PASSING TRAINS PT 43; GM408 PT 2

 GM408 has entered Hillsdale for a crew change...

The new crew has climbed aboard, checked the motive power, and performed the break test. Now, time to head out!

549 leads the way east towards Baltimore.

All three engines are seen here exiting the yard.

The first hopper has AP reporting marks, the second one has CHTT marks. Note also, the different shades of grey.

A string of GATX hoppers.

Another AP hopper that now has the FRA-required yellow conspicuity striping applied.

Many of the CEI-marked hoppers lack the AP&W herald.

Some, however, do have the herald.

One of the GATX Leasing units.

Another one of the GATX Leasing cars. Note that the reporting marks are slightly smaller than on the previous car, even though the road number size appears to be the same. Were these cars lettered by a different shop that had smaller stencils/lettering decals?

The end of GM408 next week.

PASSING TRAINS PT 43; GM408 PT1

 A eastbound grain movement is entering town...

GM408, the Chicago-Baltimore grain train rounds the curve.

ET44AC 549 leads the charge, as GM408 enters Hillsdale Yard. A BNSF GEVO and a GECX demonstrator unit trail.

The train will be stopping for a crew change.

The new firemen/brakeman climbs aboard to join the engineer, who's already in the cab.

A profile of 549.

A profile of BNSF 5538, a GE ES44C4. Note the A-1-A trucks, with special equipment to slightly raise the center axle for improved starting traction on the powered axles. Only BNSF and Florida East Coast bought ES44's with this feature.

GECX 2026, one of the GE ET44AC demo/test units. Canadian National and the AP&W both purchased a number of these units in 2017, with CN purchasing a dozen, and the AP&W buying ten of the remaining twelve, along with it's own order for fifty new units. 2026 is one of those units, along with sister 2032 -now the Salute To Service unit.

A number of AP&W hoppers are on the head end. Note the west end of the yard is full of empty crude oil tankers in temporary storage.

A grimy tank car poses in front of a string of CHTT-marked hoppers. At least the tank car lacks graffiti.

A string of CEI- marked hoppers. The Chicago & Eastern Illinois was acquired by the APRR in the late 60's, along with the Chicago Great Western. These cars are leased; hence, no logo (except the last one!) 

It may be January, but it will be grain month! More of GM409 next week.

NEW YEAR'S EVE BEER RUN!

 As we close out 2023, here is one last video -a beer run!

Needless to say, the locals won't be thirsty tonight!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN PASSES THROUGH

    

 A video of this year's Christmas Train passing through town!

PASSING TRAINS PT 42; SND40 PT3

 The rest of SND40...

A 53' Gunderson well car "patched" with the new red logo.

An AOK MAXI IV car, with a white container, providing another break from the TTX yellow..

The back half of the train is comprised of spine cars loaded with trailers.

And more trailers.

A lone container amidst the trailers.

The final car brings up the markers with the flashing EOT.