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.