CSX Transportation Historical Society

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CSX - West Raleigh and Grandview overlook, 03-27-2014

Rail Fan Adventure --
On my way to the annual Hawks Nest Modeler's Weekend in late March, I stumbled onto a train at West Raleigh.  I heard the train on the scanner, but I didn’t know where it was.  After negotiating the back roads between Eccles and West Raleigh, I pulled up to the track where the Piney Creek SD and the Raleigh Southwestern & Winding Gulf SDs split.  Lo and behold, something was missing...a bridge!  On the Piney Creek SD the small bridge between East End Wye (Raleigh Yard) and North End Wye was gone. 
 
1. A rumble to the east announced that I better get ready for a train was coming out of the yard.  CSX 4553-526 were pointing toward the Winding Gulf, but where were they actually going?  In the distance down the street you can see aforementioned connector.
CSX 4553-526 were pointing toward the Winding Gulf.
 
2. As suspected this mine run had engines on both ends. 
As suspected this mine run had engines on both ends. 
 
3. CSX 113-564 will now be the lead, as the conductor throws the switch. 
CSX 113-564 will now be the lead, as the conductor throws the switch. 
 
4. CSX 113-564 negotiate the connector between the RSW&WG and the Piney Creek.  Notice the missing bridge on the left. 
CSX 113-564 negotiate the connector between the RSW&WG and the Piney Creek.
 
5. Even on 75 empties 4553-526 have to dig in on the mile of stiff 2.67 percent grade up to Beckley Jct.
Even on 75 empties 4553-526 have to dig in on the mile of stiff 2.67 percent grade up to Beckley Jct.
 
6. The train is headed for Beckley Pocahontas Mine at Eccles for loading. 
The train is headed for Beckley Pocahontas Mine at Eccles for loading. 
 
7. Having some good sun light and plenty of time, I headed out to Grandview State Park.  I didn’t have long to wait.  A westbound coal train that had picked up at Meadow Creek was coming down New River. 
A westbound coal train that had picked up at Meadow Creek was coming down New River. 
 
8. CSX T808-24 had 75 loads with 995 leading.

CSX T808-24 had 75 loads with 995 leading.

9. CSX T808-24 had 75 loads with 995 leading. View 2.
CSX T808-24 had 75 loads with 995 leading. View 2.
 
10. T808 hoots a warning at a ballast regulator on parallel main at the East End Quinnimont. 
T808 hoots a warning at a ballast regulator on parallel main at the East End Quinnimont. 
 
I stopped by Tamarack and then proceeded on to Hawks Nest. 
 

Train images used by permission of Everett N Young

last update - 08 Nov 2014