Conemaugh & Black Lick RR

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Does anyone know anything about this shortline? I know that they have a connection with CSX via the former B&O S&C Branch but that’s pretty much the extent of my knowledge on them.

What type of roster do they have? Who/what type of companies do they serve? How many mile of track do they own?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

2

In 2003 they had-
100,101,102,122,125 = 5 NW2
104,110,111,112,114,116 = 6 SW7
They have been running since 1907 and are (were?) owned by Bethlehem Steel

3

…In the past many years it was a beehive of activity…Brian, if you are familiar where Washington St. is in Johnstown…years ago when on that street one could see constant movements just inside the fence to where the Mill activity was and {maybe a tiny bit yet}, They handled probably all the Mill activity that is {was}, stretched 10 or 15 miles along the valley and river beyond downtown Johnstown. I remember several fellows that worked for the C & BL RR …around the clock. It was an active short line. Hope a bit of it still operates. Maybe I’ll get to eyeball some if it this coming week as I’ll be in the area.

4

C&BL was part of the Bethlehmem Steel family, so its colors would be black and yellow. Like the US Steel roads, power was often traded among the various Bethlehem roads.

5

Thanks to all for the information on the C&BL. Seems like back in 2003 they had a pretty large roster for a shortline. Normally would’ve expected 2 or 3 units for their entire roster.

One questions…When new cars are shipped by Freightcar America, does the C&BL move them to the yard where they connect with the CSX S&C Branch or does CSX pick up the new cars directly?

Thanks,
Brian

6

The 1979 Offical Railway Guide has a listing for them. It saids it was a terminal line operating in Cambria County PA with connections at Johson PA with the B & O & Conrail which I guess today translates to the CSX. They show no roster for equipment in the book. Head office is in Johnson PA 15901 so maybe you want to contact them their. [:o)][:p][:)]

[quote]
Originally posted by bbrant

7

nanaimo73: You must have a memory like an elephant, or, a library full of RR reference books!LOL

8

…That is “Johnstown,Pa” for C&BL RR…I suppose their connection today would be as the post above indicates: CSX via S&C but also to NS, on ex. Pennsylvania east / west route…And 10-4 on the above statement on nanaimo73’s info…He listed RR’s that feed out in all directions from our city here in Muncie, In…from up in B. C…

9

…Correction: on the last post…should be Interurban routes out of Muncie instead of RR’s.

10

According to “American Shortline Railway Guide, 5th Edition”, Kalmbach Books, 1996, Conemaugh & Black Lick RR operates 33 mile of tracks and moves 2,000 revenue cars per year.