PASSING TRAINS PT22

Train AT57, the Detroit-Baltimore auto train, rolls into town. But on the head end is something different from the normal AP&W power...

The train is led by a trio of BNSF engines!

But not just any engines: all three are GE ES44C4 engines; note the modified trucks.

The three units are on loan from BNSF, as the AP&W tests the design to see if they will work on their intermodal and general freights. They seen to work on the BNSF -they have over 1,000 of the units in operation! And late last year, the Florida East Coast received 25 ES44C4's as well.

The train slows for a crew change, as Brad watches. While the train will continue on to Baltimore, the engines will return to Hillsdale...

CARPACK

A look at some of the cars in the yard...

As noted before, on-going track work has resulted in the replacement of ties, which are then loaded on retired bulkhead flatcars.

Now in the 9940xx series, car 994038 displays the MOW 'supply' grey scheme, and one of several variations of yellow reflective striping.

Car 994025 displays the early version of striping; note there are only six strips instead of seven as on the previous car.

Car 994078 once again shows seven strips; this is the most common pattern.

Car 994082 shows two variations, used on the final cars in the group. First, it has painted stencil reporting marks, rather than the more common number/letter decals. Secondly, while it has six strips on the side, note the locations have changed; the end strips have been moved to the bulkhead ends, above the stirrups, which now places them higher on the carbody.

CSXT 225416 is an older covered hopper that's starting to show its age -note the big rust spot on the side. This car just delivered a load of fertilizer to Keystone Fertilizers, and will be sent to Cumberland to be returned to CSX.

WHEEL PAINTING/HAPPY EASTER

Recently, I have been busy painting wheelsets. Here are some of the results...

The car on the right has its factory-applied wheelsets, the car on the left has replacement wheelsets that I painted. Notice the improved appearance.

This Conrail CoilSHEILD car now has painted wheelsets as well, which also highlight the weathered trucks.

A special "high and wide" train passes through town -the Easter Train!

While the Rock Island -painted engine on the head end is interesting enough, the real treat -literally- is what is loaded on the cars; giant chocolate bunnies!

Protectively wrapped and securely strapped to the cars, they are headed east to parts unknown...

(Okay, they are headed to "known parts"; mouths, stomachs, hips, etc.)

Bringing up the rear is a caboose whose colors match the wrapping on the bunnies!

HAPPY EASTER!