Mike's Shortline Album

[Wendell1976]

Boise Valley Railroad

 

The Boise Valley Railroad(BVRR) is a shortline railroad that operates in the Boise, Idaho area. The BVRR is headquartered in suburban Nampa, Idaho and is owned by Watco Companies. Many of the BVRR locomotives are painted in blue and orange to match the school colors of Boise State University.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boise_Valley_Railroad

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/351584/

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/768819/

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/334279/

 

Wendell

Idaho, USA 

[Mike_Walker]

50 minutes ago, Wendell1976 said:

Boise Valley Railroad

 

The Boise Valley Railroad(BVRR) is a shortline railroad that operates in the Boise, Idaho area. The BVRR is headquartered in suburban Nampa, Idaho and is owned by Watco Companies. Many of the BVRR locomotives are painted in blue and orange to match the school colors of Boise State University.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boise_Valley_Railroad

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/351584/

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/768819/

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/334279/

 

Wendell

Idaho, USA 

A bit after my time - I see it took over from the Idaho Northern & Pacific which will be featured here - eventually...

 

For those who collected the SPV atlases and may be wondering what happened, let me explain.  After Ian Andrews' untimely passing his son Stuart took on the running of the business but didn't seem to be too interested in promoting the atlases to the standard Ian had or I had come to expect.  Eventually we disagreed over several matters and parted ways.  Another problem was that having covered the whole of North America the only way forward was to bring out updated issues.  We did a couple but these failed to sell in anything like the numbers to justify the effort.  Unlike British enthusiasts who will buy each new issue of the OPC Rail Atlas or Platform 5 spotters books as they are issued, their North American counterparts seemed to take the attitude: I've got a copy of that, why do I need another?  Then of course, they complain that the one they've got is now out of date!  Other things came along including a considerable amount of work in support of the UK rail industry so the atlases went into limbo.

[Mike_Walker]

We now come to the first batch of ‘C’s.

 

Caldwell County.  This line connected Lenoir, North Carolina with a connection to the Norfolk Southern at Hickory, NC, 23 miles.  It started operations in 1994 and remains in operation although 5 miles were abandoned in 2007.

 

1811 a GP16 still in Family Lines livery, at North Hickory NC on 1 May 1997. Built as a GP7 (11136 5022-12 5/50) as Atlantic Coast Line 111, it became SCL 796 and was rebuilt as a 'GP16' in 8/81 becoming  4765 and then CSX 1811.

 

California Northern.  Was founded in 1993 to operate three separate lines in northern California:  Suisun-Fairfield to Napa Junction, Schellville and Willits, 127 miles plus branches;  Davis and Tehama  111 miles plus branches and Tracy to Los Banos, 58 miles; a total of 354 miles.  Since then the Schellville to Willits section has been abandoned  and the original owners, Park Sierra Corporation (same as the Arizona & California) has become a part of Genesee & Wyoming.

 

California Northern SD9 201 is seen in Omnitrax ownership at Loveland CO yard on 11 May 2000. Built by EMD in 4/58 (23936 5555-26) as Duluth Missabe & Iron Range 156.

 

California Western.  This venerable Californian shortline connected the coast at Fort Bragg to a connection with the North Western Pacific at Willits, 40 miles.  It was completed in 1911 and since the closure of the NWP it has remained as an excursion passenger operation under the title of “The Skunk Train”!

 

64, a GP9m ex-SP 3311 (20132 5377-4 1/55), with the Skunk Train alongside Willits CA station on 29 July 1992.

 

56, a Baldwin RS-12 (76105 1955) ex-McCloud River 33, at Fort Bragg CA on 29 July 1992

 

53, a Baldwin DS-4-4-1000 (74193 1949) new to the US Army Corps of Engineers, W8380, displays an earlier livery at Willits CA where it was stored on 29 July 1992.

 

California Western “Skunk” M-200 was the only railcar built by Skagit. It was new in 1927 to the Longview Portland & Northern and later served the Trona Railroad. It is seen on the Niles Canyon Railroad, its present owners, at Brightside CA on 2 May 1991.

 

Caney Fork & Western.  Located in central Tennessee, this 61 mile line links a CSX connection at Tullahoma to Sparta.  Shortline operations on the former Nashville Chattanooga & St. Louis line began in 1983 and it remains in operation.

 

GP7 2345 alongside the shop at McMinnsville TN on 4 May 1997. Built in 2/51 (11238 5032-1) it was originally NC&StL  719 becoming L&N 1719, later 456, then Seaboard 2345.

 

Carolina Piedmont.  Commencing in 1990, this connected Laurens and East Greenville, South Carolina, 34 miles of former Atlantic Coast Line track.  It is now part of G&W.

 

GP10s 8379 and 8367 parked with train south of Barksdale SC due to track work on 29 April 1999. Both were originally IC GP9s 9379 and 9387 (25031 5591-10 and 25039 5591-18) respectively built in 12-58.

 

Carolina Rail Services.  Provided switching services within the port at Morehead City, North Carolina.

 

1201, a SW1200, switching cars at Morehead City NC on 14 May 1997. Built by EMD (31111 4491-2) in 3/66, it was new to the Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) as 1281.

 

Carolina Southern.   This operation was known for its interesting well maintained locomotive fleet presented in a smart livery.  It connected with CSX at Mullins, SC, with Whiteville, NC, 37 miles plus a 39 mile branch from Chadbourn, NC, to Conway, SC.  It started operations and in 1987 and is now part of the R J Corman empire.

 

F7A 9163 in full Carolina Southern livery glows at Chadbourn NC on 14 May 1997. Built by GM Canada (A394) in 7/52 as Canadian National 9116, later 9163.

 

Equally well presented GP18  100 at Chadbourn NC on the same occasion. Built in 1/60 (25450 5605-11), it was new as Rock Island 1333 before becoming Nashville & Ashland City 9 then Mid-Atlantic Ry 100.

 

Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway.  This has its origins in an interurban line and now operates around 25 miles between its namesake cities in Iowa.

 

On the occasion of my only visit nothing was operating but  this GP9 100 GP9 nee-MILW 305, and coach on display outside the shops at Cedar Rapids IA on 22 March 2004.  It was originally Milwaukee 305 (25300 7525-26 5/59).

[F-UnitMad]

Gotta love that Carolina Southern F7..!!   

[Johann Marsbar]

7 hours ago, Mike_Walker said:

Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway.  This has its origins in an interurban line and now operates around 25 miles between its namesake cities in Iowa.

 

On the occasion of my only visit nothing was operating but  this GP9 100 GP9 nee-MILW 305, and coach on display outside the shops at Cedar Rapids IA on 22 March 2004.  It was originally Milwaukee 305 (25300 7525-26 5/59).

 

As a matter of interest, did you attempt to get access to their shops or contact them before your visit?  They certainly don't respond to e-mails from enthusiasts and seem to have a rather anti-railfan stance, from what I have gathered from others.

 

In 2011, I did find a ballast train passing through the Amana Colonies area...

 

 

..and their facilities in Cedar Rapids were viewable from an adjacent road overbridge.

 

 

 

[pH]

8 hours ago, Mike_Walker said:

Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway.  This has its origins in an interurban line and now operates around 25 miles between its namesake cities in Iowa.

 

On the occasion of my only visit nothing was operating but  this GP9 100 GP9 nee-MILW 305, and coach on display outside the shops at Cedar Rapids IA on 22 March 2004.  It was originally Milwaukee 305 (25300 7525-26 5/59).

Also known as the CRANDIC:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Rapids_and_Iowa_City_Railway

[Johann Marsbar]

12 minutes ago, pH said:

Also known as the CRANDIC:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Rapids_and_Iowa_City_Railway

 

An appropriate one from an earlier trip to the area in 2003....

 

[Mike_Walker]

14 hours ago, Johann Marsbar said:

 

As a matter of interest, did you attempt to get access to their shops or contact them before your visit?  They certainly don't respond to e-mails from enthusiasts and seem to have a rather anti-railfan stance, from what I have gathered from others.

 

In 2011, I did find a ballast train passing through the Amana Colonies area...

 

 

..and their facilities in Cedar Rapids were viewable from an adjacent road overbridge.

 

 

 

Didn't have time to investigate as I was on a tight schedule but I understand they do have a certain "reputation".  Shortlines seem to vary between those that welcome you as long-lost friends and those that are downright hostile.  Sadly, the attitude to railfans across the industry changed post-9/11 after which anyone spotted with a camera near a railway was thought to be a terrorist.  Prior to that I'd never been hassled but after it seemed I was challenged almost daily either by RR staff of police.  There were exceptions, like the BNSF police officer who told us we were on the wrong side for the sun at State Line Junction in KC.  We agreed pointing out that that would involve trespassing on RR property.  "No problem", he replied and proceeded to give us written permission in case anyone else challenged us!

 

From the above, it would appear that since my visit, Crandic 100 has been returned to service and that coach seems to have deteriorated badly. 

[Mike_Walker]

Some “Centrals” this time.

 

Central California Traction.  Another line with its origins in the interurban era linking Stockton with Sacramento but has shrunk over the years and now operates two segments near Lodi and in Stockton.  It was formerly jointly owned by the ATSF and WP and is now owned by BNSF and UP.

 

 

GP7 60 and GP18 1795 alongside office at Stockton shops standing on 29 May 1991.  60 was new 8/52 (16906 6400-5) as Reading 607 whilst 1795 was new in 10/61 (26938 7610-6) as Rock Island 1349.

 

 

Another former Rock Island GP18 1790 (ex-CRIP 1343 25683 5605-11 2/60) and caboose 24 returning to Stockton shops by street running on 29 May 1991.

 

Central Indiana & Western.  This 9 mile line connects Lapel, Indiana,  with CSX (formerly PRR) at South Anderson and started shortline operations in 1986.

 

 

SW7 88, the only motive power at the time of my visit, at Lapel IN on 19 October 1996. Ex-CR 8853, it was built in 2/50 (9453 E1136-18) for the New York Central, retaining the same number throughout its life until sale to the CEIW.

 

 

Another view showing the whole of the impressive elevator at Lapel which provides the line’s main source of traffic and surely some modelling inspiration.  Sorry about the slight distortion but a wide-angle lens was needed to get it all in!

 

Central Michigan.  The Central Michigan Railroad was formed in 1987 when the Straits Corporation bought GTW lines north of Durand. The line from Coopersville to Marne would be sold to the Coopersville & Marne Railroad in 1989, and in 1990 the Muskegon route was sold to the Michigan Shore Railroad.  In 2004, Central Michigan Railroad was bought by RailAmerica, which had merged it into the Huron and Eastern Railway.

 

 

8902, a GE U23B with an EMD “Spartan” cab in the CM black at Grayling MI on the affiliated Detroit & Mackinac on 12 September 1990. It was built (38764 1/73) for the Missouri Pacific as their 674, later carrying the numbers 2256 and 4506 before becoming UP 540. The EMD cab fitted as wreck replacement.

 

Central Oregon & Pacific.  This extensive system operates between Northern California and Eugene, Oregon, United States. It was previously a mainline owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) between Eugene and Weed, California (north of Redding, California) via Medford, Oregon. SP sold the route on December 31, 1994, in favour of using its route to Eugene via Klamath Falls, Oregon and Cascade Summit.  Originally part of RailAmerica and comprising some 439 miles of main and branch lines, it is now a Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary with around 305 miles still in use.

 

 

At the southern end of the line, the delightfully named Weed, California, Helm Leasing SD40-3 6061 (originally PRR 6065 b/n 31310 f/n 7862-26 10/69)) along with GP38-3s 3805 (B&O 3824 33342 7060-25 10/67), 3804 (C&O 4828 36674 7274-9 9/70) and 3811 (Southern 2726 35256 7189-11 10/69) await departure on 29 September 2003.

 

 

The same quartet 3811, 3804, 3805 and HLCX 6061 southbound north of Granada CA later on 29 September 2003.

 

 

The most scenic and hard to chase part of the system is the long line out to the coast which passes through forests and hilly terrain.  4001, Slug 4165 and 3826 lead the Coos Bay Hauler at mp 688.5 west of Richardson OR on 30 September 2003.

 

 

Shortly after, the same trio are crossing a trestle at mp 687.1 west of Richardson.  4001, a GP40 (33275 5733-1 9/67) was new to N&W 1384, whilst 4165 was built as a GP9 (24865 5587-5 8/59) as N&W 856 and converted to a Slug by NS and 3826 is a GP38-3 (33688 7060-58 11/67) new as a GP38 for C&O, 3857.

 

Central Railroad of Indianapolis. Starting in 1989 this line provides service from a NS connection at Frankfort, IN, through Konkomo to Marion, 53 miles, plus a 14 mile branch from Marion to Amboy.  Today it is part of the G&W empire.

 

 

1752, a GP10 at Kokomo IN displays the company’s original attractive livery on 20 October 1996.  Built as a GP7 8in 10/50 (11042 5029-11 10/50) for the Great Northern, 616, it became BN 1516 and was rebuilt as a GP10.  Alongside it is 1755 a GP9 built as UP 200 in 4/54 (19201 5321-71) which still carries the colours of its previous owner, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

 

Centralia-Chehalis Railroad.  This is a heritage operation providing steam and diesel powered excursion service over a 10-mile section of former Milwaukee Road track.

 

 

I’m including to show this relatively rare Vulcan 44 Ton (b/n 4362 b/d 1942) ex-US Navy, seen at Chehalis WA on 18 April 1998.

Edited April 6, 2022 by Mike_Walker

[F-UnitMad]

The 'like' button is just so inadequate on this Thread!!!  

[Wendell1976]

Mike Walker, are you going to add more railroads that begin with the letter C? I know of at least two more "C" shortline railroads.

 

Wendell

Idaho, USA 

[F-UnitMad]

On 17/05/2021 at 11:38, Mike_Walker said:

This took me to every state during which I visited numerous shortlines.  In view of the recent postings on RMweb on the subject of these lines I thought it might be interesting to revisit some of them

@Wendell1976 - quoting the above from the OP, I don't think this Thread is intended as a wholly definitive and/or exhaustive list of Short Lines, so I imagine there may very well be some that other members know about that don't get listed. After all, aren't there currently something like 550 Short Lines operating? This is going to be a long running thread even if some get missed out!!

Edited June 2, 2021 by F-UnitMad
Spelling!!

[Wendell1976]

6 hours ago, F-UnitMad said:

@Wendell1976 - quoting the above from the OP, I don't think this Thread is intended as a wholly definitive and/or exhaustive list of Short Lines, so I imagine there may very well be some that other members know about that don't get listed. After all, aren't there currently something like 550 Short Lines operating? This is going to be a long running thread even if some get missed out!!

 

Oh, okay. I didn't know that the OP was listing only the shortline railroads he has seen or visited. I thought he was putting together a big list of shortlines whether seen or not. I was trying to help him out. There are over 500 shortline railroads here in North America. Here's a Wikipedia link to many shortline railroads:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortline_railroad

 

Wendell

Idaho, USA 

[Mike_Walker]

Thanks for all the positive comments, likes, etc., all much appreciated.  Just to clarify, this is not intended to be a list of all North American shortlines but a selection of shots I’ve taken on my travels.  I visited others and some of the photos taken I’d rather not display here – film was far easier to make a mess of than digital!  The shortline scene is one of constant change as lines come and go, many since my last trip in 2005.

 

Another batch of ‘C’s today with more to come – it seems to be a particularly popular initial…

Chattooga & Chickamauga.  Headquartered in Lafayette, Georgia, this railroad operated 22 miles of the old Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway (the TAG route) from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Kensington, Georgia, and 42 miles of the former Central of Georgia Railroad from Chattanooga to Lyerly, Georgia. It is currently operated by Genesee & Wyoming.

 

103, a former Santa Fe CF7 which started life as ATSF  F9A 248L (21133 3191-A7 6/56) and was rebuilt in 1/75 becoming 2482 It was resting at Lafayette GA on 3 May 1997.  But what lurks in the background?

 

 

At that time the Lafayette line was being used at weekend for excursions from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. Among the locomotives used was Southern Railway 2-8-2 4501 (Baldwin 37085 1911) seen leaving  Chickamauga GA the same day.

 

Chicago & Illinois Midland.  Based in Springfield, Illinois, this line provided freight service between East Peoria and Taylorville, 121 miles.  It was acquired by G&W in 1996 and now goes by the name of the Illinois Midland.

 

 

A rare beast indeed, 30, a RS1325, one of only two built – a sort of a US version of the Canadian GMD1 (27553 4438-1 9/60), outside the Springfield IL shops on 14 October 1996.

 

 

Here’s the other one, 31 (27554 4438-2 9/60) at the mine at Powerton IL on 13 October 1996.

 

 

By this time, the C&IM had upgraded its largely switcher-based motive power fleet with several “SD20s” – ICG rebuilds of SD24s.  84 started life as Southern (CNOTP) 6321 (25670 5606-44 2/60) which was rebuilt by the ICG becoming their 2024.

 

Cimarron Valley.  Operates a “horizontal Y-shaped” system of former Santa Fe track connecting Dodge City Kansas with Satanta, its headquarters, where the line divides with the northern arm extending to Pritchard, Colorado, and the southern arm to Boise City, Oklahoma.  It remains independent and the latest locomotives (GE Dash 8s) now wear a version of the ATSF blue and yellow livery rather than the blue seen here.

 

 

Back at the time of my visit, the Cimarron Valley were enthusiastic operators of EMD GP30s.  3004, the former DRGW 3004 (27138 7619-4 4/62) was switching at Satanta KS on 19 April 2002.

 

 

Gathered outside the Satanta shop on the same day were GP30s 3023 ex-DRGW (28052 7640-10 2/63), 4227 ex-CSXT 4227 and originally C&O 3037 (28513 7663-22 9/63) and lettered for the affiliated Southwestern Railroad; 3020 and 3014 both ex-DRGW (28049 7640-7 2/63 and 28043 7640-1 1/63 respectively).

 

City of Prineville.  This 18-mile line connects its eponymous base with a connection to the BNSF and UP at Redmond, Oregon.  It remains independent.

 

 

985, 989, both ex-Milwaukee ‘GP20’s standing outside the engine house at Prineville OR on 6 October 2003.  Both started life as GP9s 2406 and 2388 (19569 5348-2 6/54 and 20029 5372-1 11/54) and were upgraded in 1974.

 

 

1837 a GP9 (21258 5460-5 4/56) ex-BN 1837 nee-GN 685, was in the Prineville OR yard on 22 April 1998.

 

Clinton Terminal.  Operates 3½  miles of switching track in Clinton, North Carolina.  It started operations in 1995.

 

 

Another CF7, this time the former ATSF 2480 in immaculate Atlantic Coast Line-style livery in honour of the line’s original owner, at Moltonville NC on 15 May 1997. It was built as F9A 286L (21137 3191-A11 7/56) it was rebuilt in 2/76.

 

Columbus & Greenville.  This company operated 175 miles between its namesake Mississippi cities.  The original company was absorbed by the Illinois Central in 1972 but regained its independence three years later. Today it is part of G&W.

 

GP9 702 approaches CG Junction in Columbus MS on 4 October 2000. It was built as Southern (CNOTP) 6246 (20586 5400-2) in 7/55.

 

601 on display at the Columbus MS shops on 4 October 2000.  The Baldwin DRS6-4-1500 (72624 10/46) was acquired new.

Edited April 6, 2022 by Mike_Walker

[Wendell1976]

The City of Prineville Railway is still owned by its namesake city today.

http://www.trainweb.org/highdesertrails/cop.html

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Prineville_Railway

 

Wendell

Idaho, USA 

[Mike_Walker]

Apologies for the extended interval in postings, I’ve been very busy with other projects over the last week.  Here’s the final block of ‘C’s in my collection although others are available!

 

Conemaugh & Black Lick.  Owned by Bethlehem Steel, this company provided switching service supporting the steel works in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  It commenced operations in 1907 and had around 33 miles of track.

 

 

Welcome to “scenic” Pennsylvania!  104 and 125 run light to the scrap area east of Johnstown on 16 October 1997.  104 was a SW7 (10304 6040-2 7/49) bought new and 125 a NW2 (2066 E547-4 7/45) which was originally Illinois Central 1066.

 

Copper Basin Railway.  Founded in 1986 to acquire a former private line owned by Kennecott Copper, the Copper Basin operates 54 miles from a UP (SP) connection at Magma, Arizona to Winkleman with a 7 mile branch from Ray Junction to Ray where there is a large copper mine that provides the bulk of its business.  The line was built in 1910 as the Ray & Gila Bend Railroad.

 

 

The organ pipe cactus tells us we are Arizona as 401, 304, 302, head the Mine Job climbing from Kearney to Hayden on 11 May 1991.

 

 

The same trio draw slowly through the Hayden dumper on 11 May 1991.  From here the copper ore is transported by conveyor up to the smelter.

 

 

304 is an EMD SD39 new as SP 5324 (35821 7219-7 4/70) at Hayden on 11 May 1991.  It later moved to the Indiana Harbor Belt.

 

 

Last time I described the Chicago & Illinois Midland’s pair of RS1325s as the rarest of EMD models.  Well, 401 comes as equally rare being one of only two GP39DCs built.  It was originally Kennecott Copper 1 (36792 5764-1 6/70) and still serves the Copper Basin.  

 

In its “1966” line, EMD offered the 2000hp non-turbo 16-cylinder GP38 with a generator as standard but with the option of an alternator (GP38AC).  But with the 2300hp turbocharged 12-cylinder GP39 the offer  was reversed, the alternator being the standard with the generator as an option hence the GP39DC although to be fair the GP39 wasn’t a big seller either with only 21 built – the model didn’t really take off until the -2 versions became available.

 

Corpus Christie Terminal.  Provides switching service within the port at Corpus Christie, Texas.  It connects with the three Class 1 railroads serving the city, BNSF, KCS and UP.  Genesee & Wyoming took over the operation in 1997.

 

Wearing G&W livery, 9576, a SW1500 new to Penn Central (736221-17 10/73) switching at CCTA Crossing in Corpus Christie on 10 August 2001.

 

 

Wearing a striking “home” livery, 475 is former Santa Fe CF7 2475 which started life as F7A 263L (13735 3095-A5 8/51) and was rebuilt at Clerburne in 10/76.  It served a couple of other shortlines before coming to Corpus Christie from the Nashville & Eastern.

 

Conway Scenic Railroad.  Not a conventional shortline but more of a heritage line, I thought I’d share a few views.  It operates out of Conway, New Hampshire, and includes the former Boston & Main Conway branch and part of the old Maine Central Mountain Division up to Crawford Notch, a total of 51 miles.  It started operations in 1974.  Today a mixture of steam and diesel powered trains are operated.

 

 

FP9A 6516, new to CN (C217-A3 1957), alongside the ball signal at North Conway on 23 September 2001.  When the ball on such signals was hauled to the top it indicated “proceed” hence the term “highball”.  Incidentally, back in the 1840s the GWR had a similar signal at Reading and the rule book of the day instructed drivers that: “if the ball is not visible, drivers must not pass it”.  Almost as good for ambiguity as my personal favourite from the Santa Fe which issued the instruction that: “On arrival, trains will turn on the wye and reverse into Grand Canyon”!

 

 

Former CN 0-6-0 7470 waits to depart from North Conway on 23 September 2001.  It was built in the Grand Trunk’s shops at Point Ste. Charles, Montreal (1500/12) in April 1921 as a class F9 switcher numbered 1795 becoming 7470 when the GTR was merged into the CN in 1923.

 

 

7470 attracts the attention of my good friend Brian Daniels, the well-known 0 gauge diesel modeller of this parish, proving that he does occasionally show an interest in steam power despite his protestations to the contrary!

 

 

Superbly restored to as built condition, Maine Central GP7 573 (12369 6152-3 9/50) passes the old station at Glen NH with the Mountain Division train on 23 September 2001.

 

Next time we move onto the 'D's.

 

Edited April 6, 2022 by Mike_Walker

[F-UnitMad]

8 hours ago, Mike_Walker said:

 

 

N Gauge has come on a long way in recent years, hasn't it?  

[Mike_Walker]

We’ve now reached the ‘D’s.

 

D&I Railroad or Dakota & Iowa.  This operates from Dell Rapids, South Dakota to Sioux City, Iowa, 138 miles with connections to BNSF at Sioux Falls, SD and with BNSF, CN and UP at Sioux City.  It is owned by L G Everist Company and hauls sand, gravel, grain, fertiliser and ethanol.

 

 

DAIR 5, a GP9, at Dells Rapids SD on 25 September 1997.  It was built in 7/59 (25323 7575-49) as Milwaukee 328 passing to L G Everist still as 328 before becoming DAIR 5.

 

Dakota Southern.  Runs 190 miles between Kadoka, South Dakota, and Mitchell, South Dakota, as well as the Napa Junction to Platte Line, which is owned by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. It formerly also ran 54.5 milesbetween Napa Junction and Platte, South Dakota.  It connects with the BNSF Railway in Mitchell and Napa Junction.

 

 

4427, a former Southern Pacific SD9E, at Chamberlin SD on 6 October 1997. Built in 4/55 as a SD9 (19957 5365-30) as SP 5416, later 3894, and upgraded as SP 4427.  Visible beyond is Union Pacific ‘Centennial’ DDA40X 6925 which was a static display.  Today it looks rather forlorn but a move to the Nebraska RR Museum is said to be on the cards.

 

 

213, also at Chamberlin SD on 6 October 1997 was 213, an ALCo C420 new to the Long Island (84784 4/64) which passed through several owners before settling in South Dakota.

 

Dallas Garfield & Northeastern.  This railroad is headquartered in Richardson, Texas and operates over rail lines totalling approximately 233 miles, including industrial leads.  It was started by RailTex in 1992 on former MKT trackage.  Later becoming part of RailAmerica, is is now a G&W property.

 

 

2001, a SD20, exercises the DGNO’s trackage rights on UP as it passes DART 190 at Dallas Union Station on 13 August 2001.  It was built as a cabless SD24B (25397 5602-B10 7/59) for the Union Pacific (409B).  It was sold to the ICG who rebuilt as a ‘SD20’ bestowing the number 2001 which it carried with the Missouri & North Arkansas before moving to Texas.

 

 

2022, a former GP7U at Garland TX on  14 August 2001 displays the original livery.  Built as ATSF 2804 (17459 5200-12 10/52) is became ATSF 2022 when rebuilt in 1984.

 

 

701, another ex-ATSF GP7U, along with 2022, leaves Garland TX with a westbound freight on 14 August 2001.   701 was built as ATSF 2744, a GP7 (16388 5145-22 8/52) and became 2241 when upgraded in 1981.

 

Dardanelle & Russellville.  This company, chartered as far back as 1883, operates freight service from a connection with UP at Russellville to North Dardanelle, AR, a distance of 4.8 miles. Traffic includes forest products, plastic, petroleum and drilling commodities.

 

 

ALCo S1 18 outside the engine house at North Dardanelle AR on 28 March 2004.  It was built in 11/48 (75901) as East St. Louis Junction 100.  It is still on the property but not currently in use.

 

Decatur Junction. This  is one of several short-line railroads owned by Pioneer Railcorp. In September 1993, the Decatur Junction Railway Co. signed a lease agreement for the lease rights of two segments of track in east central Illinois from Assumption to Cisco owned by a consortium of grain dealers. The railroad's principal commodities are grain, fertilizer and plastics.

In January 2017, short-line operator OmniTrax, via subsidiary Decatur Central Railroad, took over operations of 16 miles of track north of Decatur to Cisco that had previously been part of the Decatur Junction.  The change in operators left the Decatur Junction with a 21-mile line running from Elwin, near Decatur, south to Assumption.

 

 

This was a hard one to find, a general view of Decatur Junction's Assumption IL "engine terminal" on 14 October 1996.  Left to right: 1607, 1608, both ex-CSX GP16s and West Jersey RR RS3 7804.  The GP16s were built as GP9 SAL 1920 (21522 7526-11 11/55) and GP7 ACL 225 (14969 5141-2 11/51) respectively whilst 7804 was an ALCo RS3 built as Delaware & Hudson 4094 (80184) in 9/52.

 

Delta Southern.  Formed in 1991 and headquartered in Tallulah, Louisiana, the DSRR operates two disconnected lines, both of which interchange with Union Pacific: a 14-mile line from Monroe, Louisiana, to Sterlington, Louisiana and a 37-mile line from Tallulah, Louisiana to Talla Bena, Louisiana. Service being restored to Lake Providence, Louisiana and the port of Lake Providence.

 

 

The unmistakeable outline of a CF7, 105, stands in front of the Koch Nitrogen plant at Sterlington LA on 5 October 2000.  Built as Santa Fe 20L, as a F3A (2737 E630-A9 11/46), it was rebuilt in 2/72 becoming ATSF 2629.

 

Detroit & Mackinac.  Founded in 1894, the D&M operated a maximum of 375 miles in north eastern part of Lower Michigan.  It was sold to the Lake States Railway in 1992.

 

 

381 at Gaylord MI on 12 September 1990 is an ALCo C425 (3433-08 12/65) built new as Pennsylvania 2444. It later became Conrail 5078.

 

Dodge City Ford & Bucklin.  This somewhat obscure railroad operated 26½  miles of former Rock Island trackage between Bucklin and Dodge City, Kansas.  It operated freight and excursion passenger service but part if not all of the route has been abandoned and torn up.

 

 

6601, an ALCo S1 in Mopac-inspired livery, at Dodge City KS on 18 April 2002.  It was built in 1/41 (69407) as US Army 5497.

 

Edited April 6, 2022 by Mike_Walker

[Mike_Walker]

Time for the ‘E’s.

 

East Portland Traction.  Formerly part of Portland Traction interurban system, the East Portland Traction company acquired just over 4¼ miles in East Portland and Milaukie, Oregon, in 1991.  It is part of Richard Samuels’ Oregon Pacific.

 

 

 

EPTC 500, a GE 80Ton built new as US Army 7144 (15896 1/43) at Milwaukie Junction OR on 2 October 2003.  Behind it is another GE 80 Ton (32395) which was built as Pacific Lumber 101 in 1956 and therefore exhibits many differences.  It was acquired by Mr Samuels in 1994 and used as a parts donor until being scrapped in 1994.

 

Eastern Idaho Railroad.  This Watco subsidiary started operations in 1993 on several former Union Pacific branches divided into two clusters and totalling 270 miles.  Connections are made with the UP at Idaho Falls and Minidoka.

 

 

A fine collection of Eastern Idaho power sits at Idaho Falls on  21 May 2000 awaiting its next assignment.  3503, 3508 and 3512 are former WP EMD GP35s 3004, 3012 and 3020 (2401 7662-4 11/63; 29031 7770-2 11/64 and 30224 7790-8 4/65 respectively) in Watco’s corporate livery whilst 2242 is a GP30 (28150 7643-43 5/63) still in Conrail blue having been new as Pennsylvania 2242. Note the prominent spark arrestors fitted to the exhaust stacks.

 

Elk River Railroad.  I stumbled upon this outfit by accident!  It is little known and appears to have been formed in 1989 when it acquired a section of the Baltimore & Ohio's former Coal & Coke Branch to Charleston, West Virginia that would likely have otherwise been abandoned. While service was initially promising all traffic dried up after only a short time.  However, the Elk River still persists, mostly on a mothballed status and currently survives by finding whatever means of revenue possible with the only activity occurring at the quiet yard in Gassaway while sporadic movements are handled to the Appalachian & Ohio interchange at Gilmer.  

 

 

Elk River Geeps 1, 5, 3 and 2 sitting in the yard at Gassaway, West Virginia on 14 October 1997.  They have varied heritages:  1 is a GP10 built as IC GP9 9337 (23837 5553-38 12/57) and rebuilt as ICG 8337 in 12/74; 2 is another GP10 built as IC GP9 9060 (19902 5359-13 12/54) and rebuilt as ICG 8060 6/69; 3 is a GP8 which started life as a GP7 with the Wabash 475 (17076 6413-1 8/52) becoming N&W 3475 and was then rebuilt in 8/75 by Precision National as Illinois Terminal  1750; and 5, a GP9 ex-N&W 885 (24894 5587-34 8/59).

 

 

The final member of the fleet is GP9 no.4 built as N&W 872 (24882 5587-22) in 7/59.  All five are still reported to be owned but see little use although more recent photographs show the still appear to be well looked after.

 

Escanaba & Lake Superior.  Earlier on I described the attitude of shortlines as varying between enormously welcoming and downright hostile.  The EL&S falls into the latter group.  I called at their office and barely had chance to introduce myself before being told in no uncertain terms to “get off the property immediately or else”.

 

The company has a long history of operations in upper Michigan and Wisconsin dating back to the late 1870s hauling iron ore and timber.  In 1980 it expanded by taking over some former Milwaukee lines in the area.

 

The E&LS was noted for its fleet of Baldwin diesels and I found out a few days later from a more welcoming railroad that the E&LS has not long before received a visit from railfans who stripped the builders plates and a number of other parts from some of its locos so perhaps their aggressive attitude was understandable.  A classic case of mindless morons ruining it for the rest of us.

 

 

Therefore I had to be content with a couple of long shots from outside their boundary.  A pity because RS12 300 was wearing GN style livery at the Wells MI roundhouse on 6 September 1990. Built in 1/53 (75767) as Seaboard Airline 1747 and became SCL 215 then Michigan Northern 215 before joining the E&LS.  It is reputedly still active.

 

 

Four more RS12s.  Closest to camera is RS12s 207 (75475 5/52) which was new as SAL 1466 and still wearing the colours of is previous owner, Oregon California & Eastern. Beyond are 213 or 214 and 212 in MN livery and 211 in OCE livery .

 

 

To help operate the ex-MILW lines, four SD9s were leased from Reserve Mining.  1222 (19991 5389-3 6/55) and 1221 (19990 5389-2 6/55) are seen in the Wisconsin Central’s former Milwaukee yard in Green Bay WI on 4 September 1990.

 

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway.  Not a shortline in the usual sense, the E&N was the largest operator on Vancouver Island. It was founded in 1883 and became a part of Canadian Pacific in 1905.  From then on it was just a CPR backwater until it regained some form of independent identity in the mid-1990s (it was always the E&N to locals and enthusiasts) but CP sold the property soon after.

 

 

CP painted two GP38s in this attractive green and yellow E&N livery as part of its short lived “independence”. 3004 (A2474 5/70) still sported the livery when seen back on the mainland at Coquitlam shops BC on 10 July 2002.  It’s sister was 3005 which by then, whilst still green, had CP markings.

 

Essex Terminal.  This Ontario shortline provides switching service between Windsor and Amherstburg, 21 miles and dates from 1902.

 

 

A view inside the shops at Windsor on 26 October 1996 where we see SW8 104 (A611 2/54); SW1200 105 (A949 4/56), and just visible on the right, SW1500 107 (37436 7314-1 4/71) which started life as a plant switcher first at EMD La Grange then at the Canadian GMD plant in London.

 

 

Sitting outside the shops on the same occasion was General Chemical B-14 a Montreal-built S4 (77600 10/52), originally CN 8020 which was visiting from the company's plant in Amherstburg for some maintenance to be carried out.

 

Next time the F's .

Edited April 6, 2022 by Mike_Walker

[Wendell1976]

Here's a sidenote about the Eastern Idaho Railroad: Most of the EIRR's locomotives are in the corporate image of Watco(black and yellow). The Union Pacific Railroad has trackage rights on the line between Minidoka and Buhl(via Burley and Twin Falls).

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Idaho_Railroad

https://web.archive.org/web/20140201200735/http://www.watcocompanies.com/Railroads/eirr/eirr.htm

 

Wendell

Idaho, USA 

[Warspite]

Whilst we’re talking about the Eastern Idaho RR, I thought I would share one of the photos I took at Ashton ID in January 2018. At the time, there was a regular EIRR local turn from Idaho Falls to Ashton mainly serving grain elevators. The grain cars at Ashton were switched by this ‘Shuttle Wagon’. We followed the old Teton Valley Branch Railroad from Ashton to Victor via Tetonia and Driggs. Sadly, the Teton Valley line closed about 30 years ago but many of the grain elevators are still in use.

 

[Mike_Walker]

We’ve now reached the ‘F’s.

 

Ferdinand Railroad.  This 6½ mile line linked Ferdinand, Indiana with Huntingburg where it connected with the Southern Railway’s Evansville branch. Opened in 1909, it was abandoned in 1991.

 

 

The railroad’s last locomotive was 101 a GE 45 Tonner (31715 2/53) bought new replacing no.9, a classic 4-4-0.  After abandonment of the Ferdinand it moved to the Louisville, New Albany & Corydon, another Indiana shortline with whom it is seen on 21 October 1996 still in the livery of its former owner.  Sadly, it was scrapped in 2009.

 

Finger Lakes Railroad.  Named after the part of New York state it operates in, this 167 mile system, headquartered in Geneva, NY, links Solvay with Canandaigua and Victor along with two branches from Geneva to Rich and Seneca Army Depot.  A separate line between Penn Yan and Watkins Glen is reached by trackage rights on NS between Geneva and Himrod Junction.  It commenced operations in 1995.

 

 

1701 at Geneva in September 1998 is GP9m built in 2/59 (25018 5590-3) as a GP9 for the Cotton Belt, 828 and later, after rebuilding 3871. It was later Farmrail 3871.  The attractive livery is obviously based on the old New York Central scheme, much of the network being ex-NYC.

 

 

GP9s 1702 and 1703 passing through Himrod NY on the ex-PRR Penn Yan to Watkins Glen line in September 1998.  1702 (25281 7575-7 3/59) was originally Milwaukee 286 and later Farmrail with the same number.  1703 has the same heritage and was the last of the same batch (25326 7575-52 7/59) previously Milwaukee and Farmrail 331.

 

 

Florida Central, Florida Midland and Florida Northern.  These three lines were all closely related members of the Pinsly family until sale to Regional Rail in 2019.  The railroads are:

Florida Central, 69 miles of former Atlantic Coast Line between Orlando and Umatilla plus branches.

Florida Midland, three disconnected former ACL and SAL lines: Wildwood to Leesburg, 12 miles; West Lake Wales to Frostproof, 15 miles and Winter Haven to Gordonville, 7 miles.

Florida Northern, 24 miles from Chandler through Ocala to  Lowell plus switching at Ocala.

 

 

All three lines relied on former ATSF CF7s which, despite being lettered for the individual railroads, turned up on any of the three.  Florida Central  56 on  the Florida Midland at East Lake Wales on 21 April 1999 was ATSF 2565 rebuilt from F5A 34L (6621 E1014-A9 1/49) in 6/73.

 

 

Florida Midland 65, CF7 at Winter Haven on 21 April 1999 was on its correct line and was ATSF 2643, originally F7A 270L (18913 6543-A3 11/53) and rebuilt in 1/71.

 

 

Florida Central 50 is on the Florida Northern passing the Ocala depot having just crossed the CSX main line.  It was built as ATSF F7A 244L (8934 E1241-A15 12/49) and was rebuilt in 8/74.

 

Florida West Coast.  Not associated with the foregoing, this operated 33 miles of former ACL track between Newberry and Cross City.  Started in 1987, it was abandoned  in 2010.

 

 

The motive power consisted of a pair of ex-Rock Island GP18s painted in an attractive ACL inspired livery.  1337 and 1353 retained their former owners numbers and were EMD 25454 5605-5 1/60 and 26942 7610-10 10/61 respectively. Both came to Florida by way of the La Salle & Bureau County.

 

Fort Smith Railroad.  This Pioneer subsidiary operates 17 miles between Fort Smith and Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.  The line was former Missouri Pacific track and was acquired in 1991.

 

 

A gathering of power at the Fort Smith shops on 28 March 2004.  Alabama & Florida (another Pioneer line) 1612 is a GP16 built as a GP7 (14960 5125-9 9/51) for the Atlantic Coast Line, 242.  The others are all former ATSF EMD GP20s, 2038, 2002 and 2031 (26861 7609-31 11/61; 25575 7584-3 5/60 and 26873 7609-43 12/61 respectively).

 

Fort Worth & Western.  Began operations on just 6½ miles of track in 1988 and has since expanded to some 276 miles connecting Carrolton through Fort Worth with Ricker on BNSF from where it has trackage rights to a connection with the Texas Pacifico at San Angelo Junction.  The company is controlled by the locally-owned Tarantula Corporation.

 

 

FW&W 5007 is a GP35 which clearly shows its Canadian heritage by the bell on the cab front.  It was Canadian Pacific 5007, originally 8207, built by GMD Canada (A2040) in 5/64.  Behind it is 2001 a “GP38-3” rebuilt from another GP35 which started life as DRGW 3050 (30023 7782-2) in 1/65.  They seen at NE 23rd St. North Fort Worth on 12 August 2001.

 

 

Sitting under the sand tower at Hodge Yard in North Fort Worth on the same day we find 1500,  a GP7U (17012 5170-13 10/52) which was ATSF 2785 and 2000 another “GP38-3” rebuilt from DRGW GP35 3038 (29371 7735-2 6/64).

 

 

The FW&W also hosts the Grapevine Vintage Railroad which operates excursion services between Grapevine and Fort Worth Stockyards. The railroad operates either with Diesel power or steam using 4-6-0 2248 seen arriving at Stockyards station Fort Worth on 12 August 2001. It was built by Cooke in (2341 7/1896) as Southern Pacific 1829 part of its Class DA. In 1901 it was renumbered 2248 and reclassified  T-1.

 

Fox River Valley.  This rather short-lived operation was set up in 1988 by the parent of the Green Bay & Western, Itel Rail Corporation, to acquire around 213 miles of former CNW track between Green Bay, Wisconsin and the north side of Milwaukee.  Much of the route paralleled Wisconsin Central’s former Soo route and, along with the GBW, the Fox River Valley was absorbed by the WC in 1993.

 

 

The centre of operations was Green Bay where there was a sizeable yard and roundhouse.   Much of the motive power was of CNW origin including in this September 1990 view, Geeps 4301, 4610, 4810,  and 4514 along with former CBQ SD24 2402, Southern SD35 2500 and former Lake Superior & Ishpeming ALCo RSD15s 2404 and 2407.

 

 

GP9m 1701, ex-CNW 4509 nee-Minneapolis & St Louis 700 (24755 5580-1 9/58), was one of only a handful of locos to receive full FRV livery and is seen at Neenah WI on 4 September 1990.

 

 

832, GP35 ex-CNW; 2405, RSD15 ex-LSI and 815, GP30 ex-CNW, all in their former liveries heading south out of Neenah WI towards County Road G crossing on 4 September 1990. FRV owned five ex-LS&I ALCo RSD15s which were originally Santa Fe units, 2405 was new as ATSF 838 (83574 5/60).  They were commonly known as “Alligators” by virtue of their long snouts and the cut-outs for the sand fillers.

 

 

Already branded WC,  former FRV 2402 and 2401, both former CBQ SD24s (25207 5598-11 and 25212 5598-16 6/59 respectively) awaiting sale at North Fond du Lac shops on 9 October 1996.

 

Next time I'll start on the 'G's

Edited April 7, 2022 by Mike_Walker

[pH]

8 hours ago, Mike_Walker said:

 

FW&W 5007 is a GP35 which clearly shows its Canadian heritage by the bell on the cab front.  It was Canadian Pacific 5007, originally 8207, built by GMD Canada (A2040) in 5/64. 

That’s a blast from the past! #5007 was a local engine, based at Port Coquitlam. I remember the GP35s being used for switching and local trips, though not for very long. They followed the GP9s on that type of work, and were replaced quite quickly by GP38ACs and GP38-2s.

[Mike_Walker]

Hi all,

 

Just a quick holding post to confirm I've not lost interest or gone away.  Just been extremely busy over the past couple of weeks (not even time to do any modelling ) but I should be putting the first group of 'G's up next week.

 

Mike

[Mike_Walker]

After a pause we resume with the first ‘G’s.

 

Galveston Railroad.  With its origins dating back to the Galveston Wharves Railway in 1900, this 32 mile line provides switching service within the Port of Galveston.  It is owned by the City of Galveston but is now operated by Genesee & Wyoming .

 

 

303, 304, 302, 305, all SW1001s purchased new in 1975-77, await a new day’s call at the Galveston TX engine house. on 17 August 2001.

 

 

SW1001s 302 and 305 and NW2 771, built for the Rock Island (6130 E973-7 1/49) outside the engine house in Galveston TX on 16 August 2001 along with a GP9m bearing the number 301 which I’ve been unable to trace.  Any suggestions?

Thanks to a swift response from John Upton, 301 has now almost certainly been identified as a Kentucky & West Tennessee unit, new as Milwaukee 318 (25313 7575-39) in 6/59.  Quite what it was doing so far from home is unknown but there are pictures of it on www.rrpicturearchives.net still at Galveston in 2004.

 

Garden City Western.  Located in south west Kansas, the GCW was built by the Garden City Sugar & Land Co. in 1915 to service its sugar mill in Garden City.  The railway was sold to Pioneer Railcorp in 1999.

 

 

Colourful GP9, 200 at Garden City KS on 27 September 1997.  It started life as Northern Pacific 300 (22783 5524-16 2/57) and was later BN 1738 before joining the GCW in 1990.  After the Pioneer takeover it passed to Wind City Grain, still in Garden City.

 

 

Pioneer replaced 200 with this plain black GP8 803 outside the engine house at Garden City on 19 April 2002. Originally Pittsburgh & Lake Erie GP7 5683 (14580 6306-2 9/51) it passed to the Illinois Central Gulf who rebuilt as a "GP8" in 4/75.

 

Gateway Eastern.  This is a somewhat obscure operation running 17 miles of former New York Central (“Big Four”) trackage between East St. Louis and East Alton, Illinois.  It was started in 1994 by the regional Gateway Western which had been formed in 1990 to take over the old Alton from the bankrupt Chicago Missouri & Western.  Bothe Gateways were taken over by the Kansas City Southern in 1997.

 

 

The Gateway Eastern’s  only locomotive, 2000, an ex-CR GP38  new in 9/69 as Penn Central 7777 (35406 7191-103) waits out the weekend at Willows IL, it usual base, on 21 October 1995.  This would have been hard to find but fortunately a good friend and railfan who lives not too far away knew exactly where to look.

 

Genesee & Wyoming.  This company has been mentioned many times already as it is now an important player in the industry owning many shortline and regional railroads across North America plus overseas, not least of course, Freightliner here in the UK.

 

Its origins date back to 1891 as a traditional shortline operating in the area south of Rochester in New York state principally serving some salt mines.  After those closed it file for bankruptcy but restructured itself and expanded to become the major player it is today.

 

 

Sadly as the doors are open you can’t see this SW1001 is actually lettered for Genesee & Wyoming not one of its other companies.  The appropriately numbered 1001 at Brooks Ave. Yard, Rochester NY on 2 October 2001 was built as Reading 3605 (73623-5) in 1973 and later became CR 9405.

 

Georgia Central.  Operates about 174 miles of former Seaboard Coast Line track from Macon through Dublin and Vidalia to Savannah, Georgia. It also operates about 20 miles of trackage between Savannah and Riceboro, Georgia, switching Interstate Paper LLC. It connects with CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. It started operations in 1990 and has since become  a subsidiary of, you’ve guessed it, Genesee & Wyoming.

 

 

Early in its career, the GC relied on GEs such as 1004 and 3968, both U23B’s, laying over at Macon GA on 17 April 1999. 1004 (39261) was built in 7/73 as LN 2732 whilst 3968 (41521) dates from 2/77 and was originally Southern 3968 hence the low and high short hoods respectively.

 

 

7011 at Gwinett Avenue, Savannah GA on 26 April 1999 is a SW9 (11166 4054-2 6/52) built as Grand Trunk Western 7011.

 

Georgia Southwestern.  Formed in 1989 this company operates two segments, 79 miles between Rochelle, Georgia, through Cordele and Americus to Mahrt, Alabama and 128 miles between Columbus, GA, south to Bainbridge.  Both are former Seaboard Air Line trackage.  Originally set up by RailTex, control passed first to RailAmerica and now with G&W.

 

 

Bearing the company’s original livery GP40s 4028 and 4029 were at Americus GA on 17 April 1999.  Both were new to Norfolk & Western as 1351 (31891 7901-23) and 1352 (31892 7901-24) in 4/66.  Originally they had high noses of course.

 

 

Wearing the later RailAmerica livery, 3808 and 3812 are both former Southern GP38s, 2718 (35428 7189-3 9/69) and 2739 (35269 5144-12 9/69) which have been upgraded to “GP38-3” standards and had their noses chopped by VMV at Paducah, KY.  3808 at lest bears the reporting mark NECR – New England Central, another RailAmerica company, power being regularly moved between subsidiaries.

 

Golden Triangle.  Hidden away in central Mississippi, this 10 mile line was built by Weyerhaeuser in 1981-82 to service its large paper mill at Trinity, MS.  The mill is now owned by International Paper and the railway by Patriot Rail.

 

 

GP38-2s 819 and 810, ex-CMER 819, 810, alongside the KCS main line at Bent Oak MS on 3 October 2000.  Both were built in 1/81 for the Curtis Milburn & Eastern, another Weyerhaeuser company bearing the same numbers (796388-3 and 796388-4).

 

More G’s to come next time including one with a familiar and hallowed name!   It claims “We do it better!”

Edited April 7, 2022 by Mike_Walker
Additional details added - GP9 301.