CSXT 3115 pulls upgrade leading Q025 at Mortons Gap, KY

CSX Q025 pulls up grade out of the valley with CSXT 3115 leading the way at Mortons Junction on the Henderson Subdivision as it heads south at Mortons Gap, KY in this infrared shot on July 16th, 2021.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Sigma 150-600 @ 300mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO 400.

CSXT 3115 pulls upgrade leading Q025 at Mortons Gap, KY

CSX Q025 pulls up grade out of the valley with CSXT 3115 leading the way at Mortons Junction on the Henderson Subdivision as it heads south at Mortons Gap, KY in this infrared shot on July 16th, 2021.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Sigma 150-600 @ 300mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO 400.

CSX G371 loaded grain express train at Mortons Gap, KY

Well, I finally made the plunge and had my Fuji XT-1 mirrorless camera converted to infrared (IR)! I've been toying with this idea for some time as I've always loved the look of black and white IR photography and have thought that the subject of railroads would lend themselves to this technique! Even at 71 years old it's never too late to learn something new! I hope you all enjoy my journey!

In this shot we find CSXT 3313 as pulls off the Earlington cutoff at Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky on its way north on the Henderson Subdivision on July 16th, 2021 with loaded Grain Express train CSX G371.

I'm really loving the starkness that the B&W infrared photography gives me in these images!

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Fuji 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4, 1/1000, ISO 200.

CSX G371 loaded grain express train at Mortons Gap, KY

Well, I finally made the plunge and had my Fuji XT-1 mirrorless camera converted to infrared (IR)! I’ve been toying with this idea for some time as I’ve always loved the look of black and white IR photography and have thought that the subject of railroads would lend themselves to this technique! Even at 71 years old it’s never too late to learn something new! I hope you all enjoy my journey!

In this shot we find CSXT 3313 as pulls off the Earlington cutoff at Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky on its way north on the Henderson Subdivision on July 16th, 2021 with loaded Grain Express train CSX G371.

I’m really loving the starkness that the B&W infrared photography gives me in these images!

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Fuji 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4, 1/1000, ISO 200.

CSX Track Inspection trainset W001 at Mortons Junction, Mortons Gap, KY

CSXT 6025 leads CSX W001 inspection train as it passes through Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky with Southern Pacific Birch Grove, CSX Florence and TGC2 Geometry Car trailing, as they make their way south on the Henderson Subdivision on July 13, 2021.

Research from a friend reveals: Built by The Budd Company in 1950 as 6 double bedroom, 10 roomette sleeping car 9020 for service on the Southern Pacific's Los Angeles-New Orleans "Sunset Limited." The car was acquired by Amtrak in 1971 and renumbered 2696. Converted to Heritage 10-6 sleeper with handicapped roomette in 1980 and renumbered to 2451 and named Birch Grove. 

The Car was retired in 1995 and sold to Cincinnati Railway Company. It was upgraded 2002-03 and had a complete interior upgrade in 2005. As of 2014 it was owned by the Cincinnati Railway Company.

CSX purchased the Birch Grove car from the Cincinnati Railway in September of 2020 and from what I find online they plan to use it as part of its executive fleet. They also bought the dome car Moonlight Dome from them for the same reason.
According to Wikipedia: A track geometry car (also known as a track recording car) is an automated track inspection vehicle on a rail transport system used to test several parameters of the track geometry without obstructing normal railroad operations. Some of the parameters generally measured include position, curvature, alignment of the track, smoothness, and the cross level of the two rails. The cars use a variety of sensors, measuring systems, and data management systems to create a profile of the track being inspected.

One of the earliest track geometry cars was Car T2 used by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Project HISTEP (High-Speed Train Evaluation Program). It was built by the Budd Company for Project HISTEP to evaluate track conditions between Trenton and New Brunswick, NJ, where the DOT had established a section of track for testing high-speed trains, and accordingly, the T2 ran at 150 miles per hour or faster.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

CSX Track Inspection trainset W001 at Mortons Junction, Mortons Gap, KY

CSXT 6025 leads CSX W001 inspection train as it passes through Mortons Junction at Mortons Gap, Kentucky with Southern Pacific Birch Grove, CSX Florence and TGC2 Geometry Car trailing, as they make their way south on the Henderson Subdivision on July 13, 2021.

Research from a friend reveals: Built by The Budd Company in 1950 as 6 double bedroom, 10 roomette sleeping car 9020 for service on the Southern Pacific’s Los Angeles-New Orleans “Sunset Limited.” The car was acquired by Amtrak in 1971 and renumbered 2696. Converted to Heritage 10-6 sleeper with handicapped roomette in 1980 and renumbered to 2451 and named Birch Grove.

The Car was retired in 1995 and sold to Cincinnati Railway Company. It was upgraded 2002-03 and had a complete interior upgrade in 2005. As of 2014 it was owned by the Cincinnati Railway Company.

CSX purchased the Birch Grove car from the Cincinnati Railway in September of 2020 and from what I find online they plan to use it as part of its executive fleet. They also bought the dome car Moonlight Dome from them for the same reason.
According to Wikipedia: A track geometry car (also known as a track recording car) is an automated track inspection vehicle on a rail transport system used to test several parameters of the track geometry without obstructing normal railroad operations. Some of the parameters generally measured include position, curvature, alignment of the track, smoothness, and the cross level of the two rails. The cars use a variety of sensors, measuring systems, and data management systems to create a profile of the track being inspected.

One of the earliest track geometry cars was Car T2 used by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Project HISTEP (High-Speed Train Evaluation Program). It was built by the Budd Company for Project HISTEP to evaluate track conditions between Trenton and New Brunswick, NJ, where the DOT had established a section of track for testing high-speed trains, and accordingly, the T2 ran at 150 miles per hour or faster.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

CSX W998-12 NB with a high and wide load at Mortons Gap, KY

Well, I finally made the plunge and had my Fuji XT-1 mirrorless camera converted to infrared (IR)! I’ve been toying with this idea for some time as I’ve always loved the look of black and white IR photography and have thought that the subject of railroads would lend themselves to this technique! Even at 71 years old it's never too late to learn something new! I hope you all enjoy my journey!

In this shot we find CSXT 322 as it leads a high and wide load of windmill parts consisting of motors and housings as it heads north through downtown Mortons Gap, Kentucky on its way north on the Henderson Subdivision on July 15th, 2021.


Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 200.

CSX W998-12 NB with a high and wide load at Mortons Gap, KY

Well, I finally made the plunge and had my Fuji XT-1 mirrorless camera converted to infrared (IR)! I’ve been toying with this idea for some time as I’ve always loved the look of black and white IR photography and have thought that the subject of railroads would lend themselves to this technique! Even at 71 years old it’s never too late to learn something new! I hope you all enjoy my journey!

In this shot we find CSXT 322 as it leads a high and wide load of windmill parts consisting of motors and housings as it heads north through downtown Mortons Gap, Kentucky on its way north on the Henderson Subdivision on July 15th, 2021.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 200.

CSX Track Inspection trainset W001 at Breton, KY

CSXT 6025 leads CSX W001 as it passes through Breton, Kentucky, southbound with Southern Pacific Birch Grove, CSX Florence and TGC2 Geometry Car, as they make their way down the Henderson Subdivision on July 13, 2021.

According to Wikipedia: A track geometry car (also known as a track recording car) is an automated track inspection vehicle on a rail transport system used to test several parameters of the track geometry without obstructing normal railroad operations. Some of the parameters generally measured include position, curvature, alignment of the track, smoothness, and the cross level of the two rails. The cars use a variety of sensors, measuring systems, and data management systems to create a profile of the track being inspected.

One of the earliest track geometry cars was Car T2 used by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Project HISTEP (High-Speed Train Evaluation Program). It was built by the Budd Company for Project HISTEP to evaluate track conditions between Trenton and New Brunswick, NJ, where the DOT had established a section of track for testing high-speed trains, and accordingly, the T2 ran at 150 miles per hour or faster.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

CSX Track Inspection trainset W001 at Breton, KY

CSXT 6025 leads CSX W001 as it passes through Breton, Kentucky, southbound with Southern Pacific Birch Grove, CSX Florence and TGC2 Geometry Car, as they make their way down the Henderson Subdivision on July 13, 2021.

Research from a friend reveals: Built by The Budd Company in 1950 as 6 double bedroom, 10 roomette sleeping car 9020 for service on the Southern Pacific’s Los Angeles-New Orleans “Sunset Limited.” The car was acquired by Amtrak in 1971 and renumbered 2696. Converted to Heritage 10-6 sleeper with handicapped roomette in 1980 and renumbered to 2451 and named Birch Grove. The Car was retired in 1995 and sold to Cincinnati Railway Company. It was upgraded 2002-03 and had a complete interior upgrade in 2005. As of 2014 it was owned by the Cincinnati Railway Company.

CSX purchased the Birch Grove car from the Cincinnati Railway in September of 2020 and from what I find online they plan to use it as part of its executive fleet. They also bought the dome car Moonlight Dome from them for the same reason.

According to Wikipedia: A track geometry car (also known as a track recording car) is an automated track inspection vehicle on a rail transport system used to test several parameters of the track geometry without obstructing normal railroad operations. Some of the parameters generally measured include position, curvature, alignment of the track, smoothness, and the cross level of the two rails. The cars use a variety of sensors, measuring systems, and data management systems to create a profile of the track being inspected.

One of the earliest track geometry cars was Car T2 used by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Project HISTEP (High-Speed Train Evaluation Program). It was built by the Budd Company for Project HISTEP to evaluate track conditions between Trenton and New Brunswick, NJ, where the DOT had established a section of track for testing high-speed trains, and accordingly, the T2 ran at 150 miles per hour or faster.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

CST P001 heading over the Ohio River Bridge at Henderson, KY

The nice evening light on the Henderson Subdivision bathes the scene as the CSX President’s Passenger train P001 starts its run across the Ohio River Bridge at Henderson, KY. CSX GEVO units 3310, 3271 leads with CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000 ft long. CSX had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that’s why they GEVOS led the train on June 10th, 2021.

CSX has repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on this business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio's blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395). The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CST P001 heading over the Ohio River Bridge at Henderson, KY

The nice evening light on the Henderson Subdivision bathes the scene as the CSX President’s Passenger train P001 starts its run across the Ohio River Bridge at Henderson, KY. CSX GEVO units 3310, 3271 leads with CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000 ft long. CSX had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that’s why they GEVOS led the train on June 10th, 2021.

CSX has repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on this business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio’s blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395). The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CSX J801-06 loads at Warrior Coal Mine Loop, Nebo, Kentucky

CSXT 3322 and 322 lead as CSX J801-06 creeps along as it starts to load at the Warrior Coal mine loop, just outside of Nebo, Kentucky on June 7th, 2021 under stormy skies. This train comes out of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Ky where it will return to after loading and be combined with another loaded coal train of similar length before heading south on the Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX J801-06 loads at Warrior Coal Mine Loop, Nebo, Kentucky

CSXT 3322 and 322 lead as CSX J801-06 creeps along as it starts to load at the Warrior Coal mine loop, just outside of Nebo, Kentucky on June 7th, 2021 under stormy skies. This train comes out of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Ky where it will return to after loading and be combined with another loaded coal train of similar length before heading south on the Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX President's Special P001 southbound at Sullivan, IN

CSX President's Passenger train P001 heads south as it passes under the old Louisville and Nashville Railroad coaling towers at Sullivan, IN, on the CE&D Subdivision, with CSX GEVO units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000ft long southbound on June 10th, 2021. They were leading due to issues with the DPU on the F units, which have since been fixed.

CSX repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on its business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio's blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395. The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CSX President’s Special P001 southbound at Sullivan, IN

CSX President’s Passenger train P001 heads south as it passes under the old Louisville and Nashville Railroad coaling towers at Sullivan, IN, on the CE&D Subdivision, with CSX GEVO units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000ft long southbound on June 10th, 2021. They were leading due to issues with the DPU on the F units, which have since been fixed.

CSX repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on its business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio’s blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395. The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CSX K442-19 and Q513 pass each other at Nortonville, Kentucky

I love the play of shadows and the lines in this shot of CSX K442-19 and Q513 as they pass each other at Nortonville, Kentucky. CSX K442 was running with a rainbow of power consisting of Canadian Pacific 8519, 9359, Kansas City Southern 4699 and Ferromex 4054 on April 20th, 2021, along the Henderson Subdivision and prompted me to give chase.

K442 was a combined empty ethanol train, heading back north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision with a length of 12,500 feet and with that length, there were only a few places along the line between Nashville, TN, and Evansville, IN where they could meet other trains, and the two-track main between Romney and Oak Hill is one of them.

I had been following the progress of this train for a couple days and thanks to a heads up from fellow railfan Reed Reding about it being north of Nashville and then another railfan, Steve Miller that it was passing through Hopkinsville, Ky I decided it was time to get dressed (about 7:30am) and head south to find this interesting move! About 20 miles later I found it waiting in the siding at Kelly in plenty of time to catch it and then chase it back to Madisonville, catching it a few more times!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.

CSX K442-19 and Q513 pass each other at Nortonville, Kentucky

I love the play of shadows and the lines in this shot of CSX K442-19 and Q513 as they pass each other at Nortonville, Kentucky. CSX K442 was running with a rainbow of power consisting of Canadian Pacific 8519, 9359, Kansas City Southern 4699 and Ferromex 4054 on April 20th, 2021, along the Henderson Subdivision and prompted me to give chase.

K442 was a combined empty ethanol train, heading back north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision with a length of 12,500 feet and with that length, there were only a few places along the line between Nashville, TN, and Evansville, IN where they could meet other trains, and the two-track main between Romney and Oak Hill is one of them.

I had been following the progress of this train for a couple days and thanks to a heads up from fellow railfan Reed Reding about it being north of Nashville and then another railfan, Steve Miller that it was passing through Hopkinsville, Ky I decided it was time to get dressed (about 7:30am) and head south to find this interesting move! About 20 miles later I found it waiting in the siding at Kelly in plenty of time to catch it and then chase it back to Madisonville, catching it a few more times!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.

CSX K443 southbound at Kelly, Kentucky on the Henderson Subdivision

BNSF 5202 and KCS 4677 lead CSX K443, a loaded ethanol train, southbound past the north end of Kelly Siding on the Henderson Subdivision at Kelly, Ky on April 22nd, 2021.

I tried catching this train at the south end of Slaughters, Hanson and at Nortonville, but ended up arriving at each of my spots as the train was passing through them! It seemed like every traffic light was red and every car that drove 10mph under the speed limit was between me and my next spot!! It happens sometimes and while I didn’t get the shots I wanted at each of those locations, I did at several others such as this one at Kelly! Sometimes you must be persistent in your pursuit of photos! 

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.

CSX K443 southbound at Kelly, Kentucky on the Henderson Subdivision

BNSF 5202 and KCS 4677 lead CSX K443, a loaded ethanol train, southbound past the north end of Kelly Siding on the Henderson Subdivision at Kelly, Ky on April 22nd, 2021.

I tried catching this train at the south end of Slaughters, Hanson and at Nortonville, but ended up arriving at each of my spots as the train was passing through them! It seemed like every traffic light was red and every car that drove 10mph under the speed limit was between me and my next spot!! It happens sometimes and while I didn’t get the shots I wanted at each of those locations, I did at several others such as this one at Kelly! Sometimes you must be persistent in your pursuit of photos!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.

Northbound CSX 648 with Metra #97 passing L&N Depot at Madisonville, Ky

The late afternoon sunlight rakes across the scene as newly refurbished Metra passenger engine #97 trails behind CSXT 749 and 345 on CSX Q648 passes the old Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot in downtown Madisonville, as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on June 14th, 2021.

This depot was originally dedicated in 1929 and last saw passenger service about 1968 when L&N built an office at Atkinson Yard in Madisonville and the passenger train service was moved to that location. Currently the station is owned by the city of Madisonville and houses one of the hubs of the Kentucky Innovation Stations, which helps courageous entrepreneurs, creative business founders, high-growth startups, and savvy investors star in their own success stories. 

According to Wikipedia: Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs via the Union Pacific and BNSF Railways. The system operates 242 stations on 11 rail lines. It is the fourth busiest commuter rail system in the United States by ridership and the largest and busiest commuter rail system outside the New York City metropolitan area.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

Northbound CSX 648 with Metra #97 passing L&N Depot at Madisonville, Ky

The late afternoon sunlight rakes across the scene as newly refurbished Metra passenger engine #97 trails behind CSXT 749 and 345 on CSX Q648 passes the old Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot in downtown Madisonville, as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on June 14th, 2021.

This depot was originally dedicated in 1929 and last saw passenger service about 1968 when L&N built an office at Atkinson Yard in Madisonville and the passenger train service was moved to that location. Currently the station is owned by the city of Madisonville and houses one of the hubs of the Kentucky Innovation Stations, which helps courageous entrepreneurs, creative business founders, high-growth startups, and savvy investors star in their own success stories.

According to Wikipedia: Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs via the Union Pacific and BNSF Railways. The system operates 242 stations on 11 rail lines. It is the fourth busiest commuter rail system in the United States by ridership and the largest and busiest commuter rail system outside the New York City metropolitan area.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

CST P001 heading south on the Henderson Subdivision from Evansville, IN

CSX President's Passenger train P001 heads south up the viaduct as they approach the bridge over the Ohio River to Henderson, Ky from Evansville, IN, with CSX GEVO units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000 ft long. I heard they had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that's why they GEVOS led the train on June 10th, 2021.

CSX has repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on this business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio's blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395). The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CSX P001 heading south on the Henderson Subdivision from Evansville, IN

CSX President’s Passenger train P001 heads south up the viaduct as they approach the bridge over the Ohio River to Henderson, Ky from Evansville, IN, with CSX GEVO units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000 ft long. I heard they had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that’s why they GEVOS led the train on June 10th, 2021.

CSX has repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on this business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio’s blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395). The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

Spirit of our Law Enforcement unit arrives in downtown Nashville, TN


CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) unit leading CSX Q125 (Pigeon Park - Memphis, TN to Southover Yard - East Savannah, GA) pulls into Kayne Avenue in downtown Nashville, Tennessee under the Broadway Street overpass as the last bit of sunlight reflects off the rail on June 5th, 2021 on the Nashville Terminal Subdivision.


This was my final shooting location on the chase of this train from where I first caught it at New Johnsonville, TN on the CSX Bruceton Subdivision. This is one of three-specialty painted locomotives CSXT has done and the only one I hadn’t chased till now. The other two are 911, Spirit of our First Responders and 1776, Spirit of the Armed Forces. 


According to CSX Press Releases - CSX Transportation's "Spirit of our Law Enforcement" commemorative locomotive CSXT 3194 was renamed and painted to honor our nation's police officers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect communities across our network.


Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 150mm, f/5, 1/125, ISO 280.

Spirit of our Law Enforcement unit arrives in downtown Nashville, TN

CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) unit leading CSX Q125 (Pigeon Park – Memphis, TN to Southover Yard – East Savannah, GA) pulls into Kayne Avenue in downtown Nashville, Tennessee under the Broadway Street overpass as the last bit of sunlight reflects off the rail on June 5th, 2021 on the Nashville Terminal Subdivision.

This was my final shooting location on the chase of this train from where I first caught it at New Johnsonville, TN on the CSX Bruceton Subdivision. This is one of three-specialty painted locomotives CSXT has done and the only one I hadn’t chased till now. The other two are 911, Spirit of our First Responders and 1776, Spirit of the Armed Forces.

According to CSX Press Releases – CSX Transportation’s “Spirit of our Law Enforcement” commemorative locomotive CSXT 3194 was renamed and painted to honor our nation’s police officers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect communities across our network.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 150mm, f/5, 1/125, ISO 280.

CSX President’s Special P001 southbound at Nortonville, Ky

CSX Presidents Passenger train P001 heads south as it passes through the S curve at Nortonville, Ky on the Henderson Subdivision, with CSX Gevo units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000ft long. 

From what I'm told they had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that's why they had to put the Gevos on the front during their run back south on June 10th, 2021.

CSX repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on its business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio's blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395) but can't really confirm it for sure. The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 100.

CSX President’s Special P001 southbound at Nortonville, Ky

CSX President’s Passenger train P001 heads south as it passes through the S curve at Nortonville, Ky on the Henderson Subdivision, with CSX Gevo units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000ft long.

From what I’m told they had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that’s why they had to put the Gevos on the front during their run back south on June 10th, 2021.

CSX repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on its business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio’s blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395) but can’t really confirm it for sure. The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 100.

Northbound CSX 648 with Metra #97 trailing at Mortons Gap, Ky

The late afternoon sunlight rakes across the landscape a newly refurbished Metra passenger engine #97 trails behind CSXT 749 and 345 on CSX Q648 as it heads north through Mortons Junction on the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Gap, Ky on June 14th, 2021.

One of the many things I enjoy about railfanning the Henderson Subdivision is all interesting and unusual moves we get through here, such as this Metra unit. The subdivision currently sees about 20-30 trains a day, with foreign power mixed in, such as CP, CN, rebuilds, BNSF, KCS and from time to time even NS.

According to Wikipedia: Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs via the Union Pacific and BNSF Railways. The system operates 242 stations on 11 rail lines. It is the fourth busiest commuter rail system in the United States by ridership and the largest and busiest commuter rail system outside the New York City metropolitan area.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

Northbound CSX 648 with Metra #97 trailing at Mortons Gap, Ky

The late afternoon sunlight rakes across the landscape a newly refurbished Metra passenger engine #97 trails behind CSXT 749 and 345 on CSX Q648 as it heads north through Mortons Junction on the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Gap, Ky on June 14th, 2021.

One of the many things I enjoy about railfanning the Henderson Subdivision is all interesting and unusual moves we get through here, such as this Metra unit. The subdivision currently sees about 20-30 trains a day, with foreign power mixed in, such as CP, CN, rebuilds, BNSF, KCS and from time to time even NS.

According to Wikipedia: Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs via the Union Pacific and BNSF Railways. The system operates 242 stations on 11 rail lines. It is the fourth busiest commuter rail system in the United States by ridership and the largest and busiest commuter rail system outside the New York City metropolitan area.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSXT 3194 Spirit of our Law Enforcement unit eastbound at Trace Creek, Waverly, Tennessee

CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) crosses over Trace Creek as it makes its way through the hills of Tennessee, at Waverly, TN, as it led Q125-05 (Memphis, TN - East Savannah, GA) east on the CSX Bruceton Subdivision. 

From CSX Press Releases - CSX Transportation's "Spirit of our Law Enforcement" commemorative locomotive CSXT 3194 is being renamed to honor our nation's police officers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect communities across our network.

CSXT 3194 is painted primarily in black, blue and white, with the slogans "To Protect and Serve" and "Honoring Our Law Enforcement." It also prominently features the CSX Transportation Railroad Police logo, as well as police, fire and emergency responder logos.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSXT 3194 Spirit of our Law Enforcement unit eastbound at Trace Creek, Waverly, Tennessee

CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) crosses over Trace Creek as it makes its way through the hills of Tennessee, at Waverly, TN, as it led Q125-05 (Memphis, TN – East Savannah, GA) east on the CSX Bruceton Subdivision.

From CSX Press Releases – CSX Transportation’s “Spirit of our Law Enforcement” commemorative locomotive CSXT 3194 is being renamed to honor our nation’s police officers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect communities across our network.

CSXT 3194 is painted primarily in black, blue and white, with the slogans “To Protect and Serve” and “Honoring Our Law Enforcement.” It also prominently features the CSX Transportation Railroad Police logo, as well as police, fire and emergency responder logos.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX J801-06 travels the Warrior Coal Mine Loop, Nebo, Kentucky


CSXT 3322 and 322 lead as CSX J801-06 creeps along as it begins loading at the Warrior Coal mine loop, just outside of Nebo, Kentucky on June 7th, 2021 under stormy skies. This train comes out of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Ky where it will return to after loading and be combined with another loaded coal train of similar length before heading south on the Henderson Subdivision.


Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX J801-06 travels the Warrior Coal Mine Loop, Nebo, Kentucky

CSXT 3322 and 322 lead as CSX J801-06 creeps along as it begins loading at the Warrior Coal mine loop, just outside of Nebo, Kentucky on June 7th, 2021 under stormy skies. This train comes out of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Ky where it will return to after loading and be combined with another loaded coal train of similar length before heading south on the Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX President’s Special southbound on the Henderson Subdivision

CSX President’s Passenger train P001 heads south up the viaduct approaching the bridge over the Ohio River at Henderson, Ky from Evansville, IN, with CSX Gevo units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000 ft long. Not sure, but I heard they had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that’s why they had to put the Gevos on the front on June 10th, 2021.

CSX has repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on its business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio's blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395) but can’t really confirm it for sure. The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CSX President’s Special southbound on the Henderson Subdivision

CSX President’s Passenger train P001 heads south up the viaduct approaching the bridge over the Ohio River at Henderson, Ky from Evansville, IN, with CSX Gevo units 3310, 3271 leading and CSXT 1 & 2 trailing as they pull 11 cars at a little over 1,000 ft long. Not sure, but I heard they had problems with PTC on CSXT 1 & 2 and that’s why they had to put the Gevos on the front on June 10th, 2021.

CSX has repainted two of its F40PH locomotives, to be used on its business train, into predecessor Baltimore & Ohio’s blue, gray, and black paint scheme. CSX1 is former 9998 (former Amtrak 288) and from what I can find out CSXT 2 is the former F40PH 9993 (former Amtrak 395) but can’t really confirm it for sure. The other F40s are expected to be painted in the same scheme in the coming months as they are cycled through the shops.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100.

CSX J801-06 loads at Warrior Coal Mine Loop, Nebo, Kentucky

CSXT 3322 and 322 lead as CSX J801-06 creeps along as it starts to load at the Warrior Coal mine loop, just outside of Nebo, Kentucky on June 7th, 2021 under stormy skies. This train comes out of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Ky where it will return to after loading and be combined with another loaded coal train of similar length before heading south on the Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX J801-06 loads at Warrior Coal Mine Loop, Nebo, Kentucky

CSXT 3322 and 322 lead as CSX J801-06 creeps along as it starts to load at the Warrior Coal mine loop, just outside of Nebo, Kentucky on June 7th, 2021 under stormy skies. This train comes out of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Ky where it will return to after loading and be combined with another loaded coal train of similar length before heading south on the Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSXT 3194 Spirit of our Law Enforcement unit eastbound at New Johnsonville, TN

Not the shot I had originally planned for this location of CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) unit leading CSX Q125 east across the Tennessee River, but a good alternate shot, none the less!

My primary spot for this location was going to be up close to the drawbridge with the train coming across, but when I flew down to the location, I realized the battery on the drone was at 52 percent. 

I left the drone in place till the battery dropped to 28% and flew it back to me to change it (didn’t want it to drop from the sky into the river). Not sure at the time why it was so low as I keep all the batteries on charge with an inverter in my SUV, but when I checked the inverter had come unplugged and all three batteries were less than 50% charged, I put the next strongest battery in (48%) and went airborne in time to see the train coming down the throat of the bridge! 

Even in sport mode I knew I wouldn’t make it back to my spot and so I set up for this secondary spot for this shot I knew I was going to crop as a vertical image. From now on I’ll always remember to make sure the charger is connected before I hit the road!

According to CSX Press Releases - CSX Transportation's "Spirit of our Law Enforcement" commemorative locomotive CSXT 3194 was renamed and painted to honor our nation's police officers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect communities across our network.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.

CSXT 3194 Spirit of our Law Enforcement unit eastbound at New Johnsonville, TN

Not the shot I had originally planned for this location of CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) unit leading CSX Q125 east across the Tennessee River, but a good alternate shot, none the less!

My primary spot for this location was going to be up close to the drawbridge with the train coming across, but when I flew down to the location, I realized the battery on the drone was at 52 percent.

I left the drone in place till the battery dropped to 28% and flew it back to me to change it (didn’t want it to drop from the sky into the river). Not sure at the time why it was so low as I keep all the batteries on charge with an inverter in my SUV, but when I checked the inverter had come unplugged and all three batteries were less than 50% charged, I put the next strongest battery in (48%) and went airborne in time to see the train coming down the throat of the bridge!

Even in sport mode I knew I wouldn’t make it back to my spot and so I set up for this secondary spot for this shot I knew I was going to crop as a vertical image. From now on I’ll always remember to make sure the charger is connected before I hit the road!

According to CSX Press Releases – CSX Transportation’s “Spirit of our Law Enforcement” commemorative locomotive CSXT 3194 was renamed and painted to honor our nation’s police officers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect communities across our network.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.