On October 13th, 2021, I spent most of the day trackside with Virtual Railfan Moderator UP Dave, (David Siteman) showing him around some of my favorite spots in Western Kentucky and southern Indiana. We both had a great day trackside, and it was finally great to meet him in person! If you’re not already a member, check out Virtual Railfan Live and Virtual Railfan Lounge here on Facebook! Here we find CSXT 5110 as it leads empty coal train CSX E300-12, a Stilesboro, GA (Plant Bowen) to Effingham, IL (CN) train, across the Ohio River bridge from Henderson, KY on the way north to Evansville, IN on the Henderson Subdivision. This bridge was originally built by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and was intended to be double tracked eventually, but it never happened. According to Wikipedia: The Bridge spans the Ohio River between Henderson, Kentucky and Vanderburgh County, Indiana. The bridge is owned by the CSX Transportation. The original bridge was constructed in 1884 to 1885 by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at a cost of $2,000,000. The single-tracked bridge was approximately 3,686 feet (1,123 m) long, and its longest span, at 525 feet (160 m), was reputed to be the longest trestle span in the world at that time. The bridge ran from the northern edge of Main Street in Henderson to the low water mark on the Indiana side, resting on 15 stone piers. It was designed to carry two 118,000-pound (54,000 kg) engines followed by 60,000-pound (27,000 kg) coal tenders, and its maximum uniform load capacity was 2,500 pounds per foot (3,700 kg/m). A crowd of 8,000 watched the first train cross the bridge on July 13, 1885. Prior to the opening of the bridge, railroad passengers and freight had to be transferred to a ferry for the river crossing. The bridge reduced the travel time by several hours. By 1930 the volume and weight of train traffic were taxing the capabilities of the original bridge. Construction of a new bridge just upstream of the old one began in May 1931. The new bridge, costing over $3,000,000, opened on December 31, 1932. Including its approaches, It is 12,123 feet (3,695 m) long, and its span over the main channel is 648 feet (198 m) long. The demolition of the old bridge, using dynamite, was completed on December 11, 1933. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Trackside in Southern Indiana with UP Dave on the CSX Henderson Subdivision

On October 13th, 2021, I spent most of the day trackside with Virtual Railfan Moderator UP Dave, (David Siteman) showing him around some of my favorite spots in Western Kentucky and southern Indiana. We both had a great day trackside, and it was finally great to meet him in person! If you’re not already a member, check out Virtual Railfan Live and Virtual Railfan Lounge here on Facebook!

Here we find CSXT 5110 as it leads empty coal train CSX E300-12, a Stilesboro, GA (Plant Bowen) to Effingham, IL (CN) train, across the Ohio River bridge from Henderson, KY on the way north to Evansville, IN on the Henderson Subdivision. This bridge was originally built by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and was intended to be double tracked eventually, but it never happened.

According to Wikipedia: The Bridge spans the Ohio River between Henderson, Kentucky and Vanderburgh County, Indiana. The bridge is owned by the CSX Transportation.

The original bridge was constructed in 1884 to 1885 by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at a cost of $2,000,000. The single-tracked bridge was approximately 3,686 feet (1,123 m) long, and its longest span, at 525 feet (160 m), was reputed to be the longest trestle span in the world at that time. The bridge ran from the northern edge of Main Street in Henderson to the low water mark on the Indiana side, resting on 15 stone piers. It was designed to carry two 118,000-pound (54,000 kg) engines followed by 60,000-pound (27,000 kg) coal tenders, and its maximum uniform load capacity was 2,500 pounds per foot (3,700 kg/m). A crowd of 8,000 watched the first train cross the bridge on July 13, 1885.

Prior to the opening of the bridge, railroad passengers and freight had to be transferred to a ferry for the river crossing. The bridge reduced the travel time by several hours.

By 1930 the volume and weight of train traffic were taxing the capabilities of the original bridge. Construction of a new bridge just upstream of the old one began in May 1931. The new bridge, costing over $3,000,000, opened on December 31, 1932. Including its approaches, It is 12,123 feet (3,695 m) long, and its span over the main channel is 648 feet (198 m) long. The demolition of the old bridge, using dynamite, was completed on December 11, 1933.

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

A farmer works on transferring corn to his truck as he works on his fall harvest while CSX Q648 begins the descent off the viaduct from the bridge over the Ohio River that connects Henderson, KY and Rahm, IN, as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on October 13th, 2021. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 with a 1.4x Teleconverter @ 850mm, f/9, 1/1250, ISO 1100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

CSX Q648 northbound on the Henderson Subdivision at Rahm, Indiana

A farmer works on transferring corn to his truck as he works on his fall harvest while CSX Q648 begins the descent off the viaduct from the bridge over the Ohio River that connects Henderson, KY and Rahm, IN, as it heads north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on October 13th, 2021.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 with a 1.4x Teleconverter @ 850mm, f/9, 1/1250, ISO 1100.

CSX W989 with Union Pacific 2603 leading snakes through the S curve at Nortonville, Kentucky with a brand new Brightline Commuter Trainset as it heads south as on the Henderson Subdivision to Florida on October 8th, 2021. According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an extension to the Orlando International Airport which is expected to enter service in 2022. As of August 2020, it is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. The line was developed starting 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 on stations and improvements to tracks owned by the Florida East Coast Railway, which at the start of construction, was also owned by Fortress (it was sold in January 2018). 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 W989 with Union Pacific 2603 leading a Florida Brightline Trainset at Nortonville, KY

CSX W989 with Union Pacific 2603 leading snakes through the S curve at Nortonville, Kentucky with a brand new Brightline inter-city Trainset as it heads south as on the Henderson Subdivision to Florida on October 8th, 2021.

According to Wikipedia: Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an extension to the Orlando International Airport which is expected to enter service in 2022.

As of August 2020, it is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. The line was developed starting 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 on stations and improvements to tracks owned by the Florida East Coast Railway, which at the start of construction, was also owned by Fortress (it was sold in January 2018).

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

The second railroad I caught while spending 5 hours railfanning in southern Indiana on October 9th, 2021, was RJ Corman 3478 as it backed a string of autoracks back to the Toyota Plant just before sunrise at Princeton, Indiana. According to Wikipedia: R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC is a privately owned railroad services and short line operating company headquartered in Nicholasville, KY, with field locations in 23 states. It was owned by Richard J. Corman, who established the company in 1973, and ran it until his death on August 23, 2013. The company owns eleven short-line railroads spanning Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. The company serves all seven Class I railroads, many regional and short line railroads as well as various rail-served industries. These operations encompass an array of services, including railroad construction, short line railroad operations, dispatch, industrial switching services, emergency response, track material logistics, distribution centers, signal design and construction, building eco-friendly locomotives, railroad worker training and an excursion dinner train. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 550mm, f/6.3, 1/160, ISO 1000. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

R.J. Corman Railroad works the Toyota Plant in Princeton, Indiana

The second railroad I caught while spending 5 hours railfanning in southern Indiana on October 9th, 2021, was RJ Corman 3478 as it backed a string of autoracks back to the Toyota Plant just before sunrise at Princeton, Indiana.

According to Wikipedia: R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC is a privately owned railroad services and short line operating company headquartered in Nicholasville, KY, with field locations in 23 states. It was owned by Richard J. Corman, who established the company in 1973, and ran it until his death on August 23, 2013. The company owns eleven short-line railroads spanning Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

The company serves all seven Class I railroads, many regional and short line railroads as well as various rail-served industries. These operations encompass an array of services, including railroad construction, short line railroad operations, dispatch, industrial switching services, emergency response, track material logistics, distribution centers, signal design and construction, building eco-friendly locomotives, railroad worker training and an excursion dinner train.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 550mm, f/6.3, 1/160, ISO 1000.

Fellow railfans Cooper Smith, Ryan Scott and I spent about 5 hours railfanning southern Indiana on October 9th, 2021 and were fortunate enough to catch 5 different railroads operating in the area! We caught RJ Corman, Canadian Pacific, (Cooper and I), CSX, Norfolk Southern, Indiana Southern and Ryan caught BNSF for his fifth railroad. A great day of railfanning! Here we find Indiana Southern Railroad (ISRR) 3371, 3388, 3372 and 3387, as they lead an empty coal train north, past Thomas Siding at Washington Township, Indiana, as the crew takes the train to Elnora, IN where they tied it down for the Indiana Railroad (INRD) to pick up. The INRD crew will then take the train on their railroad to Bear Run Mine at Carlisle, IN for another load of coal for the Petersburg Generating Station at Petersburg, IN. According to Wikipedia: The Indiana Southern Railroad (reporting mark ISRR) is a short line or Class III railroad operating in the United States state of Indiana. It began operations in 1992 as a RailTex property and was acquired by RailAmerica in 2000. RailAmerica was itself acquired by Genesee & Wyoming in December 2012. They operate 186 miles of track from Indianapolis to Evansville, Indiana. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 110. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Indiana Southern Railroad empty coal train southbound at Washington Township, Indiana

Fellow railfans Cooper Smith, Ryan Scott and I spent about 5 hours railfanning southern Indiana on October 9th, 2021 and were fortunate enough to catch 5 different railroads operating in the area! We caught RJ Corman, Canadian Pacific, (Cooper and I), CSX, Norfolk Southern, Indiana Southern and Ryan caught BNSF for his fifth railroad. A great day of railfanning!

Here we find Indiana Southern Railroad (ISRR) 3371, 3388, 3372 and 3387, as they lead an empty coal train north, past Thomas Siding at Washington Township, Indiana, as the crew takes the train to Elnora, IN where they tied it down for the Indiana Railroad (INRD) to pick up. The INRD crew will then take the train on their railroad to Bear Run Mine at Carlisle, IN for another load of coal for the Petersburg Generating Station at Petersburg, IN.

According to Wikipedia: The Indiana Southern Railroad (reporting mark ISRR) is a short line or Class III railroad operating in the United States state of Indiana. It began operations in 1992 as a RailTex property and was acquired by RailAmerica in 2000. RailAmerica was itself acquired by Genesee & Wyoming in December 2012. They operate 186 miles of track from Indianapolis to Evansville, Indiana.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 110.

Union Pacific 2603 leads a brand new Brightline Commuter Trainset as it heads south as CSX W989 on the Henderson Subdivision at John Rivers Road Crossing at CSX Casky yard in Hopkinsville, Kentucky as it heads south to Florida on October 8th, 2021. According to Wikipedia: "Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an extension to the Orlando International Airport which is expected to enter service in 2022. As of August 2020, it is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. The line was developed starting 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 on stations and improvements to tracks owned by the Florida East Coast Railway, which at the start of construction, was also owned by Fortress (it was sold in January 2018)." Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Union Pacific 2603 leads a brand new Brightline Commuter Trainset south at Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Union Pacific 2603 leads a brand new Brightline inter-city Trainset as it heads south as CSX W989 on the Henderson Subdivision at John Rivers Road Crossing at CSX Casky yard in Hopkinsville, Kentucky as it heads south to Florida on October 8th, 2021.

According to Wikipedia: “Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an extension to the Orlando International Airport which is expected to enter service in 2022.

As of August 2020, it is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. The line was developed starting 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 on stations and improvements to tracks owned by the Florida East Coast Railway, which at the start of construction, was also owned by Fortress (it was sold in January 2018).”

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.

Union Pacific 2603 leads a brand new Brightline Commuter Trainset as it heads south as CSX W989 on the Henderson Subdivision at CSX Casky yard in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on its way south to Florida on October 8th, 2021. According to Wikipedia: "Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an extension to the Orlando International Airport which is expected to enter service in 2022. As of August 2020, it is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. The line was developed starting 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 on stations and improvements to tracks owned by the Florida East Coast Railway, which at the start of construction, was also owned by Fortress (it was sold in January 2018). In late 2018, it was announced that Virgin Group would become a minority investor in the railroad and would provide rights to rebrand the service as Virgin Trains USA. In August 2020 they reverted to the Brightline name, ending the branding deal, claiming that Virgin had not provided the agreed investment money." Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Brightline inter-city Trainset southbound at CSX Casky Yard, Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Union Pacific 2603 leads a brand new Brightline inter-city Trainset as it heads south as CSX W989 on the Henderson Subdivision at CSX Casky yard in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on its way south to Florida on October 8th, 2021.

According to Wikipedia: “Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail route between Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Brightline began operating over its current route in January 2018 and the company is currently building an extension to the Orlando International Airport which is expected to enter service in 2022.

As of August 2020, it is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States. The line was developed starting 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 on stations and improvements to tracks owned by the Florida East Coast Railway, which at the start of construction, was also owned by Fortress (it was sold in January 2018).

In late 2018, it was announced that Virgin Group would become a minority investor in the railroad and would provide rights to rebrand the service as Virgin Trains USA. In August 2020 they reverted to the Brightline name, ending the branding deal, claiming that Virgin had not provided the agreed investment money.”

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.

Paducah and Louisville 4504 and 4522 (UK paint scheme) roll across Interstate 69 at Madisonville, Kentucky as they head north with their loaded coal train, bound for the Louisville Gas and Electric power plant in the Kosmosdale neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky on October 5th, 2021. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Paducah and Louisville 4504 and 4522 LGE coal train Northbound at Madisonville, KY

Paducah and Louisville 4504 and 4522 (UK paint scheme) roll across Interstate 69 at Madisonville, Kentucky as they head north with their loaded coal train, bound for the Louisville Gas and Electric power plant in the Kosmosdale neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky on October 5th, 2021.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.

CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) unit leads CSX Q125 (Pigeon Park - Memphis, TN to Southover Yard - East Savannah, GA) out of the south end of New Johnsonville, Tennessee as it heads south toward Nashville, Tennessee on June 5th, 2021 on the Bruceton Subdivision. It 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, Nikon 70-300mm @ 195mm, f/5.3, 1/1000, ISO 450. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

CSXT 3194 leads CSX Q125 south at New Johnsonville, Tennessee

CSXT 3194 (Spirit of our Law Enforcement) unit leads CSX Q125 (Pigeon Park – Memphis, TN to Southover Yard – East Savannah, GA) out of the north end of New Johnsonville, Tennessee as it heads north toward Nashville, Tennessee on June 5th, 2021 on the Bruceton Subdivision, where it will then head south to East Savannah, GA.

It 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, Nikon 70-300mm @ 195mm, f/5.3, 1/1000, ISO 450.

This was my first time chasing the Tennessee Moonshine Sippin' Excursion Train from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRX), which operates out of Nashville, TN, on June 12th, 2021. While it was a hot and muggy day, me and fellow railfan Ryan Scott, of Steelrails, had a great time chasing this train from Nashville to Watertown, TN and back, along the Nashville, and Eastern Railway line. Here Tennessee Central Railway Museums E8 unit, 6902 sits idling, after running around it's train at Watertown in preparation for their return trip to Nashville. According to their website: EMD E8 6902 was built as New York Central 4084 in 1953. This unit would've been at the head end of many name trains of the Central's Great Steel Fleet; including the 20th Century Limited, the Empire State Express, and the Ohio State Limited, among others. The E8 (termed DPA-5e by NYC) would serve in passenger service through the Penn Central merger, and commuter service for New Jersey Transit, before settling down at the New Georgia Railroad in 1992. When the latter operation folded, a museum member purchased this unit for use on the Broadway Dinner Train, which prompted the silver and maroon colors worn today. Since 1989, TCRM has been running passenger excursions from Nashville to points east such as Lebanon, Watertown, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey, Tennessee. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 390mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO 360. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

Tennessee Central Railway Museums E8 unit, 6902 sits idling at Watertown, TN

This was my first time chasing the Tennessee Moonshine Sippin’ Excursion Train from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRX), which operates out of Nashville, TN, on June 12th, 2021. While it was a hot and muggy day, me and fellow railfan Ryan Scott, of Steelrails, had a great time chasing this train from Nashville to Watertown, TN and back, along the Nashville, and Eastern Railway line.

Here Tennessee Central Railway Museums E8 unit, 6902 sits idling, after running around it’s train at Watertown in preparation for their return trip to Nashville.

According to their website: EMD E8 6902 was built as New York Central 4084 in 1953. This unit would’ve been at the head end of many name trains of the Central’s Great Steel Fleet; including the 20th Century Limited, the Empire State Express, and the Ohio State Limited, among others. The E8 (termed DPA-5e by NYC) would serve in passenger service through the Penn Central merger, and commuter service for New Jersey Transit, before settling down at the New Georgia Railroad in 1992. When the latter operation folded, a museum member purchased this unit for use on the Broadway Dinner Train, which prompted the silver and maroon colors worn today.

Since 1989, TCRM has been running passenger excursions from Nashville to points east such as Lebanon, Watertown, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey, Tennessee.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 390mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO 360.

The daily Canadian National Fulton to Paducah (FUPD) local, led by CN 8887 and 5485 passes newly refurbished NB Southern 6401 at the north end of the Paducah and Louisville Railway yard at Paducah, KY on June 29th, 2021, to do its interchange work. Locomotive 6401 was the first of six units that are being refurbished by Progress Rail for NBSR out of Saint John, NB, Canada. The other units are 6402-6406 and they are all SD70M-2 units. According to Wikipedia: The New Brunswick Southern Railway Company Limited (reporting mark NBSR) is a 131.7 mi (212.0 km) Canadian short line railway owned by the New Brunswick Railway Company Limited, a holding company that is part of "Irving Transportation Services", a division within the industrial conglomerate J.D. Irving Limited. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #jimpearsonphotography Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

Canadian National Fulton to Paducah (FUPD) local arrives at Paducah, Kentucky

The daily Canadian National Fulton to Paducah (FUPD) local, led by CN 8887 and 5485 passes newly refurbished NB Southern 6401 at the north end of the Paducah and Louisville Railway yard at Paducah, KY on June 29th, 2021, to do its interchange work.

Locomotive 6401 was the first of six units that are being refurbished by Progress Rail for NBSR out of Saint John, NB, Canada. The other units are 6402-6406 and they are all SD70M-2 units.

According to Wikipedia: The New Brunswick Southern Railway Company Limited (reporting mark NBSR) is a 131.7 mi (212.0 km) Canadian short line railway owned by the New Brunswick Railway Company Limited, a holding company that is part of “Irving Transportation Services”, a division within the industrial conglomerate J.D. Irving Limited.

Infrared photo of Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad units WAMX 4244 and 4234 as they lead local 101 on its way to Terre Haute, Indiana as it passes through Carmargo, Illinois on July 21st, 2021. According to Wikipedia: "The Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (reporting mark DREI) is an American regional railroad that is a subsidiary of Watco operating in eastern Illinois and western Indiana. In January 2018, CSX Transportation announced that it was seeking offers to buy the Decatur Subdivision and the Danville Secondary Subdivision as part of a system-wide sale of low-traffic routes, and in July, Watco, via the DREI, was identified as the winning bidder. Following regulatory approval from the Surface Transportation Board, The DREI began operations on September 9, 2018. The DREI operates two intersecting routes totaling 126.7 miles (203.9 km)—the former Decatur Subdivision between Montezuma, Indiana and Decatur, Illinois, and the former Danville Subdivision between Terre Haute, Indiana and Olivet, Illinois. It interchanges traffic with CSX, the Eastern Illinois Railroad, the Norfolk Southern Railway, the Canadian National Railway, and the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad is headquartered in Decatur, Illinois." Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, sensor converted to 720nm B&W IR, Fuji 18-55 @33mm, f/7.1, 1/250, ISO 200. #jimpearsonphotography #infraredphotography #irphotography, #infraredtrains #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

Infrared photo of Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad units WAMX 4244 and 4234…

Infrared photo of Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad units WAMX 4244 and 4234 as they lead local 101 on its way to Terre Haute, Indiana as it passes through Carmargo, Illinois on July 21st, 2021.

According to Wikipedia: “The Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (reporting mark DREI) is an American regional railroad that is a subsidiary of Watco operating in eastern Illinois and western Indiana.

In January 2018, CSX Transportation announced that it was seeking offers to buy the Decatur Subdivision and the Danville Secondary Subdivision as part of a system-wide sale of low-traffic routes, and in July, Watco, via the DREI, was identified as the winning bidder. Following regulatory approval from the Surface Transportation Board, The DREI began operations on September 9, 2018.

The DREI operates two intersecting routes totaling 126.7 miles (203.9 km)—the former Decatur Subdivision between Montezuma, Indiana and Decatur, Illinois, and the former Danville Subdivision between Terre Haute, Indiana and Olivet, Illinois. It interchanges traffic with CSX, the Eastern Illinois Railroad, the Norfolk Southern Railway, the Canadian National Railway, and the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad is headquartered in Decatur, Illinois.”

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, sensor converted to 720nm B&W IR, Fuji 18-55 @33mm, f/7.1, 1/250, ISO 200.

This is my second post where I’m delving into a new technique in my photography, as there’s always something new to learn! It’s called Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) and this is a single image shot the tracks looking south from the crossing at middle Kelly siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the Henderson Subdivision on September 28th, 2021. Traditional photography — or rather photography as most expects it to be — requires the camera to be held steady and the subject to be sharp. Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) turns that ideal on its head. By using a long shutter speed, the photographer can deliberately move the camera to paint with light and accentuate the tone and texture of the subject. In doing so, one can create stunning impressionist, abstract or minimalist images. While this style or technique may not be for everyone and while it is a bit like panning with your subject, it is different as the movement can be and often is in any direction during the exposure. I’m excited to add it to my work and look forward to learning to do ICM photography and I hope you enjoy this abstract view of my world! Tech Info: Nikon D800, ND 64 Filter, RAW, Nikon 10-24mm DX lens @ 10mm, f/8, 1.3 seconds, upward swish, ISO 200. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #icmphotography #intentionalcameramovement #2_SingleExposure_InCamera_ICM_GeneralPostProcessing

This is my second post where I’m delving into a new technique in my photography…

This is my second post where I’m delving into a new technique in my photography, as there’s always something new to learn! It’s called Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) and this is a single image shot the tracks looking south from the crossing at middle Kelly siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the Henderson Subdivision on September 28th, 2021.

Traditional photography — or rather photography as most expects it to be — requires the camera to be held steady and the subject to be sharp. Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) turns that ideal on its head. By using a long shutter speed, the photographer can deliberately move the camera to paint with light and accentuate the tone and texture of the subject. In doing so, one can create stunning impressionist, abstract or minimalist images.

While this style or technique may not be for everyone and while it is a bit like panning with your subject, it is different as the movement can be and often is in any direction during the exposure. I’m excited to add it to my work and look forward to learning to do ICM photography and I hope you enjoy this abstract view of my world!

Tech Info: Nikon D800, ND 64 Filter, RAW, Nikon 10-24mm DX lens @ 10mm, f/8, 1.3 seconds, upward swish, ISO 200.

Paducah and Louisville Railway University of Kentucky Locomotive 4522 and PAL 4504 lead a northbound loaded Louisville Gas and Electric Coal train through a wetlands area as they depart on the Warrior Coal Mine lead, just west of Madisonville, Kentucky, on their way north to Louisville under partly cloudy summer skies. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110, September 13, 2021. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Paducah and Louisville Railway University of Kentucky Locomotive 4522 departs Warrior Coal

Paducah and Louisville Railway University of Kentucky Locomotive 4522 and PAL 4504 lead a northbound loaded Louisville Gas and Electric Coal train through a wetlands area as they depart on the Warrior Coal Mine lead, just west of Madisonville, Kentucky, on their way north to Louisville under partly cloudy summer skies.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110, September 13, 2021.

Engineer Ed Dickens keeps an eye on the track ahead as Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 heads north on the UP Chester Subdivision somewhere south of Chester, Illinois, as they make the way to St. Louis, MO during the trains recent tour around central united states on August 28th, 2021. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 340mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO 320. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

Engineer Ed Dickens keeps an eye on the track ahead, south of Chester, Illinois

Engineer Ed Dickens keeps an eye on the track ahead as Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 heads north on the UP Chester Subdivision somewhere south of Chester, Illinois, as they make the way to St. Louis, MO during the trains recent tour around central united states on August 28th, 2021.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600mm @ 340mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO 320.

I spent the afternoon of August 17th, 2021, chasing the Paducah and Louisville Railway LG1 loaded coal train from Madisonville to Eastview, Kentucky. The latter was my goal for this chase as hadn’t photographed the cut at Eastview before and it has been on my list for a while. I got to the location about 10 minutes before the train and checked out the scene with my Nikon first as the cut is right up against the bridge on Meeting Creek Road and I wasn’t sure I wanted or even needed to use the drone at this location. After consideration I decided to launch the drone as I felt it could give me the best platform for a shot that would offer the best perspective that was different from other photos I’ve seen taken from here. With the drone in place, it was a short wait as I captured Paducah and Louisville University of Kentucky locomotives 4522 and 2012 lead the Louisville Gas & Electric loaded coal train as it started its way north through the cut at Eastview, Kentucky. Tech Info: Wide Photo: DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone, RAW, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Paducah and Louisville Railway LG1 loaded coal train at Eastview, Kentucky

I spent the afternoon of August 17th, 2021, chasing the Paducah and Louisville Railway LG1 loaded coal train from Madisonville to Eastview, Kentucky. The latter was my goal for this chase as hadn’t photographed the cut at Eastview before and it has been on my list for a while.

I got to the location about 10 minutes before the train and checked out the scene with my Nikon first as the cut is right up against the bridge on Meeting Creek Road and I wasn’t sure I wanted or even needed to use the drone at this location. After consideration I decided to launch the drone as I felt it could give me the best platform for a shot that would offer the best perspective that was different from other photos I’ve seen taken from here.

With the drone in place, it was a short wait as I captured Paducah and Louisville University of Kentucky locomotives 4522 and 2012 lead the Louisville Gas & Electric loaded coal train as it started its way north through the cut at Eastview, Kentucky.

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

With today's post I'm delving into a new technique in my photography, as there's always something new to learn! It's called Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) and this shot of CSX Q512 pulling north through the siding at Crofton, KY on the Henderson Subdivision on September 26th, 2021 is my first image I'm posting using this technique! Traditional photography - or rather photography as most expects it to be - requires the camera to be held steady and the subject to be sharp. Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) turns that ideal on its head. By using a long shutter speed, the photographer can deliberately move the camera to paint with light and accentuate the tone and texture of the subject. In doing so, one can create stunning impressionist, abstract or minimalist images. While this style or technique may not be for everyone and while it's like panning with your subject, but it is different as the movement can be and often is in any direction during the exposure. I'm excited to add it to my work and look forward to learning to do ICM photography and I hope you enjoy this abstract view of my world! Tech Info: Nikon D800, ND 64 Filter, RAW, Nikon 10-24mm DX lens @ 10mm, f/16, 1.3 second swish, ISO 200. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #icmphotography #intentionalcameramovement #2_SingleExposure_InCamera_ICM_GeneralPostProcessing

Learning a new technique called ICM Photography

With today’s post I’m delving into a new technique in my photography, as there’s always something new to learn! It’s called Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) and this shot of CSX Q512 pulling north through the siding at Crofton, KY on the Henderson Subdivision on September 26th, 2021 is my first image I’m posting using this technique!

Traditional photography – or rather photography as most expects it to be – requires the camera to be held steady and the subject to be sharp. Intentional Camera Movement (or ICM) turns that ideal on its head. By using a long shutter speed, the photographer can deliberately move the camera to paint with light and accentuate the tone and texture of the subject. In doing so, one can create stunning impressionist, abstract or minimalist images.

While this style or technique may not be for everyone and while it’s like panning with your subject, but it is different as the movement can be and often is in any direction during the exposure. I’m excited to add it to my work and look forward to learning to do ICM photography and I hope you enjoy this abstract view of my world!

Tech Info: Nikon D800, ND 64 Filter, RAW, Nikon 10-24mm DX lens @ 10mm, f/16, 1.3 second swish, ISO 200.

The crew of Union Pacific 7814 leads a northbound autorack as it crosses the Kaskaskia River on the UP Chester Subdivision at Brewerville, Illinois in Infrared on August 28th, 2021. Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, sensor converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 70-300 @220mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO 200. #jimpearsonphotography #infraredphotography #irphotography, #infraredtrains #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

Union Pacific 7814 northbound at Brewerville, Illinois

The crew of Union Pacific 7814 leads a northbound autorack as it crosses the Kaskaskia River on the UP Chester Subdivision at Brewerville, Illinois in Infrared on August 28th, 2021.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, sensor converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 70-300 @220mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO 200.

Paducah and Louisville (PAL) 2104 and 2101 lead as they pull an empty rock train from the Scotty's Rock Yard loop, at their complex outside Madisonville, Kentucky, as they prepare to head north to Litchfield, KY, for another load of rock, on September 15th, 2021. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Paducah and Louisville Railway 2104 at Scotty’s Rock Yard, Madisonville, KY

Paducah and Louisville (PAL) 2104 and 2101 lead as they pull an empty rock train from the Scotty’s Rock Yard loop, at their complex outside Madisonville, Kentucky, as they prepare to head north to Litchfield, KY, for another load of rock, on September 15th, 2021.

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

Paducah and Louisville Railway University of Kentucky Locomotive 4522 and PAL 4504 lead a northbound loaded Louisville Gas and Electric Coal train through a wetlands area as they depart on the Warrior Coal Mine lead, just west of Madisonville, Kentucky, on their way north to Louisville. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100, September 13, 2021. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

Paducah and Louisville Railway LGE train departs Warrior Coal Mine at Madisonville, KY

Paducah and Louisville Railway University of Kentucky Locomotive 4522 and PAL 4504 lead a northbound loaded Louisville Gas and Electric Coal train through a wetlands area as they depart on the Warrior Coal Mine lead, just west of Madisonville, Kentucky, on their way north to Louisville.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100, September 13, 2021.

CSX J732 with CSXT 4083, 4049, 4384, 278, 749, 7231, GMTX 2149, 2135, 2201, 2152 and 2151 departs from the south end of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Kentucky as it begins its return trip on the Henderson Subdivision to CSX Casky yard at Hopkinsville, KY after finishing its work at Madisonville. While an impressive power move for a local being pulled by SD40s, the lead three engines were the only ones running as they departed the empty south end at Atkinson. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100, September 17, 2021. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

CSX J732 departs Atkinson Yard with 11 locomotives at Madisonville, Ky

CSX J732 with CSXT 4083, 4049, 4384, 278, 749, 7231, GMTX 2149, 2135, 2201, 2152 and 2151 departs from the south end of CSX Atkinson Yard in Madisonville, Kentucky as it begins its return trip on the Henderson Subdivision to CSX Casky yard at Hopkinsville, KY after finishing its work at Madisonville. While an impressive power move for a local being pulled by SD40s, the lead three engines were the only ones running as they departed the empty south end at Atkinson.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100, September 17, 2021.