I have noticed lately that not only have their been coal consists but also Grain cars sitting on the sidings at Cresson, PA. Did NS or RJ Corman start hauling grain for somebody?
I have found out recently that a new Ethanol Plant in Clearfield opened in January. I am guessing the grain cars are full of corn for RJ Corman to deliver to the new plant.
I do not know if this is true or not, but it seems to be a pretty good guess. I mean, I have not noticed them till this year.
Also, every time I see these grain loads on the branch there always seems to be a UP unit as the 3rd unit on the consist, when it falls into NS’s hands.
The covered hoppers could also be for hauling the Dried Distillers Grain, which is a byproduct of Ethanol production.
Your assumption is true. This grain traffic has been handed off at Cresson by NS to R J Corman since the plant opened during the winter. I believe about one grain train per week is involved, but it could be more now.