Is there a source for identifying the power plant by the four letter identyifer on coal porters? I am interested in plants served by the BNSF line, across Southern Iowa.
I remember seeing an article in a Trains issue several years ago that did precisely that. Try browsing through the magazine index.
www.spikesys.com/Trains/rep_mrks.html
just google railroad reporting marks and you can get a few others.
The reporting marks are more likely to identify the power company instead of a specific plant. And if you get trains containing railroad-owned cars or the cars of one of the major leasing companies (FURX, CEFX, NCUX, etc.), you’ll still be out of luck unless you can find an insider or a knowledgeable railfan.
Joshua65,
Go to Trains Magazine home Page.
Under All About Railroads, Click ABCs of RR.
Then click on RR Reporting Marks, 5th topic from top.
Keep in mind what CShaveRR mentioned.
Nick