CSXT 1852, Western Maryland Heritage Unit, heads north as the mid-train DPU on X512 at Sebree, Kentucky on May 12th, 2024, northbound on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. This extra 512 actually had two heritage units as the Chesapeake & Ohio unit 1869 was the lead engine on this same train and I’ll be posting a shot of that engine crossing over Gum Lick Trestle this afternoon!
DPU Stands for Distributed Power Unit, a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive unites at the train’s head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, or grain) to help climb steep grades.
From a CSX press release: April 9, 2024 – CSX has launched another addition to its locomotive fleet – the Western Maryland heritage locomotive. This new locomotive pays homage to the rich history of railroads in the Western Maryland region and symbolizes CSX’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its railroad heritage.
The Western Maryland Railroad operated between 1852 and 1983 in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It was a small railroad that primarily transported coal and freight.
“In 1983 the Western Maryland fully merged with the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad), which merged with the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad) in 1987. They eventually merged with the Seaboard System to form CSX.” explained Tim Music, a CSX carman painter who assisted with the project.
The CSX Western Maryland heritage locomotive features a striking design inspired by the iconic colors and markings of the historic Western Maryland Railway. With its bold red, black, and gold livery, this locomotive stands out as a tribute to the legacy of railroading in the region.
“This was a smaller rail line but it is still an important part of our CSX history and we want to honor it,” shared Clyde Marshall, another CSX carman painter involved with the effort.
The Western Maryland is the twelfth heritage unit released by CSX in its current series, which underscores its appreciation for its railroad history as it continues to innovate for the future. The units are crafted at the company’s mechanical shop in Waycross, Georgia.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 160.