nkp715
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Post by nkp715 on Feb 24, 2012 16:28:40 GMT -5
Want to share some views of the Bessemer in Erie, and will start with four shots on the West 12th street trackage. First, here's the 285 near 12th & Sassafras; they had just picked up Union Pacific U50D (actually, B+B-B+B is the correct designation) off of the NYC interchange, and are running around the unit. Date is 8/1964. Attachments:
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nkp715
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Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Feb 24, 2012 16:32:43 GMT -5
Here's the 285 headed west along the street, pulling the UP 40. Many new GE units took this route; the road freight would take the units from the yard at Greengarden Road, and head south from Wallace. Many, like the UP's, would be interchanged with the EL at Shenango. Attachments:
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nkp715
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Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Feb 24, 2012 16:39:21 GMT -5
The Bessemer's yard engine would normally handle all switching in Erie. However, when the crew wasn't on duty (as in this instance on a Sunday) and an interchange with the NYC was needed, the road freight would do the job. Here's the 721 & 725 shoving a cut of hoppers toward the interchange. I'm standing just west of 12th & Sassafras, looking west along 12th Street. The hoppers were probably coal loads destined for a distributor on East 10th Street (and ultimately Hammermill Paper); the cars would be delivered via the NYC and East Erie Commercial. Attachments:
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nkp715
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Feb 24, 2012 16:43:48 GMT -5
Another view of the 721 and 725 on Mar 28, 1965. from the same location near 12th & Sass. Today, the Times News building is behind the units. Note the Bessemer freighthouse just ahead of the 721. The 12th Street trackage would be removed later that year. Attachments:
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Post by BleBob on Feb 24, 2012 17:33:30 GMT -5
Great photos,
The last one showing the two F units bringing coal to the end of the 14th street tracks brings up a question. I am guess this is coal for the NYC interchange and crews would bring as many loads up as they could fit bumper to switch point then shove the loads down to the NYC and repeat. Am I correct in that? Also rare shots of a B&LE A.A combo, it seems they were always A.B.A maybe I just dont look at enough pics of the Fs.... Thanks again Jim.
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nkp715
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Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Feb 25, 2012 9:04:40 GMT -5
Bob - Thanks. Scaling track charts/maps provided by RonS, the distance between the end of track and that switch was about 650 to 700 feet, so two F units and about 15 cars would be the max. My memory is that when I drove by and saw what was happening, the crew was in process of moving one cut of cars, although more could have been done prior.
Also, looked thru my slides/negatives. This was the only A-A I have. Two units was typical for the run into Erie at that time, but it could be one or three; most that I have on film consisted of an F and a road switcher.
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nkp715
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Mar 1, 2012 12:15:09 GMT -5
In April of 1986, here's the 844 crossing West 16th Street in Erie, preparing to interchange a loaded coal train with Conrail. Attachments:
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nkp715
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Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Mar 1, 2012 12:18:58 GMT -5
Another view of the 844, stopped at the interchange, while a crewmember contacts the CR Erie Yardmaster, for permission to occupy the "42 running track." This interchange was located just west of the Raspberry Street crossing. Attachments:
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nkp715
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Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Mar 1, 2012 12:23:17 GMT -5
Lastly, the 844 proceeds onto Conrail. Normal motive power at this time was two units on each end of the train. Undoubtedly, the rear units were helping the head end move the loaded train up the grade to the interchange. This track is today the right-of-way for Norfolk Southern's main thru Erie. Attachments:
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nkp715
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Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Mar 1, 2012 12:35:43 GMT -5
One more scene at the Bessemer - CR interchange, taken at the West 16th Street B&LE crossing, on March 30, 1988. The 876 and another unit are pulling empties off of CR, while the 866 and a second unit wait at the "tunnel" under CR, which led to 12th Street. Once the train is clear of the switch, the second set of power will tie onto the rear end. Loaded trains were set out on the "42 running track" west of the connection. Depending on train length, it was sometimes necessary to cut the crossing at Greengarden Blvd. Conrail would spot empties east of Raspberry Street. Attachments:
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Post by BleBob on Mar 1, 2012 23:38:15 GMT -5
Thanks Jim,
In 2012 all rail in this photo are still in place. Weeds, trees, and rust have taken place of the 866
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nkp715
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Mar 11, 2012 8:35:37 GMT -5
Want to post two more shots of the Bessemer in Erie, but not on B&LE rails. First is the 722-719B-728 in Pennsy's OD Yard on Sept 23, 1964. Was never able to determine why they were there, and was only time I saw B&LE road power at that location. Anyone know why? Were units leased to the PRR at that time? Attachments:
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nkp715
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by nkp715 on Mar 17, 2012 14:14:56 GMT -5
On the 11th, posted a photo, basically saying here's two shots of B&LE units in Erie, but not on Bessemer rails. Well six days and one computer crash later, here's the second one. The 843, while on lease to the Allegheny, is heading an eastbound out of Erie, along with ALY 102. Location is former PRR milepost 6, at Koehler Road. Always liked the way those older SD's looked running long hood forward. The 825 was the other SD-9 leased to the ALY. Attachments:
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Post by BleBob on Mar 19, 2012 17:41:10 GMT -5
Thanks Jim,
What year were the leased units on the ALY?
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Post by Jon on Mar 19, 2012 17:47:19 GMT -5
1986
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