September 15, 2020 - CSX Q513-15 sits at the south end of Howell Yard after making a pickup as it waits for CSX Q028, 648 and 512 to clear his location so it can continue its move south on the Henderson Subdivision, with United States Army 4607 and 1869 running dead in tow as its last two units. Both Army units look to be freshly painted and perhaps refurbished, although I've not been able to find out much details on them. Anyone have a clue? Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.

CSX Q513-15 sits at the south end of Howell Yard with two Army Units…

September 15, 2020 – CSX Q513-15 sits at the south end of Howell Yard after making a pickup as it waits for CSX Q028, 648 and 512 to clear his location so it can continue its move south on the Henderson Subdivision, with United States Army 4607 and 1869 running dead in tow as its last two units.

Both Army units have been refurbished and I found out that 4607 is heading to Hopkinsville, KY (Ft. Campbell) and 1869 is heading to Leland, NC.

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

September 12, 2020 - CSX K811 heads south on the Henderson Subdivision as it passes the old Louisville & Nashville Depot at Henderson, Kentucky. From various sources on the web: The first L&N depot in Henderson, at Fourth and Adams streets, was constructed in 1875. The two-story, wood-framed passenger depot for the L&N cost $2,000 to erect and contained five offices and two waiting rooms. The Ohio Valley Railroad was built in 1892 between Hopkinsville and Gracey, who had built a depot at Ninth Street. The Ohio Valley was acquired by the IC in 1897. A replacement depot, built of brick and granite, was constructed by the local firm Bailey & Koerner opened at the cost of $25,000 on July 1, 1902. The Union Station replaced the separate stations for the L&N and the IC. The former L&N depot was converted into the residence for the local yard foreman while the former IC station was used until it was demolished in November 1942. By 1922, Union Station was handling 24 passenger trains daily, but the advent of the automobile and the construction of the interstate highway system and parkways in the region decimated passenger trains. The IC ceased passenger operations on February 13, 1941, and the station was closed by the L&N after it ceased passenger trains in 1971. In 2015, the city requested bids to either demolish or restore Union Station. 7 Two companies placed bids to tear down the building while Architectural Renovators of Evansville, Indiana submitted the only bid to restore the depot. The city awarded the contract to Architectural Renovators in December and agreed to pay $80,000 towards restoring the building: Additionally, the city deeded the building over to Architectural Renovators, who were required to begin construction within six months and to complete exterior restoration within 36 months or be forced to give up the deed to the building. Work to restore the building began almost immediately although the restoration company found the inside in worse condition than expected. A new roof was installed by the conclusion of 2016, with all exterior work mostly finished by February 2017. There's been no visible work on the depot since then. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.

CSX K811 heads south on the Henderson Subdivision…

September 12, 2020 – CSX K811 heads south on the Henderson Subdivision as it passes the old Louisville & Nashville Depot at Henderson, Kentucky.

From various sources on the web: The first L&N depot in Henderson, at Fourth and Adams streets, was constructed in 1875. The two-story, wood-framed passenger depot for the L&N cost $2,000 to erect and contained five offices and two waiting rooms. The Ohio Valley Railroad was built in 1892 between Hopkinsville and Gracey, who had built a depot at Ninth Street. The Ohio Valley was acquired by the IC in 1897.

A replacement depot, built of brick and granite, was constructed by the local firm Bailey & Koerner opened at the cost of $25,000 on July 1, 1902. The Union Station replaced the separate stations for the L&N and the IC. The former L&N depot was converted into the residence for the local yard foreman while the former IC station was used until it was demolished in November 1942.

By 1922, Union Station was handling 24 passenger trains daily, but the advent of the automobile and the construction of the interstate highway system and parkways in the region decimated passenger trains. The IC ceased passenger operations on February 13, 1941, and the station was closed by the L&N after it ceased passenger trains in 1971.

In 2015, the city requested bids to either demolish or restore Union Station. 7 Two companies placed bids to tear down the building while Architectural Renovators of Evansville, Indiana submitted the only bid to restore the depot. The city awarded the contract to Architectural Renovators in December and agreed to pay $80,000 towards restoring the building: Additionally, the city deeded the building over to Architectural Renovators, who were required to begin construction within six months and to complete exterior restoration within 36 months or be forced to give up the deed to the building.

Work to restore the building began almost immediately although the restoration company found the inside in worse condition than expected. A new roof was installed by the conclusion of 2016, with all exterior work mostly finished by February 2017. There’s been no visible work on the depot since then.

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

September 13, 2020 - I got word from a fellow railfan out of Louisville, Austin Bell, that Norfolk Southern 168 was headed west from Louisville, Kentucky with NS Pennsylvania Heritage unit 8102 leading on the NS Southern East District. He knew it was one of three that I still needed to fill my collection of the 20 Heritage Paint Units that NS has put out. (Now I need NS 1065 and NS 1700) I typically don't railfan Sundays as I do church and edit the videos from the live stream in the afternoon and update our web locations with the same. However, I answered the call this afternoon and made the 1.5 hour drive to Princeton, Indiana to capture this shot of the train as it heads west through the yard at Princeton with my drone! I actually caught it starting at west end of Ashire, Indiana and chased it to Princeton and was able to catch it at several spots along the route with my D800 and the drone, but in this case the drone won out because of the new angle it gives me! I also met up with a lot of railfan friends that were trackside for the same train and got to finally meet Railfan Julian (6 year old railfan that loves trains) and his mom! If you want to encourage young railfans I invite you to give his page a like here on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/railfan.julian.5 Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/100, ISO 100.

NS Pennsylvania Heritage unit 8102 at Princeton, IN

September 13, 2020 – I got word from a fellow railfan out of Louisville, Austin Bell, that Norfolk Southern 168 was headed west from Louisville, Kentucky with NS Pennsylvania Heritage unit 8102 leading on the NS Southern East District. He knew it was one of three that I still needed to fill my collection of the 20 Heritage Paint Units that NS has put out. (Now I need NS 1065 and NS 1700)

I typically don’t railfan Sundays as I do church and edit the videos from the live stream in the afternoon and update our web locations with the same. However, I answered the call this afternoon and made the 1.5 hour drive to Princeton, Indiana to capture this shot of the train as it heads west through the yard at Princeton with my drone!

I actually caught it starting at west end of Ashire, Indiana and chased it to Princeton and was able to catch it at several spots along the route with my D800 and the drone, but in this case the drone won out because of the new angle it gives me!

I also met up with a lot of railfan friends that were trackside for the same train and got to finally meet Railfan Julian (6 year old railfan that loves trains) and his mom!

If you want to encourage young railfans I invite you to give his page a like here on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/railfan.julian.5

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/100, ISO 100.

September 12, 2020 - CSXT 945 leads Q503 south as it makes its way up the final leg of the viaduct to the bridge across the Ohio river at Henderson, Ky as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision on the dog days of summer! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm (24mm equivalent lens) f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.

CSXT 945 leads Q503 south at Henderson, Ky

September 12, 2020 – CSXT 945 leads Q503 south as it makes its way up the final leg of the viaduct to the bridge across the Ohio river at Henderson, Ky as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision on the dog days of summer!

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

September 10, 2020 - Paducah and Louisville 4518 & 4522 lead PRX1, a loaded coal train, as they depart Warrior Coal at Nebo, Kentucky, headed southbound for the barge loading and blending facility at Calvert City, Ky. I've shot trains coming out of here for well over 15 years now and this is the first time I'm able to get this view thanks to my new camera platform, the DJI Mavic Mini Drone. To say this device has opened up a whole new world of pictures and videos is an understatement! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm lens (24mm Equivalent), f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

Paducah and Louisville 4518 & 4522 lead PRX1…

September 10, 2020 – Paducah and Louisville 4518 & 4522 lead PRX1, a loaded coal train, as they depart Warrior Coal at Nebo, Kentucky, headed southbound for the barge loading and blending facility at Calvert City, Ky.

I’ve shot trains coming out of here for well over 15 years now and this is the first time I’m able to get this view thanks to my new camera platform, the DJI Mavic Mini Drone. To say this device has opened up a whole new world of pictures and videos is an understatement!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm lens (24mm Equivalent), f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

September 7, 2020 - CSXT 872 heads up loaded grain train G419 as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision at Nortonville, Kentucky. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, Lens 4.5mm (24mm Equivalent), f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

CSXT 872 heads up loaded grain train G419…

September 7, 2020 – CSXT 872 heads up loaded grain train G419 as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision at Nortonville, Kentucky.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, Lens 4.5mm (24mm Equivalent), f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

September 7, 2020 - CSXT 3244 leads loaded ethanol train K423-05 off the Earlington Cutoff track at Mortons Junction as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Gap, Kentucky on a beautiful summer afternoon. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, Lens 4.5mm, f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100.

CSXT 3244 leads loaded ethanol train K423-05…

September 7, 2020 – CSXT 3244 leads loaded ethanol train K423-05 off the Earlington Cutoff track at Mortons Junction as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Gap, Kentucky on a beautiful summer afternoon.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, Lens 4.5mm, f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100.

September 7, 2020 - A topside view of the hottest intermodals on the CSX system, Q025 passes through Mortons Junction as it heads south on the the Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Gap, Kentucky. Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, Lens 4.5mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.

A topside view of the hottest intermodals on the CSX system…

September 7, 2020 – A topside view of the hottest intermodals on the CSX system, Q025 passes through Mortons Junction as it heads south on the the Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Gap, Kentucky.

I’ll also point out that this is a cropped image from high up and the drone was moved out of the way before the train moved directly under it.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, Lens 4.5mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.

September 7, 2020 - CSXT 3350 heads up Q028-06 as it passes under the Paducah and Louisville Railway line at Monarch as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision at Madisonville, Ky. My goal is to one day catch a train on both tracks at this spot! Now that I have a new vantage point, it will eventually happen! Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm lens, f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100.

CSXT 3350 heads up Q028-06 as it passes…

September 7, 2020 – CSXT 3350 heads up Q028-06 as it passes under the Paducah and Louisville Railway line at Monarch as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision at Madisonville, Ky. My goal is to one day catch a train on both tracks at this spot! Now that I have a new vantage point, it will eventually happen!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic Mini Drone, JPG, 4.5mm lens, f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 100.

August 29, 2020 - A puff of smoke in the early morning light leaps from the engine on CN L533-91 as a fresh crew on Illinois Central (in CN Paint) 9634 and 8879 prepare to depart Total Grain Marketing in Newton, Illinois, as the warm glow of the early morning sunrise illuminates the scene. A fresh crew had just boarded the train and were taking the train on to Effingham, IL on CN's Effingham Subdivision. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/5, 1/500, ISO 125.

A fresh crew on Illinois Central 9634 prepare depart Newton, IL

August 29, 2020 – A puff of smoke in the early morning light leaps from the engine on CN L533-91 as a fresh crew on Illinois Central (in CN Paint) 9634 and 8879 prepare to depart Total Grain Marketing in Newton, Illinois, as the warm glow of the early morning sunrise illuminates the scene.
 
A fresh crew had just boarded the train and were taking the train on to Effingham, IL on CN’s Effingham Subdivision.
 
Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/5, 1/500, ISO 125.
August 29, 2020 - The engineer on RSSX LEAF switchers 8345 and 3429, keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead, as he passes an idling 8407, while working the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) yard at Decatur, Illinois. According to their website: At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 360mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 140.

RSSX LEAF switchers 8345 and 3429 at Decatur, IL

August 29, 2020 – The engineer on RSSX LEAF switchers 8345 and 3429, keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead, as he passes an idling 8407, while working the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) yard at Decatur, Illinois.

According to the ADM website: At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow.

We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over.

Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 360mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 140.

August 29, 2020 - In this long lens shot from a public crossing we see Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (DERI) HLCX 4210 as it crosses over the Wabash & Illinois Central (WALBIC) diamond at Decatur, Illinois as it heads back to its yard after working various industries around the city. According to Wikipedia: The Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (reporting mark DREI) is an American regional railroad that is a subsidiary of Watco Companies 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: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 460mm, f/6, 1/1000, ISO 220.

Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad 4210 at Decatur, IL

August 29, 2020 – In this long lens shot from a public crossing we see Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (DERI) HLCX 4210 as it crosses over the Wabash & Illinois Central (WABIC) diamond at Decatur, Illinois as it heads back to its yard after working various industries around the city.

According to Wikipedia: The Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (reporting mark DREI) is an American regional railroad that is a subsidiary of Watco Companies 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: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 460mm, f/6, 1/1000, ISO 220.

August 29, 2020 - One of the things I love about this railfanning hobby of ours is the people, young and "older" alike! I and fellow railfan SteelRails Ryan Scott headed up to the Decatur, Illinois area for a day of railfanning. With the help of fellow railfans, Mike Jacobs, Isaiah Bradford’s Photography, Mark Jensen and David Higdon Jr. we had a great time and caught a lot of trains, which you'll see over the next few weeks! It was also great meeting Mike, Isaiah and Mark in person as I've been friends with them for sometime here on Facebook. Here everyone was shooting an approaching NS train that was arriving at Decatur, Illinois.

One of the things I love about this railfanning hobby…

August 29, 2020 – One of the things I love about this railfanning hobby of ours is the people, young and “older” alike! I and fellow railfan SteelRails Ryan Scott headed up to the Decatur, Illinois area for a day of railfanning. With the help of fellow railfans, Mike Jacobs, Isaiah Bradford’s Photography, Mark Jensen and David Higdon Jr. we had a great time and caught a lot of trains, which you’ll see over the next few weeks! It was also great meeting Mike, Isaiah and Mark in person as I’ve been friends with them for sometime here on Facebook. Here everyone was shooting an approaching NS train that was arriving at Decatur, Illinois.

August 29, 2020 - Illinois Central 1005 (Deathstar) heads up Canadian National R940-92 in the early morning light as it works the CN Grand Avenue yard in Decatur, Illinois. The yard supports the CN Mattoon Sub and Peoria district along with the Decatur and Eastern Illinois Railroad. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500.

Illinois Central 1005 (Deathstar) at Effingham, IL

August 29, 2020 – Illinois Central 1005 (Deathstar) heads up Canadian National R940-92 in the early morning light as it works the yard at Effingham, Illinois.
 
Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500.
August 29, 2020 - Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (DERI) 101 with 4235 & 4236 leading the way, passes the Top Flight Grain elevators at Pierson Station, Illinois as it heads east to Terre Haute, Indiana (where they interchange with CSX) on the former CSX Danville Subdivision (now the DERI). According to Wikipedia: The Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (reporting mark DREI) is an American regional railroad that is a subsidiary of Watco Companies 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: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 31mm, f/5, 1/1000, ISO 100.

Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad 101 EB at Pierson Station, IL

August 29, 2020 – Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (DERI) 101 with 4235 & 4236 leading the way, passes the Top Flight Grain elevators at Pierson Station, Illinois as it heads east to Terre Haute, Indiana (where they interchange with CSX) on the former CSX Danville Subdivision (now the DERI).

According to Wikipedia: The Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad (reporting mark DREI) is an American regional railroad that is a subsidiary of Watco Companies 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: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 31mm, f/5, 1/1000, ISO 100.

August 29, 2020 - The glint of the early morning light rakes across the landscape and illuminates the scene as Canadian National 9634 and 8879 lead CN L533-91 past Total Grain Marketing at Newton, Illinois. A fresh crew had just boarded the train and were taking the train to Effingham, IL on CN's Effingham Subdivision after picking up interchange work from from the Indiana Railroad in Palestine, Illinois. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/5, 1/500, ISO 110.

CN L533-91 passes Total Grain Marketing at Newton, Illinois

August 29, 2020 – The glint of the early morning light rakes across the landscape and illuminates the scene as Canadian National 9634 and 8879 lead CN L533-91 past Total Grain Marketing at Newton, Illinois.

A fresh crew had just boarded the train and were taking the train to Effingham, IL on CN’s Effingham Subdivision after picking up interchange work from from the Indiana Railroad in Palestine, Illinois.

Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/5, 1/500, ISO 110.

August 29, 2020 - Norfolk Southern 9385 leads a loaded grain train past the Premier Cooperative Inc grain elevators at Tolono, Illinois as it heads east on the NS Lafayette District. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/11, 1/800, 1/800, underexposed 1.3 stops (exposed more for the highlights), ISO 100.

Norfolk Southern 9385 leads a loaded grain train…

August 29, 2020 – Norfolk Southern 9385 leads a loaded grain train past the Premier Cooperative Inc grain elevators at Tolono, Illinois as it heads east on the NS Lafayette District.

Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/11, 1/800, 1/800, underexposed 1.3 stops (exposed more for the highlights), ISO 100.

August 29, 2020 - Amtrak 393 (The Illini) pulls into the old Illinois Central (IC) Depot in downtown Mattoon, Illinois with 4624 leading the Sunday evening southbound train from Chicago to Carbondale, Illinois as the last bit of sunlight lights up the scene. According to the Amtrak App the train was running out of Chicago at 44% capacity during this COVID-19 days. According to Wikipedia, The Mattoon station is housed in the former Illinois Central Railroad Depot. The depot was completed in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. At its height, the building housed a power plant, mail room, luggage room, and restaurant, in addition to the main hall where passengers waited to board trains. As many as ten trains a day departed the depot in the 1950s. During 2010, a $3 million restoration project, paid for from a mix of private, state, and federal funding, was undertaken, replacing paint, flooring, and other interior fixtures. The station currently serves as a stop for the Illini, Saluki, and City of New Orleans passenger trains. The tracks themselves, formerly part of the Illinois Central Railroad, are now owned by the Canadian National Railway (CN). Freight trains run by CN pass through frequently as this is on the CN Champaign Subdivision. Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Fuji 18-55mm @ 18mm, f/8, 1/180, ISO 800.

Amtrak 393 pulls into the old Illinois Central Depot in downtown Mattoon, Illinois

August 29, 2020 – Amtrak 393 (The Illini) pulls into the old Illinois Central (IC) Depot in downtown Mattoon, Illinois with 4624 leading the Sunday evening southbound train from Chicago to Carbondale, Illinois as the last bit of sunlight lights up the scene. According to the Amtrak App the train was running out of Chicago at 44% capacity during this COVID-19 days.


According to Wikipedia, The Mattoon station is housed in the former Illinois Central Railroad Depot. The depot was completed in 1918 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. At its height, the building housed a power plant, mail room, luggage room, and restaurant, in addition to the main hall where passengers waited to board trains. As many as ten trains a day departed the depot in the 1950s.


During 2010, a $3 million restoration project, paid for from a mix of private, state, and federal funding, was undertaken, replacing paint, flooring, and other interior fixtures.

The station currently serves as a stop for the Illini, Saluki, and City of New Orleans passenger trains. The tracks themselves, formerly part of the Illinois Central Railroad, are now owned by the Canadian National Railway (CN). Freight trains run by CN pass through frequently as this is on the CN Champaign Subdivision.


Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Fuji 18-55mm @ 18mm, f/8, 1/180, ISO 800.

August 26, 2020 - Paducah and Louisville 2118 heads up the Princeton to Madisonville, Ky local as it heads north through Dawson Springs, Ky to Madisonville to perform interchange work with CSX at Atkinson Yard. I love shooting spots that have interesting track or other features that help draw the viewer's eye to the subject of the photograph, such as in this case with the two small S curves just south of the highway 62 overpass. Always look for ways to help your photographs have more impact by looking for these interesting things that can help add interest to your shots. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 460mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO 900.

Paducah and Louisville 2118 heads up the Princeton to Madisonville, Ky local…

August 26, 2020 – Paducah and Louisville 2118 heads up the Princeton to Madisonville, Ky local as it heads north through Dawson Springs, Ky to Madisonville to perform interchange work with CSX at Atkinson Yard.

I love shooting spots that have interesting track or other features that help draw the viewer’s eye to the subject of the photograph, such as in this case with the two small S curves just south of the highway 62 overpass. Always look for ways to help your photographs have more impact by looking for these interesting things that can help add interest to your shots.

Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 460mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO 900.

August 17, 2020 - Canadian National 5735, 2138 and Union Pacific 5446 head up CSX K421, a loaded ethanol train, as it makes its way off the Earlington Cutoff at Mortons Junction in Mortons Gap, Kentucky as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision. Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 210mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO 180.

Canadian National 5735, 2138 and Union Pacific 5446 at Mortons Gap, KY

August 17, 2020 – Canadian National 5735, 2138 and Union Pacific 5446 head up CSX K421, a loaded ethanol train, as it makes its way off the Earlington Cutoff at Mortons Junction in Mortons Gap, Kentucky as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: Full Frame Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 210mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO 180.

January 30, 2010 - CSXT #1 passes through Nortonville, Ky on a snowy day as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision with a loaded intermodal. Tech Info: Full Frame D700, RAW, Nikkor 70-300 @ 80mm, f/16, 1/640, ISO 640.

CSXT #1 passes through Nortonville, Ky

January 30, 2010 – CSXT #1 passes through Nortonville, Ky on a snowy day as it heads south on the Henderson Subdivision with a loaded intermodal.

Tech Info: Full Frame D700, RAW, Nikkor 70-300 @ 80mm, f/16, 1/640, ISO 640.