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Chasing CSX 3254


B&O Old Main Line
Modern day photo tour

Accompanying each photo below are:

Click a photo to see a larger view. Please send your comments and corrections to Steve.


From I-95

From I-95
Mile: 7.5 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: SE
Area: A IC2:
Map: Ba 41 G 12 Topographic Maps

The first sighting of the train on the Old Main Line (OML) comes from I-95 over the Patapsco River.

One arch of B&O's venerable Thomas Viaduct is visible on the right marking where CSX's Capital Subdivision splits off.


St. Denis

St. Denis
Mile: 6.8 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: W
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 41 J 12 Topographic Maps

Trains curving off the OML often pause at St. Denis awaiting signal to proceed into Baltimore. That's Rolling Road above CSX engine 3254.

The two brackets attached to the bridge previously held signals to control the two tracks of the OML. Yes, into the 1950s the OML was double tracked. The brackets have been devoid of signals since around that time.


Medium Approach Medium

Medium Approach Medium
Mile: 6.8 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: E
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 41 J 12 Topographic Maps

Our train was waiting for these much newer signals to change from all red (stop) to red-orange-flashing green, which translates to Medium Approach Medium: "Medium speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and over power operated switches; then proceed, approaching next signal not exceeding Medium speed."

Link: CSX Signals Chart (PDF)


Lit

Lit
Mile: 6.8 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: W
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 41 J 12 Topographic Maps

The engines roared to power soon after getting the green light, headlights and horns blaring. CSX 3254 is a General Electric model ET44AC.

When chasing a train, railfans often refer to its "train symbol." CSX employs train symbols consisting of a letter and number, for example, "Q116". Since I do not know the symbol of this train, I'll refer to it by the number of its lead locomotive.

Link: CSX Train Symbol List


CSX 5323

CSX 5323
Mile: 6.8 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: W
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 41 J 12 Topographic Maps

Assisting is engine 5323 sporting the unusually yellow-tinted CSX monogram of 5300 engines.


Usual Suspects

Usual Suspects
Mile: 6.8 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: E
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 41 J 12 Topographic Maps

A mild winter day brings the regulars out to watch the action at St. Denis.


Switching

Switching
Mile: 6.8 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: E
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 41 J 12 Topographic Maps

Beyond I-195 our train switches from the Old Main Line track (left) to the Cap Sub's track Number 2 Main (right).


CSX 80

CSX 80
Mile: 4.1 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: E
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 42 E 8 Topographic Maps

Sulphur Spring Road may end here but the railroad does not. There's no sign of CSX 3254... or is there?


Imposter

Imposter
Mile: 4.1 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: SE
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 42 E 8 Topographic Maps

Hey, there's our train!

Wait a sec, that's CSX 3241, not our beloved 3254, which has been given priority to proceed ahead of these two through Baltimore's Howard Street Tunnel bottleneck.


Approach

Approach
Mile: 3.2 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: B View: NE
Area: B- IC2:
Map: Ba 42 E 6 Topographic Maps

Here at the undefended border between Baltimore County and City, we've arrived prior to 3254 where signals guard the entrance to Mount Clare Yard. Our train is being shown an orange-red-red signal to Approach: "Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding Medium speed must immediately begin reduction to Medium speed as soon as the engine passes the Approach signal."


Gable Avenue

Gable Avenue
Mile: 3.1 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: W
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 42 F 6 Topographic Maps

Sure enough before long, CSX 3254 rumbles to what's left of the Gable Avenue grade crossing at the southwest corner of Mount Clare Yard. The current main line (foreground tracks) splits here from the Old Main Line (far right).

At distant left something looks odd about the consist...


Under Cover

Under Cover
Mile: 3.1 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A- View: W
Area: B IC2:
Map: Ba 42 F 6 Topographic Maps

Aha, we're not the only ones chasing 3254! A train of autoracks is keeping pace alongside on track number 1. Soon both trains will grind to a halt within seconds of each other.


Zepps

Zepps
Mile: 2.5 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: B View: NE
Area: C IC2:
Map: Ba 42 G 5 Topographic Maps

From Zepps we can get an overhead view of the yard and its idle trains.


Trio

Trio
Mile: 2.2 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: SW
Area: B- IC2:
Map: Ba 42 H 4 Topographic Maps

Three locomotives vie to be the first to cross Hollins Ferry Road. Who's it gonna be?


We Win

We Win
Mile: 2.2 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: NE
Area: B- IC2:
Map: Ba 42 H 4 Topographic Maps

Was there any doubt? With downtown Baltimore looming beyond I-95, our train is first to get the orange-green-red Approach Medium signal: "Proceed, approaching next signal not exceeding Medium speed."


Warning

Warning
Mile: 2.2 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: NW
Area: B- IC2:
Map: Ba 42 H 4 Topographic Maps

Then, without movement of trains, either the engineer or dispatcher activated the Hollins Ferry Road crossing lights...


Forward

Forward
Mile: 2.2 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: W
Area: B- IC2:
Map: Ba 42 H 4 Topographic Maps

... and CSX 3254 powered up...


Good_Bye

Good Bye
Mile: 2.2 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: NE
Area: B- IC2:
Map: Ba 42 H 4 Topographic Maps

... leaving the other trains, and us, behind -- some 2 hours since departing St. Denis. The Howard Street Tunnel is about 2 miles ahead.


Next

Next
Mile: 7.5 Date: Feb 2017
Ease: A View: NW
Area: A IC2:
Map: Ba 41 G 12 Topographic Maps

Back at the Patapsco River crossing, the Old Main Line rests briefly before the next chase candidate.



Thanks for following along.

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