Oddity

Saw a FEC SD40-2 in Massachusetts of all places. Any ideas?

Running-off some time for Norfolk Southern or CSX? Maybe FEC borrowed some power from NS or CSX a while back and the FEC unit is running-off that time.

FEC is, or is in the process of, being taken over by Rail America.

Depending on which FEC unit it was, it’s most likely the unit NECR has right now.

Ah. Also in consist was a GATX SD40-2 , not unusual, and a NECR GP38DC. FEC unit was #721

csx has also been using some more leaser power on the line lately too.(hlmx and furx)

stay safe

joe

FEC 721 left New Smyrna Shops with fresh paint on May 21, 2008 bound for use on NECR. It left Jacksonville on CSX Q410. FEC 722 followed about a week later, also in fresh paint. The decision was made by officials at RailAmerica to provide six axle power to the NECR.

The loco was definitely not the regular FEC paint scheme.

That’s because they’re not expected to ever return to FEC. FEC went to great lengths to overhaul and repaint these engines just to send them away forever. [V]

FEC is a unique operation, I had a chance to chase one of their trains out of Jacksonville towards St. Augustine while visiting down there last year. I believe they are a successful operation, why are they being taken over?

Money.

FEC was purchased by Fortress Investment Group, a hedge fund, in June, 2007 for $3.5B. RailAmerica was purchased by FIG four months earlier. FIG put RA in charge of management of FEC which to this day maintains it’s own unique identity separate from the other RA roads.