B&LE Erie Ops photos

[nkp715]

Starting a new thread, solely for photos I've taken over the years on the Erie Branch. Scope will be the B&LE between CE & Wallace, trackage rights over the Nickel Plate (sorry folks, it'll always be the NKP to me), and trackage in Erie. Will add photos as time goes on. Hope you find them of interest. And if anyone else has material, please feel free to jump in!

Locust Lane, at MP E7 (about 0.9 miles south of the Rt 20 Xing in Girard), has always been one of my favorite locations. It is a pubic road (and RR crossing) for the first 1000 feet or so off of Tannery Road, and then becomes private property.

First view shows a pair of SD-18's headed south, circa 1963. Note the 2nd car in the train, one of the few TOFC loads I photographed.

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[nkp715]

Here's a northbound approaching the crossing, headed by the 857 and 884. Date is Nov 1, 1964.

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[nkp715]

In May of 73, another NB with the 838 and 834 on the point.

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[nkp715]

This was the timeframe when power on both ends was the norm. The 836 and 862 are one the rear of the NB in the previous post.

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[nkp715]

NS traffic utilized the Bessemer in the years following the CR breakup -- first for manifest trains as 14M and 15M, and later for coal and coke movements. Here's a SB in August of 2001.

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[nkp715]

On Jan 4, 2007 the Conneaut Yard Engine - 866 - was headed to Wallace to pick up several empty hoppers. There were at least three such moves. The cars had been damaged in a derailment oof-line, and following repair were delivered to Wallace.

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[Jon]

Jim,

I want to personally thank you for all of the work you have put into sharing your photos with the board. Without such exclusive historic content that you have been becoming notorious for contributing, I don't think this board would have near as much activity as it does now. It is much appreciated.

[nkp715]

Thanks, Jon; I'm happy to have the opportunity to share some of my photos. Posting a few more this afternoon - -

Here's the 852 SB near South Creek Road (@ MP E 5.5) in Jan of 1969. Next post shows the read end of this train.

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[nkp715]

Bringing up the rear of the 852 South were the 885 and 886. The Alco's weren't all that common on the Erie Branch, although I wouldn't call their use "rare."

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[nkp715]

Here's a shot showing what Wallace Jct looks like at the East End (North of the Bessemer)- -photo goes back to 2001, but I don't think it's changed today. Tracks from right to left are the NS Girard Siding, NS Main, B&LE "main," and the Bessemer yard tracks.

This location was accessible by driving through farmland (which the owner/my neighbor gave me permission to be on). The same route was used by B&LE vehicles for access.

For a closer look at the unit in the background, jump to the next post.

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[nkp715]

During the Spring of 2001, the 454, destined for Georgia, sat at Wallace for about a month before being picked up by the NS. Of course she was the last SD-7 on the property. Nate had some recent comments on the Bessemer Board.

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[nkp715]

One more view of Wallace's East (B&LE North) End, taken Sept, 1991, and looking in the opposite direction from the prior post. The track I referred to as the Bessemer "main" -- hopefully someone else can provide the correct ID -- extends for about a 1000 feet eastward where it connects to the NS main via a hand throw, electric lock switch.

What is interesting about this view is that the short Bessemer train, headed by the 867, is on the NS main, and West of that hand throw switch. I wish I could recall why, but this was from my observations an unusual move. Anyone explain why?

The property which provided access to this location was acquired several years ago by Mercyhurst University, and is now posted as private property.

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[Jon]

Jim how clean of an image is that shot of the 867 on the film? If that's sharp, you ought to crop that down somewhat and have that one published somewhere. I've been wanting to go back there and shoot that before that signal falls if it hasn't already, but I'll never be able to top the subject of this shot haha.

[superbirdvh]

Awesome stuff as always Jim!

[BleBob]

Thanks Jim, Bessemer Gold is what you have there..