Something old something new

Matt L · August 07, 2014, 08:14:30 PM

Every time I head out to Buffalo, I learn something new. With that in mind, let's take a look at my most recent visit.

First, NS local H42 will brake for deer! The former Lehigh Valley RR yard next to Buffalo Creek Junction is a nature preserve, and deer have been living there for at least a few years... but I lever saw one brave enough to cross the tracks.

Speaking of NS, they have assigned one of the Kylon SD40-2s (ex-HLCX) to the Buffalo area.

The Buffalo & Pittsburgh local was also working their yard around the same time. The Gee[ is ex-N&W.

The second thing I learned was that the Buffalo Southern could drop off cars in NS's ex-NKP yard. Previously, I had seen NS drop off cars in the BSOR yard.. but never even considered the reverse could also be true.

All photos in this post were taken by me Friday 7/18/2014 in Buffalo, NY.

Matt L · August 07, 2014, 08:26:12 PM

I also found a new spot to catch the Buffalo Southern- the US Route 62 crossing.

Later in the day, i headed over to Bayview Road. CSX (ex-NYC) and NS (ex-NKP main) share this crossing. Because CSX has 3 tracks vs NS's 1 track, CSX controls the crossing. CSx was working on their crossing signals, so everything (including NS) was under a slow order. I had never seen this before, but it makes sense, too.

Eastbound NS intermodal (possibly 22K):

Trackmobile servicing a Norfolk Southern customer near Bayview Road:

the only CSX freight I saw at Bayveiw Raod was this westbound manifest freight, and it had a trailing NS unit:

The final train of the day was this westbound NS mixed freight:

All photos in this post were taken by me Friday 7/18/2014. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to greater Buffalo- no doubt there is more to learn there.

NSMoWandS · August 07, 2014, 08:39:52 PM

Nice shots! On a side note-even the deer knew to use a designated crossing when crossing the tracks! I guess the OLS Animal Division is paying off! LOL! DE Dan

Matt L · August 08, 2014, 08:07:46 PM

LOL!! Thanx for the kind words, too.

leroy · August 09, 2014, 08:52:44 AM

I love the shots of the Buffalo and Pittsburgh shots; along with the Buffalo and Southern shots....
Great stuff... Thanks for takin the time to post them...
leroy

Matt L · August 10, 2014, 08:58:58 PM

You're welcome! The B&P and BSOR shots are included because they interchange with NS in Buffalo- everything quite literally ties together! As an added bonus, here is the BSOR local passing an old Erie mile post and heading southbound at the Ridge Road bridge:

All photos in this post were taken by me Friday 7/18/2014 in Lackawanna, NY. I shall also take this opportunity to thank Pat and Brian from the Buffalo Southern (BSOR) for their friendliness and professionalism.

NSMoWandS · August 11, 2014, 02:14:11 PM

Still really diggin' that BSOR paint scheme! DE Dan

dschlegel · August 12, 2014, 10:27:24 AM

Cool shots! I wonder how many deer don't make it across the tracks there.
PA dan

Matt L · August 12, 2014, 10:26:50 PM

Thank you! That is an interesting question- I've never noticed any deer carcasses at Buffalo Creek Junction, and it is a busy place. CSX usually handles about 50-60 trains on their line, NS has about 12-16 (plus locals) and of course the shortlines contribute a few trains a day, too. I'm guessing the deer are either very lucky or they know to cross when there is a lull in the action.

dschlegel · August 14, 2014, 09:11:52 AM

I guess I didn't realize there were that many trains through there when looking at all of the RR's, very impressive!
As for the deer, Allentown yard sits between a steep wooded hill and the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River. I've seen tons of deer along that stretch and more than a few carcasses in the bowl tracks.
PA dan