About 1:30 AM - an empty coal unit train heading westbound on the MILW West line - going through Franklin Park Junction - pulled by two CSX engines - now I know that BNSF coals use this route to service Wisconsin Power, but an empty CSX westbound here? Where could it be going?
It’s probably a regular BNSF train, powered by CSX locos that are paying back for the horsepower-miles run up by BNSF locos on CSX rails. This would make excellent sense, especially if the train, once loaded, will be routed to someplace on the Chessie System.
Thanks to the wonders of modern electronics, it’s often quicker and easier to arrange a short-term locomotive lease than to change engines on a run-through train. The railroads try to arrange payback in kind rather than actually exchanging money. Thus CN and N&W locomotives on a BNSF intermodal eastbound through Northern Arizona, or UP and BNSF units on Horseshoe Curve.
The only requirement is that the lead locomotive must be fitted with whatever is needed to make it compatible with the railroad’s signaling and communications systems.
Chuck
Alright, but even if it was BNSF, where was it going westbound EMPTY? Loaded BNSF coal trains go that way to get to Wisconsin Power & Light, empty going eastbound…
Empty coke train?
I see them heading Eastbound on the CP line through Portage loaded
CSX 9040 and 7685 powered CP train #805 an empty Petroleum Coke train for the Flint Hills Refinery in Roseport, MN. The train was through LaCrosse, WI just before lunch today.
Great info - now I’m curious - how did you find out all of that detailed info?