I just saw a BNSF coal train heading east on the CSX (former P&LE) line through Pittsburgh. Thought this was kind of odd since I’ve always seen coal trains with CSX cars only. The BNSF train I saw was pure BNSF - 3 BNSF units and all coal cars of BNSF predecessors.
Just curious why a pure BNSF coal train would be this far east. Was a nice to see a little different variety though.
Brian
I occasionally see trains of coal that appear to be from “out west” here in northern New York. Can’t remember the reporting marks any more, though. Most often we do get coal in CSX and related cars.
Because the power plants want to burn low sulphur coal from Wyoming. It could just as easily be a UP set too.
Dave H.
there have been up trains with up’s road names on the cars too.or up and bnsf power together with leased coal cars for detroit edison.even saw some ns engines taking empties back to chicago on the B&O line.you just never know what you’ll get.
stay safe
Joe
Many eastern utilities are buying PRB or Colorado coal and blending it with eastern coal to meet CLean Air guidelines.
PRB and Colorado coals have lower sulfur contents.
This can be a tricky process. Power plants are designed to burn a coal within certain parameters. So a plant burning eastern/midwestern coal cannot just swap over and burn PRB coal. PRB caol is generally a lot lower in BTU content and has a higher ash content. These are the 2 main factors that must be considered when changing sources for coal. The Colorado coal can be more easily substituted as it has closer specs to eastern coal. It does have low sulfur content.
A major concern is the cost. PRB coal (FOB at the silo) is about 1/3 the cost of Colorado coal. Even coal from within the PRB will vary in cost. We have begun buying a lower sulfur content coal and are paying a premium for it.
from what i understand…they are unit trains going to the docks for export…
csx engineer
If they are going for export, then I don’t think it is PRB coal. Not enough value in it.
While it may not be for export, it is going to Curtis Bay and being trans-loaded on water borne vessels.
in Rochelle last year I saw 2 UPs lead a coal train with all NS coal cars
kevin
Hey, that reminds me. Last year, on a trip to Buffalo (Depew Sta.) I saw a few different varieties of locos & paint. A from UP , some CN GE locos , an Alco with a paint scheme that I’ve only seen before on I beleive a Delaware-Lackawana, a BNSF hood B unit,and a lot of CSX es (one’sair brakes failed and we were stuck behind it for 15 minutes). At the Rochester yard I spotted one very old Penn Central gondola- THERE WAS GRASS GROWING IN IT!!!LITERALLY!!![swg]
Are they STILL loading coal out of Curtis?
What shipping or nations could be using this coal?