the Southeast. CSX has unveiled its 19th heritage locomotive, a tribute to the NC&StL Railway, celebrating the rich legacy of a system integral to regional development.
Operating from 1851 to 1957, the NC&StL Railway was a vital freight and passenger route, connecting communities across Tennessee and other Southern states. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, boosting commerce and fostering community development along its routes. The railway’s strategic links between Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis significantly contributed to the urban and industrial growth of these cities, supporting industries such as agriculture, coal, and manufacturing.
To honor the historical significance of the NC&StL Railway, CSX introduced the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis heritage locomotive. This initiative is part of CSX’s broader program to preserve the legacy of railroads that are now part of its extensive network. Each heritage unit is carefully crafted to pay homage to the unique identity and history of its predecessor, featuring colors and designs reminiscent of the original rail lines.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 160.
Atlantic Coast Line Heritage Unit CSXT 1871 passes the signals at the north end of Crofton, Ky, on January 31st, 2025, as it leads hot intermodal I025 southbound on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The autoracks behind the power are hauling Tesla’s bound for Florida.
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, 1/2000, ISO 160.
CSX M513 makes their way south across Gum Lick Trestle, between Crofton and Kelly, Kentucky, on January 31st, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, with several interesting locomotives in tow.
Bringing up the rear is Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum 206, then ex-Dakota and Eastern 4004 (AR404) and 4002 (AR4002) and CSXT 8243, which had damage on the engineer’s side, which you can’t see in this photo. They were all dead in tow behind two other CSX units.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 270.
Atlantic Coast Line Heritage Unit CSXT 1871 passes the old L&N Depot in downtown Madisonville, Ky, on January 31st, 2025, as it leads hot intermodal I025 southbound on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
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, 1/2000, ISO 100.
CSX M513 passes through the north end of Kelly, 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, 1/1250, ISO 420.
CSX I025 with CSX NC&SL Heritage Unit 1851 leading, heads south as they meet their counterpart, I026, at Moore, just north of Guthrie, Kentucky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on January 27th, 2025.
The track to the right is the new spur that will service the new Novelis plant being built at Guthrie.
According to a CSX Press Release: September 20, 2024 – Railroads have long played a crucial role in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of the United States. Among these storied lines is the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis (NC&StL) Railway, a key player in the growth of the Southeast. CSX has unveiled its 19th heritage locomotive, a tribute to the NC&StL Railway, celebrating the rich legacy of a system integral to regional development.
Operating from 1851 to 1957, the NC&StL Railway was a vital freight and passenger route, connecting communities across Tennessee and other Southern states. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, boosting commerce and fostering community development along its routes. The railway’s strategic links between Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis significantly contributed to the urban and industrial growth of these cities, supporting industries such as agriculture, coal, and manufacturing.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 130.