Foreign Power

[CSX1702]

Anyone else notice an increase in foreign power on the east coast? Maybe it's just in the Cincinnati area but there has been a lot of BNSF, UP, rentals, and who knows what else on CSX and NS trains......Or does anyone maybe know why there's been so much?

The other day I saw a completely NS led train on the CSX line in my hometown but I believe that that may have been a rerouted train.

This train had a shiny new BNSF loco leading, 2 UP's in the middle, and a warbonnet following on it:

PhotoID: 472265 Photograph © Derek Stewart

UP loco:

PhotoID: 473491 Photograph © Derek Stewart

UP, NS, BNSF: (You can see why I didn't upload this one....I had the wrong lens on and screwed it up...)

[J]

A significant increase in crude oil and grain traffic has tightened the availability of power. Compared to a regular intermodal or merchandise train much of this traffic goes "off line" without switching - hence the visitors. CP has had a major realignment of its operations (closed yards, etc.) and been able to lease some of their excess units. In addition, some older power has been pulled out of storage. Haven't seen much LTEX power like the all-black SP units roaming around lately. Guess it has all expired by now.

[Black_Knight]

Up here in Canada, we also see our fair share of foreign power. Even CN+CP units lashed up together and caught on video as well. Very odd that two rival companies in one consist.

Sharing video, not mine:

[CSX1702]

Originally Posted by J

A significant increase in crude oil and grain traffic has tightened the availability of power. Compared to a regular intermodal or merchandise train much of this traffic goes "off line" without switching - hence the visitors. CP has had a major realignment of its operations (closed yards, etc.) and been able to lease some of their excess units. In addition, some older power has been pulled out of storage. Haven't seen much LTEX power like the all-black SP units roaming around lately. Guess it has all expired by now.

Hm. I hadn't heard any of that. Thanks for the explanation, J.

Originally Posted by Black_Knight

...Very odd that two rival companies in one consist.

Yeah. Just today I saw 2 CSX trains that had NS power on them. And one of them also had a rental on it.

Not that I'm complaining about the colorful lashups. Lol. Just curious about them.

[RAF]

Yes, there's been an increase of ethanol & oil trains in the Baltimore, MD area, and foreign power. I've seen UP, BNSF, CN & CP, & N/S on occasion. I've seen N/S's 'Nickel Plate Road' heritage unit twice so far.

Unfortunately, I'm usually going to or from work when I see these, & normally don't carry a camera with me.

[Black_Knight]

Here's a fresh video from today! Taken by yours truly.