In this video, we'll follow a loaded coal train from the Jeddo breaker just north of Hazleton to Port Clinton, stopping for eleven different shots along the way. We'll first see the train as it pulls out of the mine on some rather rough track, with just two SW8s and an SD50 providing power for the 49 loaded coal hoppers. Afterward, they will meet a trio of SD40-2s at Hazel Brook. These engines are newly-reactivated 3056 as well as freshly repainted 3058 and 3057. After coupling onto the consist, 3056 will lead the train south from here, with its RS5T horn sounding at every crossing on the line.
As the coal trains pull through Hazleton, they operate on several miles of trackage rights on Norfolk Southern's Hazleton Running Track. As a result, they must often hold for NS local freights to pass. Before our coal train can continue, it will have to wait for H98 to return from the Valmont Industrial Park, powered by one of NS' distinctive GP59s on either end. Finally, the train gets permission to head through downtown Hazleton, where we will see it on some pseudo-street trackage near the Wyoming Street crossing. Next, we'll shoot over to Buttonwood Street as the train blasts up the hill on the south side of Hazleton, with the three SD40-2s providing all of the power and sand that they can use on their way up the hill.
Back on RBMN rails, we will see the train again at McAdoo, Lofty, and East Mahanoy Junction. After a brief pause at Tamaqua for a recrew, we will catch them at three more locations between Tamaqua and Port Clinton. Much has changed on the Reading & Northern's main line in the past year or two. The jointed rail has given way to continuous welded rail, and many places, such as Zehners, sport new grade crossings. Despite these changes, the Reading & Northern remains a place where classic power can still be found getting the job done on heavy unit coal trains.
Train stats:
RBMN 3056 (SD40-2)
RBMN 3058 (SD40-2)
RBMN 3057 (SD40-2)
RBMN 801 (SW8)
RBMN 803 (SW8)
RBMN 5014 (SD50)
49 loaded coal hoppers
H98:
NS 4606 (GP59)
NS 4616 (GP59)
29 май 2012
