An ABC 1501 Kind of Day

Akron Barberton Cluster SW1500 No. 1501 is eastbound heading for the yard in Barberton on Nov. 12, 2021. The unit was once on the Conrail motive power roster. It was built in June 1966 by EMD.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

ABC SW1500 in Barberton

It’s Independence Day 2021 and Akron Barberton Cluster Railway SW1500 No. 1501 reposes under a bridge in Barberton where the railroad is based.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

ABC Working in Akron

Akron Barberton Cluster Railway SW1500 No. 1501 works in Akron on June 5, 2021. The unit once worked for the Indianapolis Union Railway, a terminal railroad not unlike the original Akron & Barberton Belt that was owned by the railroads with which it connected.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

ABC Two for Tuesday in Barberton

Here is a two for Tuesday duo from July 22, 2021 in Barberton on the Akron Barberton Cluster Railway. In the top image, SW1500 No. 1501 is pulling its train at the east end of the ABC yard. In the bottom image the 1501 has cut off from its cars as it continues its work.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

ABC Two for Tuesday: SW1500 No. 1502 24 Years Apart

Here are two images of Akron Barberton Cluster No. 1502, an EMD SW1500, that were made 24 years apart. The top image was made in Barberton in April 1987 when it was still the Akron & Barberton Belt. The bottom image was made in Barberton on Aug. 26, 2021, by which time the 1502 was lettered and painted for the Akron Barberton Cluster Railway.

Photographs by Robert Farkas

At Work in Barberton

Akron Barberton Cluster Railway EMD SW1500 No. 1502 is switching in Barberton on Feb. 27, 2016.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

ABC 1501 in Akron

Akron Barberton Cluster Railway EMD SW 1500 works in Akron on June 5, 2021. The unit was built for the Indianapolis Union and later was on the Conrail motive power roster before it wound up in Northeast Ohio.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

1-2-3 on the ABC in Akron

This trio of images was in Akron on May 20, 2021. Akron Barberton Cluster SW1500 No. 1502 was backing up in all three photos. Photos one and two were from the first time I saw the switcher and photo three was from the second time. ABC 1502 is backing up a second time.

Photographs by Robert Farkas

ABC on CSX in Akron

Akron Barberton Cluster GP40 No. 4005 is eastbound on CSX in Akron on May 12, 2021. The unit was acquired in July 2019 and rebuilt at the Wheeling & Lake Erie shops in Brewster. It was released for revenue service in January 2020.

Photograph by Robert Farkas

Some Color on the ABC in Kent

Although Akron Barberton Cluster motive power typically has handled the ABC job that serves Kent and Ravenna, locomotives from parent Wheeling & Lake Erie often has pitched in to help when needed.

Such was the case on Nov. 4, 2005, when GP35 No. 2662 worked the job. Apparently the crew had not cars to take back to Akron on this day.

No. 2662, one of two locomotives to received this striking red and gold livery, is passing the former Erie Railroad passenger station in Kent.

Photograph by Craig Sanders