Continuity & Change: The Lure of North American Railroads

I just received my complementary copy of the “Continuity & Change: The Lure of North American Railroads” book by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art and I’m so honored to have six of my images included in this breathtaking 384-page book!

I’m so humbled, honored and grateful to share the pages of this book with so many outstanding photographers! It’s available for ordering from their website at: https://railphoto-art.org/category/books/

An excerpt from their website on the book: “Continuity & Change: The Lure of North American Railroads is a dazzling publication by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art that explores the photography of contemporary railroading in North America and the passage of time. 230 photographs and thirteen essays delve into a wide range of topics: railroads and nature, pathways of commerce, passenger railroading, heritage activities, workers, international connections, continent-crossing networks, and how the passage of time marks both railroads and photography.”

Scott Lothes and his team have really outdone themselves on this one!

CSX loaded military train S850 sits in the siding at the north end of Rankin, Kentucky as they meet a southbound I025 on the Henderson Subdivision on August 4th, 2022. I'm told that lately this intermodal has been running with these autoracks loaded with Teslas on their way south. Today's train had 25 autoracks. The cars range in price from $46,000 - $120,000, depending on the model. Military Humvees cost around $70,000 each. Upgraded humvee variants, called armored or up-armored Humvees, carry higher price tags that range from $160,000 to $220000. A lot of money being moved here, not even including the intermodal shipments! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/3000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX loaded military train S850 meets I025 at Rankin, KY on the Henderson Subdivision

CSX loaded military train S850 sits in the siding at the north end of Rankin, Kentucky as they meet a southbound I025 on the Henderson Subdivision on August 4th, 2022. I’m told that lately this intermodal has been running with these autoracks loaded with Teslas on their way south. Today’s train had 25 autoracks. The cars range in price from $46,000 – $120,000, depending on the model.

Military Humvees cost around $70,000 each. Upgraded humvee variants, called armored or up-armored Humvees, carry higher price tags that range from $160,000 to $220000. A lot of money being moved here, not even including the intermodal shipments!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/3000, ISO 100.

CSX L382 puts out a bit of smoke as it pulls away from WF Ware after picking up a cut of grain cars at Trenton, Kentucky on July 12th, 2022, on the Henderson Subdivision. L382 is the local that runs between Casky yard in Hopkinsville and Guthrie, Ky and here we catch it as it starts its run back to Casky. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 220mm, f/5.3, 1/1250, ISO 200. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX L382 puts out a bit of smoke as it pulls away from WF Ware at Trenton, KY

CSX L382 puts out a bit of smoke as it pulls away from WF Ware after picking up a cut of grain cars at Trenton, Kentucky on July 12th, 2022, on the Henderson Subdivision. L382 is the local that runs between Casky yard in Hopkinsville and Guthrie, Ky and here we catch it as it starts its run back to Casky.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 220mm, f/5.3, 1/1250, ISO 200.

CSX M512 approaches the bridge replacement area, just south of Hanson, Kentucky

CSX M512 approaches the bridge replacement area, just south of Hanson, Kentucky as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision under stormy skies on August 2nd, 2022. Fortunately, we here in Western Kentucky have not seen the massive flood waters like they have in the eastern park of the state. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Kansas City Southern 4149 leads an eastbound freight toward KCS/MILW Joint Agency’s Knoche Yard at Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City Southern 4149 leads an eastbound freight toward KCS/MILW Joint Agency’s Knoche Yard at Kansas City, Missouri on June 30th, 2022. The Kansas City Southern, along with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, used the Joint Agency Yard from 1942 until 1985. It is now operated by the KCS and Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad (IC&E). Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 550mm, f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 360. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer

Ex-Dynegy switcher 9344, that is now lettered GMTX 527 with, at Paducah, Kentucky

When I was on photo assignment for the Paducah and Louisville Railway on July 8th, 2022, at Paducah, Ky I was given permission to photograph this ex-Dynegy switcher 9344, that is now lettered GMTX 527, as it sat in the north end of the yard for Progress Rail to pick it up. Not sure what’s being done to it or for who, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to photograph it.

From what I can find online: Dynegy Inc. was an electric company based in Houston, Texas, in the United States. It owned and operated several power stations in the U.S., all of which were natural gas-fueled or coal-fueled, until merging with Vistra Corp on April 9, 2018. I’m not a power guy, but I understand that it is a SW1500 with relco remote control added. It was built as PRR 7925 (SW1200) on 12/1957 and has a frame number of 4414-26.

If you have any other information, please share it in the comments!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110.

I love the way the light and shadows played across this scene of CSXT 834 and 3450 as they led CSX I028 northbound across the flood plain, headed north into Evansville, Indiana on July 14th, 2022. Add in the simplicity of the soybean fields surrounding the train, plus the angle I choose for the composition, gave me an image that I'm very happy with! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

I love the way the light and shadows played across this scene of CSXT 834 and 3450…

I love the way the light and shadows played across this scene of CSXT 834 and 3450 as they led CSX I028 northbound across the flood plain, headed north into Evansville, Indiana on July 14th, 2022. Add in the simplicity of the soybean fields surrounding the train, plus the angle I choose for the composition, gave me an image that I’m very happy with!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.

Paducah & Louisville Railway 35th Anniversary units, 2021 and 1986 work at the north end of the yard in this Infrared photo from July 8th, 2022, at Paducah, Kentucky. The two engines have been painted in colors and scheme closely matching the original PAL paint scheme from 1986 and are in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Paducah and Louisville Railway. Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 24mm, f/7.1, 1/250, ISO 200. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #infraredtrainphotography #infraredphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #irphotography

Paducah & Louisville Railway 35th Anniversary units, 2021 and 1986 at Paducah, Ky in Infrared

Paducah & Louisville Railway 35th Anniversary units, 2021 and 1986 work at the north end of the yard in this Infrared photo from July 8th, 2022, at Paducah, Kentucky.

The two engines have been painted in colors and scheme closely matching the original PAL paint scheme from 1986 and are in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Paducah and Louisville Railway.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 24mm, f/7.1, 1/250, ISO 200.

CSXT 911 leads a northbound empty coke train B420, on May 15th, 2022, as it pulls away from Arklow at Madisonville, Kentucky with an empty coke train after dropping off its load at Calvert City Terminal at Calvert City, Ky on the Paducah and Louisville Railway. CSXT 911 is one of several specialty painted units that CSX has painted in the last few years and this unit honors First Responders. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 330mm, f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 250. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

CSXT 911 leads a northbound empty coke train B420, on May 15th, 2022 at Madisonville, Kentucky

CSXT 911 leads a northbound empty coke train B420, on May 15th, 2022, as it pulls away from Arklow at Madisonville, Kentucky with an empty coke train after dropping off its load at Calvert City Terminal at Calvert City, Ky on the Paducah and Louisville Railway.

CSXT 911 is one of several specialty painted units that CSX has painted in the last few years and this unit honors First Responders.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 330mm, f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 250.

Paducah and Louisville Railways' (PAL) newly painted 35th Anniversary engines 2021 and 1986, work in the north end of the yard on July 8th, 2022, at Paducah, Kentucky. According to Wikipedia: The Paducah & Louisville Railway is a Class II railroad that operates freight service between Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky. The line is located entirely within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 270-mile line was purchased from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in August 1986. Flown and access with permission from the Paducah and Louisville Railway. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 130. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Paducah and Louisville Railways’ 35th Anniversary engines 2021 and 1986 working at Paducah, KY

Paducah and Louisville Railways’ (PAL) newly painted 35th Anniversary engines 2021 and 1986, work in the north end of the yard on July 8th, 2022, at Paducah, Kentucky.

According to Wikipedia: The Paducah & Louisville Railway is a Class II railroad that operates freight service between Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky. The line is located entirely within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 270-mile line was purchased from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in August 1986.

Flown and access with permission from the Paducah and Louisville Railway.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 130.

Several firsts for me in this drone image from June 24th, 2022, showing the whole loop at Warrior Coal outside Nebo, Kentucky! On this Norfolk Southern coal train, we find NS Illinois Terminal Heritage Unit 1072 leading with Paducah and Louisville University of Kentucky locomotive, 4522 trailing, as they prepare to load an empty coal drag, with NS Southern Heritage Unit 8114 bringing up the rear. This was my first time catching a coal train with a heritage unit leading and as a DPU on the rear, plus doing so on the Paducah and Louisville Railway with one of the University of Kentucky units in the consist was pretty cool! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1500, ISO 130. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

NS Illinois Terminal Heritage Unit 1072 leading with Paducah and Louisville University of Kentucky locomotive, 4522 trailing and NS Southern Heritage Unit 8114 as DPU

Several firsts for me in this drone image from June 24th, 2022, showing the whole loop at Warrior Coal outside Nebo, Kentucky! On this Norfolk Southern coal train, we find NS Illinois Terminal Heritage Unit 1072 leading with Paducah and Louisville University of Kentucky locomotive, 4522 trailing, as they prepare to load an empty coal drag, with NS Southern Heritage Unit 8114 bringing up the rear.

This was my first time catching a coal train with a heritage unit leading and as a DPU on the rear, plus doing so on the Paducah and Louisville Railway with one of the University of Kentucky units in the consist was pretty cool!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1500, ISO 130.

CSX 914 travels through the expansive flood plain with the fields full of corn and soybeans, as CSX loaded grain train heads south out of Evansville, Indiana on the Henderson Subdivision on July 14th, 2022. Here they are staring the climb up the viaduct over the Ohio River to Henderson, Kentucky, and points south. During the rainy season much of this area as far as the eye can see is prone to floodwaters from the Ohio River. This is a favorite area for me and many other railfans to chase and photograph trains because of the uniqueness of the long viaduct which is right at 4.5 miles long. The viaduct and bridge over the river were built by the L&N railroad and were dedicated on the last day of 1932 at a cost about $4 million. It replaced one that was erected in 1885, also built by the L&N, and at that time was the longest channel span of that type in the world at 2.3 miles long. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX 914 travels through the expansive flood plain with the fields full of corn and soybeans from Evansville, IN

CSX 914 travels through the expansive flood plain with the fields full of corn and soybeans, as CSX loaded grain train heads south out of Evansville, Indiana on the Henderson Subdivision on July 14th, 2022. Here they are staring the climb up the viaduct over the Ohio River to Henderson, Kentucky, and points south. During the rainy season much of this area as far as the eye can see is prone to floodwaters from the Ohio River.

This is a favorite area for me and many other railfans to chase and photograph trains because of the uniqueness of the long viaduct which is right at 4.5 miles long.

The viaduct and bridge over the river were built by the L&N railroad and were dedicated on the last day of 1932 at a cost about $4 million. It replaced one that was erected in 1885, also built by the L&N, and at that time was the longest channel span of that type in the world at 2.3 miles long.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

UP 5970 leads CSX S988 as it heads south through the S Curve at Nortonville, Kentucky with two new Brightline Green and Pink commuter train sets, as they head for Florida, on the Henderson Subdivision on July 16th, 2022. These train sets were built by Siemens in Sacramento, California and are destined for service along Brightline’s routes in Florida. According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run intercity rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida that runs on track owned by Florida East Coast Railway. An extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport is expected to open in 2023. Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. Its development started in March 2012 as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries; a Florida real estate developer owned by Fortress Investment Group. Construction began in November 2014 and the route opened in January 2018. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX S988 as it heads south through the S Curve at Nortonville, Kentucky

UP 5970 leads CSX S988 as it heads south through the S Curve at Nortonville, Kentucky with two new Brightline Green and Pink commuter train sets, as they head for Florida, on the Henderson Subdivision on July 16th, 2022.

These train sets were built by Siemens in Sacramento, California and are destined for service along Brightline’s routes in Florida.

According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run intercity rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida that runs on track owned by Florida East Coast Railway. An extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport is expected to open in 2023.

Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. Its development started in March 2012 as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries; a Florida real estate developer owned by Fortress Investment Group. Construction began in November 2014 and the route opened in January 2018.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

Evansville Western Railway 6003 leads the daily local run between Mt. Vernon, IN and Evansville, IN as it approaches the north end of Nations siding on its return trip to Mt. Vernon on July 15th, 2022. According to Wikipedia: The Evansville Western Railway (reporting mark EVWR) is a Class III common carrier shortline railroad operating in the southern Illinois and Indiana region. It is one of three regional railroad subsidiaries owned and operated by P&L Transportation. The other one is the Appalachian & Ohio Railroad operating out of West Virginia. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 130. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Evansville Western Railway 6003 leads the daily local run between Mt. Vernon, IN and Evansville, IN

Evansville Western Railway 6003 leads the daily local run between Mt. Vernon, IN and Evansville, IN as it approaches the north end of Nations siding on its return trip to Mt. Vernon on July 15th, 2022.

According to Wikipedia: The Evansville Western Railway (reporting mark EVWR) is a Class III common carrier shortline railroad operating in the southern Illinois and Indiana region. It is one of three regional railroad subsidiaries owned and operated by P&L Transportation. The other one is the Appalachian & Ohio Railroad operating out of West Virginia.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 130.

CSX S988 heads south over Gum Lick Trestle, just north of Kelly, Kentucky with two new Brightline Green and Pink commuter train sets, with UP 5970 leading, as they head for Florida, on the Henderson Subdivision on July 16th, 2022. The “Gum Lick” name comes from the fact that the valley here is named Gum Lick Hollow and it sits between Crofton and Kelly Kentucky where it crosses over the West Fork of Pond River, and it is the highest trestle on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. These train sets were built by Siemens in Sacramento, California and are destined for service along Brightline’s routes in Florida. According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida that runs on track owned by Florida East Coast Railway. An extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport is expected to open in 2023. Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. Its development started in March 2012 as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries; a Florida real estate developer owned by Fortress Investment Group. Construction began in November 2014 and the route opened in January 2018. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 120. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX S988 heads south over Gum Lick Trestle, just north of Kelly, Kentucky with two new Brightline train sets

CSX S988 heads south over Gum Lick Trestle, just north of Kelly, Kentucky with two new Brightline Green and Pink commuter train sets, with UP 5970 leading, as they head for Florida, on the Henderson Subdivision on July 16th, 2022.

The “Gum Lick” name comes from the fact that the valley here is named Gum Lick Hollow and it sits between Crofton and Kelly Kentucky where it crosses over the West Fork of Pond River, and it is the highest trestle on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

These train sets were built by Siemens in Sacramento, California and are destined for service along Brightline’s routes in Florida.

According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida that runs on track owned by Florida East Coast Railway. An extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport is expected to open in 2023.

Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. Its development started in March 2012 as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries; a Florida real estate developer owned by Fortress Investment Group. Construction began in November 2014 and the route opened in January 2018.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 120.

CSX I028 makes its way down the Viaduct after crossing the Ohio River docked at Henderson, Kentucky, after passing the American Duchess paddle wheeler at Henderson, as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision at Rahm, Indiana on July 14th, 2022. This is one of several great shots I snagged in this area while out railfanning with outstanding rail photographer Brian Caswell. We’ve been friends here on Facebook for some time and finally met up in person for a half day on the Henderson Subdivision. Check out his page SpeedShot Train Photography and give it a like for some inspiring train photography!! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 110. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX I028 makes its way down the Viaduct from Henderson, KY at Rahm, IN on the Henderson Subdivision

CSX I028 makes its way down the Viaduct after crossing the Ohio River docked at Henderson, Kentucky, after passing the American Duchess paddle wheeler at Henderson, as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision at Rahm, Indiana on July 14th, 2022.

This is one of several great shots I snagged in this area while out railfanning with outstanding rail photographer Brian Caswell. We’ve been friends here on Facebook for some time and finally met up in person for a half day on the Henderson Subdivision. Check out his page SpeedShot Train Photography and give it a like for some inspiring train photography!!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 110.

#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

What could be better than the light at dusk and five beautiful BNSF units leading a northbound loaded potash and empty ethanol combined train? Well, actually I can think of a lot of things, but still a nice picture! I first caught this CSX B207 as it headed across the CR Drawbridge in downtown Nashville, Tennessee as it began its trip north on July 12th, 2022. That was about 4pm in the afternoon and I had no idea I’d catch up with it as it was about 5:30 before I left town, and traffic was pretty congested all the way to Clarksville, TN! But here I was, ahead of it at Mortons Gap, KY almost 4 hours later, on the Henderson Subdivision, getting this nice light shot at 7pm! There was also two CSX units on it as mid train DPUs. The power was: BNSF 3687, 8028, 4397, 6714, 5992 leading with CSXT 3430 and 3387 as mid train DPUs. Actually, they were also heading up the empty ethanol train. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @ 10mm, f/4, 1/320, ISO 1100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #regionalrailroad

CSX B207 northbound at Mortons Gap, Ky on the Henderson Subdivision with five BNSF units

What could be better than the light at dusk and five beautiful BNSF units leading a northbound loaded potash and empty ethanol combined train? Well, actually I can think of a lot of things, but still a nice picture!

I first caught this CSX B207 as it headed across the CR Drawbridge in downtown Nashville, Tennessee as it began its trip north on July 12th, 2022. That was about 4pm in the afternoon and I had no idea I’d catch up with it as it was about 5:30 before I left town, and traffic was pretty congested all the way to Clarksville, TN! But here I was, ahead of it at Mortons Gap, KY almost 4 hours later, on the Henderson Subdivision, getting this nice light shot at 7pm! There was also two CSX units on it as mid train DPUs.

The power was: BNSF 3687, 8028, 4397, 6714, 5992 leading with CSXT 3430 and 3387 as mid train DPUs. Actually, they were also heading up the empty ethanol train.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @ 10mm, f/4, 1/320, ISO 1100.