CSXT Metropolitan & Cumberland Subdivisions

Metropolitan & Cumberland Subdivisions

Metropolitan Subdivision

Shortly after the formation of CSX, consists of matched Chessie System power were still possible to lens. In 1989, two renumbered GP40-2's, C&O 6167 and WM 6268 lead two originally numbered GP40-2's on an eastbound manifest at Brunswick, MD.
Photo by Kevin Burkholder

Before the days of MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuters), the Maryland Department of Transportation operated passenger service between Brunswick, MD and Washington, D.C. In 1989, MDOT F9PH 7182 idles at the passenger platform in Brunswick, MD.
Photo by Kevin Burkholder

In 1988, CSX freights began seeing intermingled consists of predecessor units. On a warm June day, the equivalent of today's Q-217 sits idle west of Brunswick, MD with former B&O SD40-2 8257, former SCL SD40-2 8007, and another former B&O SD40-2.
Photo by Kevin Burkholder

B&O GP40-2 4223 and GP40 3762 team up to move empty hoppers north from Newport News to Richmond, VA. This train is seen near Williamsburg, VA in 1985.
Photo by Kevin Burkholder

Known as the "Baby Boats", Seaboard Coast Line and Maine Central were the only interested roads in the lighter version of the U23B. U18B 1935 basks in bright Maryland sunshine outside the once bustling Brunswick shops. At the time of this photo in 1989, Brunswick shop forces were still busy prepping units for daily service.
Photo by Kevin Burkholder

For those that never witnessed a pair of Chessie GP40-2's on the Brunswick turntable, this shot's for you! In 1989, B&O 4303 and C&O 4286 were nose to nose as they prepared to "take a spin". Not apparent in the photo, but definitely apparent while there, were numerous other GP's being worked on inside the roundhouse.
Photo by Kevin Burkholder

Cumberland Subdivision / Magnolia Cutoff

Peter McGilligan and I made a pilgrimage to the Cumberland area in the Fall of 1991, and again in the Fall of 1995. I hope you enjoy some of my photographs from the former trip! Eastbound R344-24 passes under the highway overpass at Hancock, West Virginia. It is about to pass still-active HO Tower. Many of the towers on the Magnolia Cutoff and on Sand Patch have been retired, so get your pictures while you can!

A local train tied up at Hancock, WV. Local service from Hancock runs up a short branch to Berkeley Springs, WV delivering sand to the U.S. Silica plant along U.S. 522.

Although originally assigned as helpers on the Mountain Subdivision, CSXT's new SD70MAC's are finding their way around the system. Witness loaded coal train T104-02 passing Hancock Tower at 12:23 on April 5, 1998, behind CSXT GP40-2 6247 and SD70MAC's 704 and 718. T104 is bound for a power plant in Florida. Once Conrail's 15 SD70MAC's (4130-4144) are assimilated into CSX's roster, it will be more common to find the Big Mac's throughout the system.
Photo by Melanie L. Good

On October 3, 1997, CSXT Q217-02 passes the B&O block signal at Orleans Crossroads, WV. Access to Magnolia Cutoff locations begins here via Doe Gully Road and a dirt road going towards Randolph Tunnel and Magnolia Bridge.

The Magnolia Cutoff is known for it's bridges and tunnels. One such location is Magnolia Bridge, where trains cross the Potomac into Maryland, traverse Carothers Tunnel, then cross the Potomac again back into West Virginia. Here, Q286-01 is seen re-entering WV behind SD40-2's 8091 and 8420.

Several minutes later, Hagerstown-to-Cumberland train D721-03 headed west at Magnolia Bridge behind a GP35 Road Slug and it's GP40-2 "mother" unit.

Cumberland, MD

Now a rare sight, a Chessie System SD35 awaits its next assignment at CSXT's Cumberland (MD) engine terminal. Since this picture was taken in 1991, CSX has repainted most of their power - and retired the SD35's.

Another Cumberland area attraction is the tourist railroad running on the ex-WM main from Cumberland to Frostburg, MD. In 1991, the operation was called the Western Maryland Scenic Railway, featuring WM-painted equipment such as this ex-VIA FPA4 painted as WM 305.