The Philadelphia Chapter of the

National Railway Historical Society

Established in 1936

As part of the signaling project on the SEPTA Main Line, all motive power traversing between Wayne Junction and Tabor Junction is now required to be equipped with cab signals. Since Day One CSX has been ripping the cab signals out of the former Conrail engines they acquired in the split, so there is a bit of a shortage. The current power in Lansdale was basically stranded up there this week, save for runs on the Stony Creek Branch, until CSX obtained a temporary waiver to allow them to operate trains without cab signals on the SEPTA Main to the Trenton Line via the Blue Line connection. CSX is now looking to send cab-signaled power for the Lansdale transfer job, and eventually, when the new signaling reaches north of Glenside, for the local power. This will basically mean an end to the variety of engines sent to Lansdale and create a dedicated pool of power for the area. Current power is CSX SD40-2 8542 and 8201 for the C746 transfer job and GP38-2 2578 and GP40-2 6130 for the locals B745/B738. It is expected that the new C746 power will be former Conrail units in the 8800's, of which about 30% are still in Conrail Blue, 50% in Bright Future and 20 % in Dark Future paint.

All pictures September 18 2005 Copyright © 2005 John P. Almeida

Photographs for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image. Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.