THE TRASH TRAIN

Hauling trash has become a very profitable venture for the railroads, and the AP&W is no different.

A trash train from Pittsburgh rolls into Hillsdale, as Bob rolls out on his bike.

The 5000hp of the single SD80MAC is sufficient to pull the train. This is an ex-Conrail unit, as identified by the red class lights on the nose.

The train rolls under the bridge as it heads out of town.

Most of the cars and containers are the orange equipment of DSE. These containers are hauling Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).

Loaded on special open-decked 85' flatcars, the 20' containers are loaded four to a car. Due to their 12' height, they are too tall to be used in double-stack well cars like standard containers, which are only 8.5' - 9.5' high. They are also too tall to be transported by trucks as well!

At the tail end of the train, some blue containers on a black flatcar show up; finally some variety! Everyone will be glad to see this train pass; while the containers are sealed shut, there is still a "whiff" of the contents following the train!