Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography
In this week’s video I’m taking you on a tour of some of my favorite spots to railfan between Trenton, Ky and Adams, TN on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. Sit back, turn up the sound, expand to full screen and enjoy the trains!! Please like, share, subscribe and thanks for watching!
CSX loaded rail train W471, being led by CSXT 5403, waits in the siding at Crofton, Kentucky as CSX hot intermodal, I128, heads north on the main, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on February 27th, 2025.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 180.
CSXT 3122 leads M647 as it passes loaded rail train W471, being led by CSXT 5403 at Romney, Nortonville, Kentucky as they both make their way south on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on February 27th, 2025. Once passed, the rail train continued their work of dropping rail between Romney and Crofton, Ky.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 heads through the countryside at sunrise on its way to Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 20th, 2023.
According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.
Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 46mm, f/3.2, 1/320, ISO 72.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 passes over Ferguson’s Trestle at MP 285.87 at sunrise as it heads to Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 20th, 2023.
According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.
Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/3.2, 1/1600, ISO 100.
CSX Hot intermodal I128 heads north from Henderson, Kentucky as it crosses over the bridge over the Ohio River, which has overflowed its banks into the floodplain due to the recent rainfall and snow melt, as they head north on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on February 24th, 2025.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.
Talk about f/8 and being there!! In all my years railfanning at this spot I’ve always wanted to catch a barge and train here at the Ohio River crossing at Henderson, Kentucky and yesterday, February 24th, 2025!
I tried to get to Rahm, IN which is across the river, but as you can see the Ohio River has overflowed its banks into the floodplain, so it was not possible to drive back there. Instead, I went to the Henderson side as I knew that M647 was going to be heading south from Evansville, Indiana.
I knew I could fly from the boat ramp at Henderson, Ky, when it crossed the river and capture this shot showing all the flooding as it headed south on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.
CSXT 3439 leads CSX hot intermodal I025 as it meets and passes northbound CSX I128 in the siding at Kelly, Ky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 22nd, 2025.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 600mm, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 450.
CSXT 950 leads northbound M512 north with a long string of truck frames, bound for Toyota up in Indiana, as the pass under the highway 41 overpass at Mortons Gap, Ky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 22nd, 2025.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 210mm, 5.6, 1/250, ISO 140.
CSXT 1973, Chessie System Heritage Unit, leads CSX I025 as it passes over the Red River Trestle just north of Adams, TN as it heads south on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 14th, 2025.
According to Wikipedia: The three railroads that would make up the Chessie System had been closely related since the 1960s. C&O had acquired controlling interest in B&O in 1962, and the two had jointly controlled WM since 1967.
Chessie System, Inc. was a holding company that owned the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O), the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the Western Maryland Railway (WM), and Baltimore and Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad (B&OCT). Trains operated under the Chessie name from 1973 to 1987.
On November 1, 1980, Chessie System merged with Seaboard Coastline Industries to form CSX Corporation. Initially, the three Chessie System railroads continued to operate separately, even after Seaboard’s six Family Lines System railroads were merged into the Seaboard System Railroad on December 29, 1982. That began to change in 1983, when the WM was merged into the B&O. The Chessie image continued to be applied to new and re-painted equipment until July 1, 1986, when CSXT introduced its own paint scheme. In April 1987, the B&O was merged into the C&O. In August 1987, C&O merged into CSX Transportation, a 1986 renaming of the Seaboard System Railroad, and the Chessie System name was retired.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 140.
The Valley Railroad Company #40 steams through the early morning sunrise with a rare mixed freight move out of Essex, Connecticut on October 8th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.
According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.
Valley Railroad #40 is a ALCO 2-8-0 that was built in 1923. It was built as Portland, Astoria and Pacific No. 101, but never used there; transferred to Minarets and Western Railroad in 1921, later to Southern Pacific, then to the Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad. Purchased by the Valley Railroad in 1977.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 185mm, 5.3, 1/200, ISO 160.
A flock of pigeons that were feeding on spilled corn from a passing train, take flight on the approach of CSX 3092, leading CSX hot intermodal I025, as they head south on the Henderson Subdivision at Mortons Junction after an overnight snowfall, on February 19th, 2025. This intermodal often runs with a string of autoracks, hauling Tesla’s bound for Florida.
Tech Info: Nikon Z30, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 210mm, f/5.3, 1/1000, ISO 100.
CSXT 1981 PanAm Railway Heritage Unit leads G342, under stormy skies, as it waits in the siding at the north end of Rankin, Kentucky for CSX I025 to pass, on February 15th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
According to a CSXT Press Release: November 25, 2024 – CSX has unveiled locomotive No. 1981, the final installment in its series of heritage locomotives, honoring Pan Am Railways. The unit is the 21st and final creation by the Waycross Paint Shop to celebrate the predecessor railroads that form today’s CSX network.
Pan Am Railways, formerly known as Guilford Transportation, was established in 1981 and operated across northern New England, spanning from Maine to New York. It joined the CSX family in 2022 following a purchase agreement.
The heritage series required extra care and precision, according to CSX carman painter Albert Bussey. “It’s always special working on the heritage units,” Bussey said. “Like always, we try to take a little bit of extra care and time in order to do these perfectly.”
All 21 heritage units are not just displays of craftsmanship but active locomotives performing daily duties throughout CSX’s 26-state rail network. The dedication behind their creation reflects the artistry of the team at the Waycross Paint Shop.
“I’ve been involved in all of the 21 units,” said CSX carman painter Clyde Marshall. “The work itself has really been enjoyable. The transformation of the units, from when they first arrive in the shop to the finished product, is very rewarding.
Marshall also noted the significance of connecting with railroad history through these projects. “It is an honor to learn about the history of these units, and the importance the railroad played in American history,” he added.
The completion of locomotive No. 1981 stands as a tribute to the history of Pan Am Railways and the pride shared by CSX employees. As CSX approaches its 200th anniversary in 2027, these heritage locomotives symbolize the company’s enduring legacy and its dedication to innovation and service.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/240, ISO 140
Our area has got a lot of rain this winter and February 17th, 2022, was one of those days when one of the winter storms dropped a lot of rain on the region over a 24-hour period. Here I caught an empty grain train, CSX G438, as it made its way past a flooded area around the house track at Earlington, Kentucky as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 290mm, f/5.6, 1/160, ISO 450.
In this week’s Saturday Infrared Photo, we find The Valley Railroad Company 97 headed toward Chester, Connecticut with a passenger train on October 9th, 2024 with an old car stopped at the crossing, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.
According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.
Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 10mm, f/5, 1/250, ISO 400.
Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography
In this week’s video I’m taking you on a tour of some of my favorite spots to railfan between Rankin and Henderson, Ky on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. Sit back, turn up the sound, expand to full screen and enjoy the trains!! Please like, share, subscribe and thanks for watching!
Rerouted Canadian National 2256 and 2225 lead southbound CSX X770-20 as it passes the south end of the siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 20th, 2025.
I’m told this is the first of many CN Reroutes off the CN due to flood damage around Cairo Sub at Bardwell, Ky. These are running from CN to Paducah, where they get on the Paducah and Louisville Railway to the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Madisonville, Ky. From there they run to Nashville and then over to Memphis, TN
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/3200, ISO 120.
Rerouted Canadian National 2256 and 2225 lead southbound CSX X770-20 as it crosses over Gum Lick Trestle, between Crofton and Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on February 20th, 2025.
I’m told this is the first of many CN Reroutes off the CN due to flood damage around Cairo Sub at Bardwell, Ky. These are running from CN to Paducah, where they get on the Paducah and Louisville Railway to the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Madisonville, Ky. From there they run to Nashville and then over to Memphis, TN
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.
CSXT 1981 PanAm Railway Heritage Unit leads G342 northbound, under stormy skies, as it passes the old Louisville and Nashville Railway Depot at Henderson, on February 15th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
According to a CSXT Press Release: November 25, 2024 – CSX has unveiled locomotive No. 1981, the final installment in its series of heritage locomotives, honoring Pan Am Railways. The unit is the 21st and final creation by the Waycross Paint Shop to celebrate the predecessor railroads that form today’s CSX network.
Pan Am Railways, formerly known as Guilford Transportation, was established in 1981 and operated across northern New England, spanning from Maine to New York. It joined the CSX family in 2022 following a purchase agreement.
All 21 heritage units are not just displays of craftsmanship but active locomotives performing daily duties throughout CSX’s 26-state rail network. The dedication behind their creation reflects the artistry of the team at the Waycross Paint Shop.
“I’ve been involved in all of the 21 units,” said CSX carman painter Clyde Marshall. “The work itself has really been enjoyable. The transformation of the units, from when they first arrive in the shop to the finished product, is very rewarding.
Marshall also noted the significance of connecting with railroad history through these projects. “It is an honor to learn about the history of these units, and the importance the railroad played in American history,” he added.
The completion of locomotive No. 1981 stands as a tribute to the history of Pan Am Railways and the pride shared by CSX employees. As CSX approaches its 200th anniversary in 2027, these heritage locomotives symbolize the company’s enduring legacy and its dedication to innovation and service.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 170
CSXT 1981 PanAm Railway Heritage Unit leads G342, under stormy skies, as it waits in the siding at the north end of Rankin, Kentucky for CSX I025 to pass, on February 15th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
According to a CSXT Press Release: November 25, 2024 – CSX has unveiled locomotive No. 1981, the final installment in its series of heritage locomotives, honoring Pan Am Railways. The unit is the 21st and final creation by the Waycross Paint Shop to celebrate the predecessor railroads that form today’s CSX network.
Pan Am Railways, formerly known as Guilford Transportation, was established in 1981 and operated across northern New England, spanning from Maine to New York. It joined the CSX family in 2022 following a purchase agreement.
The heritage series required extra care and precision, according to CSX carman painter Albert Bussey. “It’s always special working on the heritage units,” Bussey said. “Like always, we try to take a little bit of extra care and time in order to do these perfectly.”
All 21 heritage units are not just displays of craftsmanship but active locomotives performing daily duties throughout CSX’s 26-state rail network. The dedication behind their creation reflects the artistry of the team at the Waycross Paint Shop.
“I’ve been involved in all of the 21 units,” said CSX carman painter Clyde Marshall. “The work itself has really been enjoyable. The transformation of the units, from when they first arrive in the shop to the finished product, is very rewarding.
Marshall also noted the significance of connecting with railroad history through these projects. “It is an honor to learn about the history of these units, and the importance the railroad played in American history,” he added.
The completion of locomotive No. 1981 stands as a tribute to the history of Pan Am Railways and the pride shared by CSX employees. As CSX approaches its 200th anniversary in 2027, these heritage locomotives symbolize the company’s enduring legacy and its dedication to innovation and service.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 130
Film Wednesday – 1993 – Today’s scanned slides were all taken at various places during the time I was deployed during (from Wikipedia) “Operation Deny Flight which was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operation that began on 12 April 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations (UN) no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
This shot shows switcher V46 022 sitting short of the Budapest-Nyugati Station with unit M61 008 siting next to it at Budapest, Hungry. I don’t really have much more information on this engine, if you do, please share in the comments!
“The United Nations and NATO later expanded the mission of the operation to include providing close air support for UN troops in Bosnia and carrying out coercive air strikes against targets in Bosnia. Twelve NATO members contributed forces to the operation and, by its end on 20 December 1995, NATO pilots had flown 100,420 sorties.”
Also from Wikipedia: We were also part of “Operation Provide Hope which was a humanitarian operation conducted by the U.S. Air Force starting in 1992 to provide medical equipment to former Soviet republics during their transition to freedom from the USSR until 1994.
The operation was announced by Secretary of State James A. Baker, III on January 22–23, 1992 and the initial shipment of supplies was sent on February 10, 1992. Twelve US Air Force C-5 and C-141 was carrying an estimated 500 tons of bulk-food rations and medicines into Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kyiv, Minsk, and Chișinău from Germany and Yerevan, Almaty, Dushanbe, Ashkhabad, Baku, Tashkent, and Bishkek from Turkey. In total, for nearly two weeks sixty-five missions flew 2,363 short tons (2,144 t) of food and medical supplies to 24 locations in the Commonwealth of Independent States during the initial phase of operation. Much of these supplies were left over from the buildup to the Persian Gulf War.”
For 6-months of this operation I was the photo editor for a Combat Camera team that worked out of Aviano, Italy covering both operations. On the weekends, our schedules allowed us some time to travel and on my days off I traveled and today’s photos, along with many others.
Tech Info: Camera, Nikon F3, Ektachrome Slide Film, no other data recorded, Scanned with an PlusTek 8200I Film Scanner.