PASSING TRAINS PT5; CNY60 PT1

Another intermodal train rolls through Hillsdale...

This time, it's train CNY60, a Chicago-NYC intermodal. Today's train has SD70MAC 8663 in charge, with UP AC44CW 5714 trailing as run-through pool power.

Several reefer boxes are in the train, including these two; one from Tiger Cool Express and one from AXSUN. There are also a number of FedEx Intermodal containers in the train as well.

In fact, much of the train is loaded with FedEx boxes. The AP&W's fast schedules and consistently reliable service help it land -and keep- customers as it competes with NS and CSX for the same traffic -even as it partners with NS on many routes through southern Pennsylvania (note the NS engines from last week are still in the yard).

Among the railcar equipment is this Florida East Coast car. It is an "all-purpose" car in that it can be loaded with either containers, as seen here, or trailers; it has hitches at both ends for loading either a pair of 28' trailers or one longer trailer.

Also on the train are Swift containers and another one from Crowley.
The rest of the train next week.

IN THE YARDS, VISITORS

Hillsdale Yard has some visitors...

A set of NS engines sits in the yard, one track over from 3163.

The first unit is  SD60E 911, making a return trip to Hillsdale.

The second unit is SD60E 6963, painted with GO Rail graphics -and lime green cab roof! Note that it also has a larger fuel tank than 911.

A closer look at 6963's graphics. GO Rail is an initiative to promote increased shipping by rail. I saw this unit here in Lynchburg, Va. while it was on its way to D.C. for it's "official" unveiling in 2014.

The third unit is ES40DC 7515. Note that this unit has yet to be updated with PTC, unlike the other two. It still has its original antenna domes; the small one is for the GPS, while the big one covers all the communication antennas.

The heavy-duty flatcar is back with its newly refurbished generator. It will now head back east to its new owner.

PASSING TRAINS PT4; PITT27 PT3

The conclusion of PITT27...

An older 68' bulkhead flatcar is among the Trailer Train cars in the train. Note the deck risers.

Another look at some of the tank cars in the train as it rolls past downtown. The corn syrup tank cars are leased from UTLX by Corn Products Corporation.

Another look at the bulkhead flatcar, passing its RailBox cousins. While most of these cars had their deck risers removed in the 70's, some still kept them. These cars are now being retired from service as they are at the fifty -year age limit for interchange service.

A TTZX car leads another string of centerbeam bulkhead flats.

An unusual grey car -with red lettering! I photographed one of these CRLE cars, and the Atlas model is nearly spot-on.

An empty AP&W flatcar brings up the rear.
Until next week!

PASSING TRAINS PT4; PITT27 PT2

Last week saw the arrival of Pitt27 from Philadelphia, on its way to Pittsburgh. More of the train...

A Specialty Minerals tank car is followed by more centerbeam bulkhead flatcars.

A Canadian Pacific NSC covered hopper, sub-lettered SOO, leads a string of  oil-carrying tank cars, including an AGP car.

The other four cars are dedicated to biodiesel, which the AP&W is VERY interested in, as a potential emissions reduction fuel.

Lake Erie Biofuels is leasing these cars from Trinity Rail Services, hence the TILX reporting marks.

More 60' high-cube boxcars, this time in the new TTX TBOX paint scheme.
The rest of the train next week.

PASSING TRAINS PT4; PITT 27 PT1

The steady parade of trains continue through Hillsdale...

PITT 27 rolls under the bridge with a priority manifest bound for Pittsburgh.

Today's train is pulled by AC4400 8105, the Interstate heritage unit. A single 4400hp unit is sufficient for the short train. The trailing boxcar is a former UP car, now owned by TTX.

There are lots of 60' high-cube boxcars in the train, including these two Canadian cars; one for CN and one for rival CP.

There are also lots of empty centerbeam bulkhead cars returning west for re-loading.

Another 60' high-cube, this one an NS car, followed by a string of Corn Products corn syrup tank cars.
As usual, more of the train next week.