Back in Service on CSX

On Monday afternoon I got word that a B183 empty coke train (formerly K183) was coming east on CSX.  Leading it were two engines still in YN2 paint.

Even better the lead engine was a GE C40-8W, which are extremely rare in Class 1 service. In fact all other Class 1s have retired this class, including CSX. But CSX has pulled some of these units out of the dead lines in the past year.  

My first catch was not that train but a Wheeling & Lake Erie train that was about to head west from Akron. 

I waited at a crossing west of the yard but when it finally came what had been a brightly lit scene was covered in clouds.

Fortunately, he was merely doubling up the train and not leaving just yet and the sun returned for his backup move. The motive power of two SD40-3s including the 7001 – a 50th anniversary Operation Lifesaver tribute unit – and an ex-FURX unit still in silver and green paint made a nice lash-up.

Next we waited at Howard Street but the clouds and then rain came but not the train.

By now the CSX train was nearing Akron so I went to the Tallmadge Road overpass.  It was still raining when the train arrived climbing the grade to Cuyahoga Falls.

Of course, it quit raining and the sun returned a few minutes after the train had gone by. But that’s Ohio weather for you.

Article and Photographs by Todd Dillon

Tags: CSX, CSX in Akron Ohio, CSX locomotives, CSX motive power, CSX New Castle Subdivision, Photographs of Akron railroads, Railroads of Akron Ohio, Todd Dillon photography, Wheeling & Lake Erie, Wheeling & Lake Erie locomotives, Wheeling & Lake Erie motive power