BNSF SD9 6154

On June 26, 2005, I was able to catch a BNSF SD9 working a CSXT mainline freight. The BNSF power policy that was in place at this time must have allowed anything that ran to pull any type train. These old classics started popping up all over the place, even Toronto. For about two or three weeks, BNSF SD9 6154 roamed around on CSX. I was able to catch it here in Ohio somewhere in Lake County. The engineer had the units notched out, but it was still not enough to make max track speed.

BNSF SD9 6154 trailing a leased SD40 on 6-26-2005.

Warbonnets passing through Collinwood

From time to time on the Western board, someone will post about BNSF GP60M units being used to power locals. I will admit to getting excited when I see them being used with that famous paint. Before BNSF decided to move these units from hotshots to locals, they where still able to stretch their legs for a brief time period. Not hauling time sensitive trailers anymore from Chicago to LA, just general manifest freights now. Somehow, CSX would end up with these BNSF Warbonnets on their freights. I'm pretty sure that CSX would "borrow" them out of Chicago. On a storm filled Saturday morning on June 28, 2003, I was surprised to catch GP60M units 161 & 151 with CSX AC44 575. My only wish is that I had a better digital camera back then to better capture these units......

Warbonnets at Quaker Tower, passing under old Cleveland Union Terminal/NYC cantery

Getting down to business after a brief stop at the east fuel pad to top off.

More to come on BNSF four axle power passing through Cleveland.

Wheeling & Lake Erie GP40-3 303

From time to time, a Wheeling GP40 or SD40 can be found on the 663 local. And if that unit is in Rio Grande paint, it only makes the find that much better. Only four units on the Wheeling currently remain in Rio Grande paint. Born at EMD in October 1969 to become DRGW 3085. This unit would only have a brief retirement. Uncle Pete put the 3085 on the sideline in May 2001, the Wheeling picked it up that same year in December. Maybe it was Larry Parsons 21 years with the Rio Grande that played a deciding factor to bring the 3085 east for more action. Rebuilt by Brewster in June 2005 to Q-tron dash-3 standards. The 303 is no longer handling a hot Railblazer, only locals and manifest trains for the Wheeling now.

 

Wheeling and Lake Erie GP40-3 303 on the Solon Branch. 2-12-2012

Last Eastbound Pennsylvanian in Cleveland (maybe)

Amtrak's Pennsylvanian, train # 44.  February 2003

This is what I get for not taking notes when out.  This is either the last or second to last eastbound for Amtrak's Pennsylvanian, train # 44 in February 2003.  When I lived in the dorm at Cleveland State, I used to drive down to station and watch the westbound Pennsylvanian arrive, hoping that the second unit would be a beloved F40.  Things started to heat up when news broke about Skyline Connection.  If my memory serves me right, Norfolk Southern and Amtrak could not agree on a time slot that would allow this trains 45&46 to arrive in Cleveland and a few other cities during the day light.  I even remember student engineers on the Pennsylvanian getting their hours in for the Skyline.

Wheeling GP35-2 103

One day in the future, these old GP35's that currently roam on the Wheeling will be no more. Folks are currently missing the good old days when the SD40 was the standard on almost every train. Just wait, these 35s will be gone. Who knows what will replace them when that time comes. They are indeed a rare beast in today's modern world of EMD's 710Eco and GE's Evo fuel misers. Until that day comes, I'll just keep on snagging these old EMD classics hauling freight on the Wheeling.

W&LE GP35-3 103 at Falls Jct on 2-5-12

W&LE GP35-3 at Falls Junction with the 663 on 2-5-12.