BIP (Bellpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad) power in Parkersburg, WV

[bigbassloyd]

https://www.federalregister.gov/docu...sportation-inc

Operations Are scheduled to start in May for this new WV / Ohio Short line.



Loyd L.

[mowingman]

Thanks for the photos of the engines. I have been watching for info on that line, as I was born and raised in Marietta. They have a fairly good traffic base to start with, plus the track was all redone back in the 90's, for unit coal trains. I hope they can attract some more industry to that area.

[bigbassloyd]

Originally Posted by mowingman

Thanks for the photos of the engines. I have been watching for info on that line, as I was born and raised in Marietta. They have a fairly good traffic base to start with, plus the track was all redone back in the 90's, for unit coal trains. I hope they can attract some more industry to that area.

There is certainly room to grow up there. Several locations that used to be rail served, and land to build nearly anything. I'm waiting to receive information on the official start up date, and operational plans. I feel like they will be in the market for another 4 axle at some point, as 3 locomotives to cover the shell turn, along with the Marietta operations will not be enough.

Loyd L.

[TedG]

Why not post that photo, Loyd? That is such good-looking power, I'd be willing to look past the foreground obstruction.

I'm anxious to see how they fit the whole name of the railroad on the long hood!

/Ted

[bigbassloyd]

Originally Posted by TedG

Why not post that photo, Loyd? That is such good-looking power, I'd be willing to look past the foreground obstruction.

There will be better opportunities to photograph them in the near future.

Loyd L.

[mowingman]

I don't know how often they go up past Marietta to the plastics plant in Oak Grove, or to the end of the line at Interlake, (Globe), up by Relief. Seems like only 3 engines would spread them a little thin when they have to take care of that part of the line, as well as the Belpre-Marietta industries.

[bigbassloyd]

CSX runs to Relief on Mondays and Thursday (usually), and works everything else 5 days a week minimum. The Shell turn is also a 5 day a week job. 1-4 axle geep by itself isn't a world beater on the grade out of the high yard onto the bridge either. CSX usually assigns a geep / slug or 2 geeps minimum for each job.

Loyd L.

[mowingman]

That is quite a busy schedule. Thanks for the info.

[bigbassloyd]

Last CSX train ran today from High Yard to the Gravel Pit and back. BIP assumes operations at 0001

Loyd L.

[mowingman]

Thanks for the info. Let us know how the new operation works out their schedule.

[bigbassloyd]

So far there hasn't been a real pattern emerging on where they go. The day crew works Mon-Fri and the evening crew Sun-Thur currently.

They have upgraded the speed limits on the 'main' line and on the transfer as well.

Loyd L.