Canadian Pacific 8925 leads CSX B647, a loaded ethanol train, southbound through the S curve at Nortonville, Kentucky on May 25th, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, Sigma 150-600 @ 150mm, f/6, 1/500, ISO 110.
Canadian Pacific 8925 leads CSX B647, a loaded ethanol train at Sebree, Kentucky
Canadian Pacific 8925 leads CSX B647, a loaded ethanol train, head southbound at Sebree, Kentucky on May 25th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/1000, ISO 180.
PAL Salute to our Troops engine 2127 sitting in the yard at Princeton, Ky as the southbound military train passes
It’s fairly rare to find a military train move on the Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) through my neck of the woods, but it does happen. I got word from a friend, Lee Taylor, up the line about an 8,100ft loaded military train that was headed southbound from Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
Here I caught the PAL Salute to our Troops engine 2127 sitting in the yard at Princeton, Ky as the southbound military train passed it headed for Paducah, Ky. PAL 2127 was one end of an Operation Lifesaver Trainset that was there.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/200, ISO 110.
CSX M502 north as it passes under the North Main Street overpass at Madisonville, Kentucky
CSXT 5448 leads CSX M502 north as it passes under the North Main Street overpass at Madisonville, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson on May 14th, 2024. This daily train travels between Radnor Yard in Nashville, TN to Clearing Yard at Chicago, IL (BRC).
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 400.
CSXT 3379 leads CSX intermodal I025 south under the Sub Station Road overpass, Kelly, Ky
CSXT 3379 leads CSX intermodal I025 south under the Sub Station Road overpass at south end of the siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson on May 30th, 2024. This intermodal normally runs with a string of autoracks which contain Tesla automobiles that are bound for Florida.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.
CSXT 7223 leads CSX intermodal I128 north under the overpass for the Paducah and Louisville Railway…
CSXT 7223 leads CSX intermodal I128 north under the overpass for the Paducah and Louisville Railway, just south of CP East Diamond at Madisonville, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision cutoff that bypasses downtown Earlington and Madisonville, Kentucky, on May 30th, 2024.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 140.
Saturday Infrared photo, we catch CSXT 3170 leading CSX I025 south at Red River, Adams, TN
In this week’s Saturday Infrared photo, we catch CSXT 3170 leading CSX I025 south as they cross over the Red River, just north of Adams, Tennessee on May 30th, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24mm @ 17mm, f/5.6, 1/950., ISO 400.
CSX 3433 Leads northbound intermodal I025 as it passes M513 at the north end of Sebree, Kentucky
CSX 3433 Leads northbound intermodal I025 as it passes M513 at the north end of Sebree, Kentucky on May 25th, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. The long line of autoracks on this train are filled with Tesla’s that are headed for Florida. They run them on this high priority train on a regular basis.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/1600, ISO 100.
Canadian Pacific 8925 leads CSX B647, a loaded ethanol train, southbound through Crofton Cut…
Canadian Pacific 8925 leads CSX B647, a loaded ethanol train, southbound through Crofton Cut, just north of Crofton, Kentucky on May 25th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/240, ISO 100.
CSX empty ethanol train B828 speeds through the north end of Slaughters, Kentucky
CSX empty ethanol train B828 speeds through the north end of Slaughters, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 11th, 2024 at dusk.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/6 Sec, ISO 1190.
Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 4523 leads an 8,100ft loaded military train
Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 4523 leads an 8,100ft loaded military train as they pull south from West Yard after a crew change at Madisonville, Kentucky, on May 17th, 2024.
According to Wikipedia: The Paducah & Louisville Railway (reporting mark PAL) is a Class II railroad that operates freight service between Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky. The line is located entirely within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 270-mile (430 km) line was purchased from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in August 1986.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 200.
CSX M502 through the south end of Atkinson Yard at Madisonville, Ky
CSX M502 through the south end of Atkinson Yard at Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024.
According to a CSX Press Release: May 1, 2024 – CSX has introduced the latest addition in its heritage locomotive series, paying homage to the rich history of the Pere Marquette Railroad. This new unit showcases the Pere Marquette’s legacy, dating back to its inception on November 1, 1899.
The Pere Marquette Railroad, operating in the Great Lakes region of the United States and parts of southern Ontario, Canada, derived its name from Jacques Marquette, a notable French Jesuit missionary credited with founding Michigan’s first European settlement in Sault Ste Marie. After years of operation, the company merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on June 6, 1947, eventually becoming part of the renowned CSX network.
The design of the Pere Marquette heritage locomotive was meticulously crafted by employees at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop. According to CSX Carman Painter Eric Lee, “We had to measure each stripe precisely and position the words just right to ensure it captured the look of the original design. It took us about four days just to lay out the stripes before we could begin painting.”
A fascinating tidbit related to the history of Pere Marquette is its cameo in the 2004 film “The Polar Express.” The steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225 served as the inspiration for the train depicted in the movie, with audio recordings of the actual locomotive in operation featured in the film. Interestingly, the locomotive had been donated to Michigan State University and was exhibited near the university’s football stadium. The author of “The Polar Express” book drew inspiration from seeing this locomotive on display during childhood, solidifying its place in popular culture.
CSX’s dedication to honoring the history and significance of the Pere Marquette Railroad through this new locomotive underscores the company’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of American railroads. Keep an eye out as this remarkable piece of history moves across the CSX network, bridging the past with the present.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.
Union Pacific 5760 and 9788 lead Norfolk Southern 224 through the location known as Revilo, at Sterns, Ky
Union Pacific 5760 and 9788 lead Norfolk Southern 224 through the location known as Revilo, at Sterns, Ky, through a light rain as they head northbound on the CNO&TP 2nd District.
According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati.
Technically, this stretch of the Southern main line was known as the 2nd District of subsidiary Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP), which was plagued for years by numerous tunnels resulting in its famous nickname by the crews which operated over it.
Over the years the Southern worked to daylight or bypass these obstacles as the route saw significant freight tonnage, a task finally completed during the 1960s. Today, the Rathole remains an important artery in Norfolk Southern’s vast network.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/5, 1/400, ISO 80.
Norfolk Southern 4566 brings up the rear as DPU on 168 at Burnside, Kentucky
Norfolk Southern 4566 brings up the rear as DPU on 168 as it crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky at sunset. as it heads north on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District on April 29th, 2024.
According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati.
Technically, this stretch of the Southern main line was known as the 2nd District of subsidiary Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP), which was plagued for years by numerous tunnels resulting in its famous nickname by the crews which operated over it.
Over the years the Southern worked to daylight or bypass these obstacles as the route saw significant freight tonnage, a task finally completed during the 1960s. Today, the Rathole remains an important artery in Norfolk Southern’s vast network.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/120, ISO 180.
CSX M502 waits at Arklow in Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899…
CSX M502 waits at Arklow in Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024, as CSX M648 passes them heading north.
According to a CSX Press Release: May 1, 2024 – CSX has introduced the latest addition in its heritage locomotive series, paying homage to the rich history of the Pere Marquette Railroad. This new unit showcases the Pere Marquette’s legacy, dating back to its inception on November 1, 1899.
The Pere Marquette Railroad, operating in the Great Lakes region of the United States and parts of southern Ontario, Canada, derived its name from Jacques Marquette, a notable French Jesuit missionary credited with founding Michigan’s first European settlement in Sault Ste Marie. After years of operation, the company merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on June 6, 1947, eventually becoming part of the renowned CSX network.
The design of the Pere Marquette heritage locomotive was meticulously crafted by employees at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop. According to CSX Carman Painter Eric Lee, “We had to measure each stripe precisely and position the words just right to ensure it captured the look of the original design. It took us about four days just to lay out the stripes before we could begin painting.”
A fascinating tidbit related to the history of Pere Marquette is its cameo in the 2004 film “The Polar Express.” The steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225 served as the inspiration for the train depicted in the movie, with audio recordings of the actual locomotive in operation featured in the film. Interestingly, the locomotive had been donated to Michigan State University and was exhibited near the university’s football stadium. The author of “The Polar Express” book drew inspiration from seeing this locomotive on display during childhood, solidifying its place in popular culture.
CSX’s dedication to honoring the history and significance of the Pere Marquette Railroad through this new locomotive underscores the company’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of American railroads. Keep an eye out as this remarkable piece of history moves across the CSX network, bridging the past with the present.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 140.
CSX M502 heads northbound with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading at Mortons Gap, Ky
CSX M502 heads northbound with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way along the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024. This is number ten heritage catch for me for this series of locomotives from CSX, and I look forward to catching the others!
According to a CSX Press Release: May 1, 2024 – CSX has introduced the latest addition in its heritage locomotive series, paying homage to the rich history of the Pere Marquette Railroad. This new unit showcases the Pere Marquette’s legacy, dating back to its inception on November 1, 1899.
The Pere Marquette Railroad, operating in the Great Lakes region of the United States and parts of southern Ontario, Canada, derived its name from Jacques Marquette, a notable French Jesuit missionary credited with founding Michigan’s first European settlement in Sault Ste Marie. After years of operation, the company merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on June 6, 1947, eventually becoming part of the renowned CSX network.
The design of the Pere Marquette heritage locomotive was meticulously crafted by employees at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop. According to CSX Carman Painter Eric Lee, “We had to measure each stripe precisely and position the words just right to ensure it captured the look of the original design. It took us about four days just to lay out the stripes before we could begin painting.”
A fascinating tidbit related to the history of Pere Marquette is its cameo in the 2004 film “The Polar Express.” The steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225 served as the inspiration for the train depicted in the movie, with audio recordings of the actual locomotive in operation featured in the film. Interestingly, the locomotive had been donated to Michigan State University and was exhibited near the university’s football stadium. The author of “The Polar Express” book drew inspiration from seeing this locomotive on display during childhood, solidifying its place in popular culture.
CSX’s dedication to honoring the history and significance of the Pere Marquette Railroad through this new locomotive underscores the company’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of American railroads. Keep an eye out as this remarkable piece of history moves across the CSX network, bridging the past with the present.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 150.
Norfolk Southern 169 crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky
Norfolk Southern 169 crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky as it heads north on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District on April 29th, 2024.
According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati.
Technically, this stretch of the Southern main line was known as the 2nd District of subsidiary Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP), which was plagued for years by numerous tunnels resulting in its famous nickname by the crews which operated over it.
Over the years the Southern worked to daylight or bypass these obstacles as the route saw significant freight tonnage, a task finally completed during the 1960s. Today, the Rathole remains an important artery in Norfolk Southern’s vast network.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/160, ISO 120.
Paducah and Louisville Railway Military southbound move at Princeton, Ky
It’s fairly rare to find a military train move on the Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) through my neck of the woods, but it does happen. I got word from a friend, Lee Taylor, up the line about an 8,100ft loaded military train that was headed southbound from Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
I caught up with the train and chased it south to Kentucky Dam from West Yard in Madisonville, Kentucky where they had a crew change, on May 17th, 2024.
As luck would have it, I found the PAL Salute to our Troops engine 2127 sitting in the yard at Princeton, Ky as the southbound military train passed it headed for Paducah, Ky. PAL 2127 was one end of an Operation Lifesaver Trainset that was there.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 210.
CSX intermodal I128 passes under US 41 at Barnsley, Kentucky
CSX intermodal I128 passes under US 41 at Barnsley, Kentucky as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision on National Train Day, May 11th, 2024.
According to the National Today website: National Train Day is observed every year on the Saturday closest to May 10, and this year it falls on May 11. The holiday was first celebrated in the year 2008 and continues to be celebrated to this day.
The celebrations were conceptualized by Amtrak as a way to spread awareness about the history of railway networks in the U.S. and why more people should use this mode of transport.
Railways are one of the most eco-friendly ways to go from one place to another. Amtrak offers railroad service in countless cities in the U.S. and three cities in Canada. Railways don’t just transport people from one place to another but are also involved in the transportation of goods and certain services.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 260.
CSXT 3449 leads M513 as it climbs up out of the hole approaching Mortons Junction, Mortons Gap, Ky
CSXT 3449 leads M513 as it climbs up out of the hole approaching Mortons Junction as they head south at Mortons Gap, Kentucky on National Train Day, on May 11th, 2024.
According to the National Today website: National Train Day is observed every year on the Saturday closest to May 10, and this year it falls on May 11. The holiday was first celebrated in the year 2008 and continues to be celebrated to this day.
The celebrations were conceptualized by Amtrak as a way to spread awareness about the history of railway networks in the U.S. and why more people should use this mode of transport.
Railways are one of the most eco-friendly ways to go from one place to another. Amtrak offers railroad service in countless cities in the U.S. and three cities in Canada. Railways don’t just transport people from one place to another but are also involved in the transportation of goods and certain services.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, Sigma 150-600 @ 600mm, f/6.3, 1/400, ISO 72.
CSX empty coal train E904 heads north across Gum Lick Trestle, Kelly, Kentucky
CSX empty coal train E904 heads north across Gum Lick Trestle at sunset, just north of Kelly, Kentucky on April 21st, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/5000, ISO 100.