CSX Transportation Historical Society

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CSX Heritage Fleet - Pan Am Rail

Rail Fan Adventure --

After shooting CSX mine run R276-27 working Yellow Creek mine to Edjouet on the Rockhouse SD (former L&N), Christian and I made a beeline to the Big Sandy SD. Through Christian's network we had hopes of shooting local L201, which had left Russell with the Pan Am Rail heritage unit. 12-27-2024.

1. Even though the weather was lousy, this is one of my favorite shots of all time. Micah and Tim Turner had been following L201 and showed up. Tim had an umbrella! The #2 main has been lifted between GC and SK Cabin. This signal bridge at Bobbs is the only one on Big Sandy, and it may soon go when PTC is implemented.
Even though the weather was lousy, this is one of my favorite shots of all time. Micah and Tim Turner had been following L201 and showed up. Tim had an umbrella! The #2 main has been lifted between GC and SK Cabin. This signal bridge at Bobbs is the only one on Big Sandy, and it may soon go when PTC is implemented.

2. Note the headlight reflecting off the crossing sign. Just bump up the ISO, and you can shoot almost anytime with digital!
Note the headlight reflecting off the crossing sign. Just bump up the ISO, and you can shoot almost anytime with digital!

3. L201-26 (Russell-Kingsport) had 95 cars on this day. Most of the tankers will be left at Shelby and moved later to Marathon Petroleum on L200.
L201-26 (Russell-Kingsport) had 95 cars on this day. Most of the tankers will be left at Shelby and moved later to Marathon Petroleum on L200.

4. L201-26 passes American Standard crossing near West Van Lear on #1 track. 12-27-2024.
L201-26 passes American Standard crossing near West Van Lear on #1 track. 12-27-2024.

5. ES44AH 1981 is former CSX 3053. It was built by GE 06-2012. Shelby KY, on 12-29-2025. 1981 is on its return trip from Kingsport. Pan Am Rail was formerly Guilford Rail System, which was composed of the former Boston & Maine, Maine Central, and Delaware & Hudson.
ES44AH 1981 is former CSX 3053. It was built by GE 06-2012. Shelby KY, on 12-29-2025. 1981 is on its return trip from Kingsport. Pan Am Rail was formerly Guilford Rail System, which was composed of the former Boston & Maine, Maine Central, and Delaware & Hudson.

6. I'm not fond of the name, but the unit looks nice.
I'm not fond of the name, but the unit looks nice.

7. CSX 1981. Closeup. Shelby KY.
CSX 1981. Closeup. Shelby KY.

8. CSX 1981. Shelby KY.
CSX 1981. Shelby KY.

9. R240 (0600 regular job) pulls in with L201 that they retrieved from Pauley. This is the front of the Shelby yard office.
R240 (0600 regular job) pulls in with L201 that they retrieved from Pauley. This is the front of the Shelby yard office.

10. R240 (L201) pulls in with a huge cut of Marathons on the rear.
R240 (L201) pulls in with a huge cut of Marathons on the rear.

11. L200-29 approaches Coal Run Jct. on the passing siding. A 200-car train of McClure empties waits on the main line.
L200-29 approaches Coal Run Jct. on the passing siding. A 200-car train of McClure empties waits on the main line.

12. L201 gets a clear on the siding at Coal Run Jct. He will get an approach at Big Shoal and then a medium clear at Wagner to re-enter the main line.
L201 gets a clear on the siding at Coal Run Jct. He will get an approach at Big Shoal and then a medium clear at Wagner to re-enter the main line.

13. CSX Huntington-West timetable #1, 07-01-2017.
CSX Huntington-West timetable #1, 07-01-2017.

14. L200-29 passes Dawkins on #1 main. L201 has 58 cars on this day. 12-29-2024. With a portion of the Blue Ridge SD still being repaired, Heritage or Tribute units are a rarity, as there are no through trains.
L200-29 passes Dawkins on #1 main. L201 has 58 cars on this day. 12-29-2024. With a portion of the Blue Ridge SD still being repaired, Heritage or Tribute units are a rarity, as there are no through trains.

All for now.

PS: L200-29 just went by with a SD70MAC running long end forward! The crew was not happy, and they commented to another employee that it would be nice if the turntable was operational at Shelby.

Train images used by permission of Everett N Young