CSX Transportation Historical Society

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CSX Big Sandy SD - Spring 2025

Rail Fan Adventure --

Here are a few from the spring months.

1. Westbound Kingsport-Russell local L200 passing the west end of Pauley. The local this day had 43 manifest plus 19 tanks for Marathon at Catlettsburg. 03-02-2025.
Westbound Kingsport-Russell local L200 passing the west end of Pauley. The local this day had 43 manifest plus 19 tanks for Marathon at Catlettsburg. 03-02-2025.

2. L200-10 arrives Shelby with 23 cars on 03-10-2025. CSX 5327 has a Western Maryland "Fireball" logo on the side of the short hood.
L200-10 arrives Shelby with 23 cars on 03-10-2025. CSX 5327 has a Western Maryland "Fireball" logo on the side of the short hood.

3. CSX 868-3300 and 970 are parked in Shelby engine terminal on 04-18-2025. Several tracks have been severed. The gon in the right is on a track leading to the old car shop. In the foreground is the sand and coal track for the old coal dock.
CSX 868-3300 and 970 are parked in Shelby engine terminal on 04-18-2025. Several tracks have been severed. The gon in the right is on a track leading to the old car shop. In the foreground is the sand and coal track for the old coal dock.

4. Clear signal at the east end of Marrowbone passing siding for L201 e/b. 04-20-2025.
Clear signal at the east end of Marrowbone passing siding for L201 e/b. 04-20-2025.

5. Mile post 120 from Big Sandy Jct. (Catlettsburg) looking west. The former C&O Big Sandy SD from EE Shelby to Elkhorn City is now called the Kingsport SD which includes former CRR track to Erwin. The Big Sandy (Louisville Div.) and Kingsport (Florence Div.) fall under different dispatchers.
Mile post 120 from Big Sandy Jct. (Catlettsburg) looking west. The former C&O Big Sandy SD from EE Shelby to Elkhorn City is now called the Kingsport SD which includes former CRR track to Erwin. The Big Sandy (Louisville Div.) and Kingsport (Florence Div.) fall under different dispatchers.

6. Dwarf signal fo, but it was replaced between 2000 and 2005. Exiting the east end of Marrowbone passing siding. A cantilever structure once supported the e/b signal.
Dwarf signal fo, but it was replaced between 2000 and 2005. Exiting the east end of Marrowbone passing siding. A cantilever structure once supported the e/b signal.

7. L201-19 (Russell-Kingsport) has 17 loads and 26 empties this 04-20-2025. No. 989 has a train that is 3,342 tons and 2,687 feet long.
L201-19 (Russell-Kingsport) has 17 loads and 26 empties this 04-20-2025. No. 989 has a train that is 3,342 tons and 2,687 feet long.

8. The panel rail is probably going for flood repairs south of Erwin TN.
The panel rail is probably going for flood repairs south of Erwin TN.

9. U. S. Switch & Signal dwarf was manufactured in 1976.
U. S. Switch & Signal dwarf was manufactured in 1976.

10. SD40-2 8138 aroused a lot of attention when it pulled L200 westbound on 04-30-2025. The local had 14 manifest and 40 Marathon tanks. This unit train load-out at Ivel is supposedly being put back in operation. A lot of work has been done.
SD40-2 8138 aroused a lot of attention when it pulled L200 westbound on 04-30-2025. The local had 14 manifest and 40 Marathon tanks. This unit train load-out at Ivel is supposedly being put back in operation. A lot of work has been done.

11. SD40-2s aren't exatly a dying breed, but they rarely lead anymore.
SD40-2s aren't exatly a dying breed, but they rarely lead anymore.

12. Clear signal for L200 at EM Cabin. This signal is slated to be replaced soon.
Clear signal for L200 at EM Cabin. This signal is slated to be replaced soon.

13. EM Cabin is at Emma KY.
EM Cabin is at Emma KY.

14. CSX 9431 804. Van Lear Jct.
CSX 9431 804. Van Lear Jct.

15. C&O called this Van Lear Jct, the location where the Millers Creek SD diverged. The post office is West Van Lear, but C&O called their depot Van Lear. I'm standing on the former roadbed that reached up the creek to the mouth of Butcher Hollow. You'all know who came from there.
C&O called this Van Lear Jct, the location where the Millers Creek SD diverged. The post office is West Van Lear, but C&O called their depot Van Lear. I'm standing on the former roadbed that reached up the creek to the mouth of Butcher Hollow. You'all know who came from there.

16. CSX 868 leads L200-08 westbound at EM Cabin on 05-09-2025. They had 29 manifest and 51 tanks for Marathon this day. L200/L201 have been abolished. M652/M653 have returned from their year-long hiatus when detouring east over the former C&O main line.
CSX 868 leads L200-08 westbound at EM Cabin on 05-09-2025. They had 29 manifest and 51 tanks for Marathon this day. L200/L201 have been abolished. M652/M653 have returned from their year-long hiatus when detouring east over the former C&O main line.

All for now.

Train images used by permission of Everett N Young