Intermodal Op Session 1C Part 2 - Extra Train X115 Heading to Port Newark

Greetings followers of the Atlantic Pacific Railroad!

We pick up the action with Part 2 of the Intermodal Op Session. The train is awaiting motive power to take CSX Extra X115 from the Reynolds Intermodal Yard over to Port Newark. Once in the yard, additional cars will be added and sent on to Syracuse. 

The train is parked on Secondary Track 2. This is a mid-size train and will require only one engine. 

CSX uses large 6 axle engines for heavy and long trains. For this move, CSX SD80MAC #4594 will be used to take the train over to Port Newark. 

Some facts about the SD80MAC courtesy of Wikipedia

The SD80MAC is a 5,000 horsepower (3.7 MW) C-C diesel-electric locomotive. The model uses a 20-cylinder version of EMD's 710G prime mover, and is the first diesel locomotive to use a 20-cylinder engine since EMD's SD45 and SD45-2. It introduced a wide radiator housing similar to GE Transportation locomotives and the placement of dynamic brakes at the rear of the locomotive, which is a quieter location, features that were incorporated into the SD90MAC and SD70ACe models. Key spotting difference between the SD80MAC and SD90MAC include no external rear sandbox on the SD90MAC, rear number boards, and the placement of the front numberboards (above the cab windows on the SD80MAC, on the nose on most SD90MACs). The SD80MAC also has recessed red marker lights in the nose, an identifying feature unique to Conrail locomotives, although Norfolk Southern (NS) has removed the lights on most of their former Conrail engines.

All 30 SD80MAC units built were delivered to Conrail, and the 28 production units were completed, tested, and painted at the former Pennsylvania Railroad shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The other two units rostered by Conrail were EMD demonstrator units that were purchased outright^[1] Many consider the SD80MAC to be the last new locomotive Conrail purchased as a truly independent railroad. In the split of Conrail, Norfolk Southern received 17 units (numbered 7200–7216) while CSX got 13 (800–812, being renumbered to 4590–4602). The former Conrail units were the first AC traction locomotives owned by Norfolk Southern, with the railroad not ordering more until late 2008 with an order of General Electric's ES44AC.

Chicago and North Western Railway ordered 15, along with Canadian Pacific, but the orders were canceled and/or changed. Conrail ordered more, but its new owners changed the order to SD70s and SD70MACs, all of which would be built at the Juniata Shops in Altoona.

In 2009, NS 7205, the final SD80MAC in Conrail's scheme, (formerly CR 4109) was repainted to Norfolk Southern's scheme. No SD80MACs remain in a Conrail color scheme.

Vale Mining of Brazil ordered a set of 7 updated locomotives designated as the SD80ACe model. These locomotives feature Tier 1 compliant 20-710G3C engines. The design is currently for export only, and these specific locomotives will run on Vale Mining's 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) broad gauge trackage.

CSX SD80MAC #4594 will be used to pull this train over to Port Newark. The engine is being serviced at the A.P.R.R. Richmond Hill Engine Terminal before heading over to pick up the Intermodal Train.

The engine, which was on service track 1 needed to be moved to the arrival and departure terminal track. There's no better way than to move the engine on the turntable, and align it for departure!

CSX SD80MAC Heading out of the Richmond Hill Engine Terminal to the Secondary Tracks outside of the Reynolds Intermodal Terminal and West Harold Tower

As the CSX #4594 approaches West Harold Tower, she sees an approach signal. This means the engine will be going thru some switches before arriving at its destination. Any type of large engine or vehicle, which is a thing of pride and beauty is labeled as 'She'. This engine certainly fits the bill!

CSX #4594 has arrived at the East End of the secondary tracks. Once the engine picks up the train, movement to Port Newark will be taken over by the Little Jamaica Interlocking Tower. Yes, these secondary tracks are very long to accommodate Intermodal cars, Auto Racks or mixed freight which id delivered to nearby Three Amigos Warehouse and the Oil & Gas Terminal.

CSX Extra Train X115 is cleared to depart and head over to Port Newark. Once at the yard, she'll pick up other Intermodal cars and head to Syracuse as CSX Train Q159, and then on to Chicago.

Next up, another in bound Intermodal Train from Chicago and points West!