CSX Charlotte Gallery
Workplace Glimpses
During my years of working at Charlotte, I have been fortunate to witness and photograph a considerable amount of CSXT activity in and around Pinoca Yard. The hands of change have not left this area untouched---upgrades to the intermodal ramp, track realignments, and the addition of signals within the former yard limit region has transformed the overall appearance. Operational changes include the addition of two more intermodal trains and the variety of motive power within the past decade. With each passing year, standardization has become more or less the rule of the day. At one time, a good sampling of older EMD power would be common on the "pig" trains as well as locomotives still sporting Conrail blue and leaser marks. Although EMD units are obviously still common for yard and local use, their frequency has definitely declined on the road trains. Today the rule of thumb is two GE units on the pig trains occasionally interrupted by the appearance of foreign road power. Keeping with the theme of eventual uniformity, the number of CSX locomotives in earlier paint schemes continues to decrease daily as the fleet transforms to the current YN3 and variant (Dark Future) appearance. Obviously, this transformation is not only confined to Charlotte as it encompasses the entire CSXT network as a whole.
Included on this page are various images taken either at Pinoca Yard or the intermodal ramp with a sprinkling of other scenes such as mainline trains passing through. Locomotive roster shots are also added as representations of particular models or paint schemes. With a large number of images taken here choosing ones to insert is difficult but hopefully a balance can be achieved in the presentation. As simply a novice photographer, the quality of these images will vary considerably. Finally, Charlotte images used elsewhere on WVNC Rails will not be replicated here.
Included on this page are various images taken either at Pinoca Yard or the intermodal ramp with a sprinkling of other scenes such as mainline trains passing through. Locomotive roster shots are also added as representations of particular models or paint schemes. With a large number of images taken here choosing ones to insert is difficult but hopefully a balance can be achieved in the presentation. As simply a novice photographer, the quality of these images will vary considerably. Finally, Charlotte images used elsewhere on WVNC Rails will not be replicated here.
A setting sun paints soft light as a rising waxing gibbous moon overlooks Conrail heritage power at the north end of the intermodal ramp. CW40-8 #7301 is paired with SD60I #8729 in YN3 colors although of Conrail heritage itself. Dan Robie 2006
GP40 #6783 is certainly a hybrid scheme. Part YN1-part "blue belly" and with another road number visible to boot. Easy to spot the ancestry of this unit with "Seaboard Coast Line" readable beneath the CSX gray. Dan Robie 2006
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Also of SCL lineage is SD40-2 #8132 at rest on the rip track behind the Pinoca Yard office. Repair work on the track is taking place in the background. Dan Robie 2006
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A pair of wide cab Dash 8 units rest on Track P01 inside Pinoca. This was the power for the inbound Q194 and would turn later on the outbound Q199. Looming in the distance as it has since the early years of the Piedmont and Northern Railway is the decrepit water tower at the old Eveready battery plant. Dan Robie 2006
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BNSF SD40-2 #7303 is part of the outbound F768 to Hamlet on this day. Foreign power and leasers were common predating the economic crash of 2008 and the decrease in traffic volume. Dan Robie 2006
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UP SD70M #5195 and CSX mate enters the old RM3 track at the ramp to switch a cut of cars for the outbound Q199. The era of the "visi-vest" for crews was not yet upon us. Dan Robie 2006
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HLCX SD40-2 leasers #8160 and #8176 work respective cuts of cars in the yard. Six axle units are generally confined to yard use as the four axles work the locals because of tight curves on former P&N tracks and the industrial parks. Dan Robie 2006
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A bit of tropical flavor this day as Florida Tri Rail GP49 #815 passes through on Q696. A bright and sunny paint scheme if ever there was one. Dan Robie 2006
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C40-8 #7491 still in Conrail Quality blue arrived with a Q194 on this overcast day. Dan Robie 2006
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Operations at Charlotte during the past decade have basically been a reflection of economic trends and system reclassification of train numbers. In 2006, the intermodal terminal received an inbound Q194 from Atlanta and the outbound counterpart was Q199. By 2012, the outbound train was changed from Q199 to Q195 with a L195 operating on Saturday. A Sunday Q195 was also added during this time period.
2008 saw the inauguration of the “Threads Express” intermodals running between Charlotte and Jacksonville with cuts for Savannah. This freight changes hands to and from the Florida East Coast (FEC) with traffic for and from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Initially, these trains operated under the Q181/L181 and Q182/L182 symbols until a system wide reclassification renumbered them as Q037/L037 and Q038/L038/Q040.
On the freight side, F767/ F768 operated as Charlotte-Hamlet turns until 2009. The economic crash of 2008 temporarily abolished these trains and Q696 and Q697 were blocked with cuts of cars to and from Charlotte. Once reinstated in 2010, F767 was changed to F769 but F768 remained the same. During 2012, these two trains were reclassified as Q468 and Q469. Run through trains include Q696 (Russell, KY-Hamlet), its counterpart Q697 (Hamlet-Russell), and Q698 (Cincinnati-Hamlet). Until recently, a counterpart Q699 (Hamlet-Cincinnati) operated but at the time of this writing, has been abolished. One constant in a flux of changes has been F793, a Charlotte-Mount Holly turn that will operate as far as Lincolnton as needed.
Coal loads and empties still pass through on the main although fewer in number than 2006.The loss and reductions at Riverbend and Marshall on the Terrell Sub from Mount Holly has impacted coal traffic volume drastically. Conversely, in recent years grain traffic through Charlotte has increased. Local turns out of Pinoca serve the West Industrial Park and the former P&N Chemway Park in addition to customers scattered elsewhere along the mainline.
2008 saw the inauguration of the “Threads Express” intermodals running between Charlotte and Jacksonville with cuts for Savannah. This freight changes hands to and from the Florida East Coast (FEC) with traffic for and from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Initially, these trains operated under the Q181/L181 and Q182/L182 symbols until a system wide reclassification renumbered them as Q037/L037 and Q038/L038/Q040.
On the freight side, F767/ F768 operated as Charlotte-Hamlet turns until 2009. The economic crash of 2008 temporarily abolished these trains and Q696 and Q697 were blocked with cuts of cars to and from Charlotte. Once reinstated in 2010, F767 was changed to F769 but F768 remained the same. During 2012, these two trains were reclassified as Q468 and Q469. Run through trains include Q696 (Russell, KY-Hamlet), its counterpart Q697 (Hamlet-Russell), and Q698 (Cincinnati-Hamlet). Until recently, a counterpart Q699 (Hamlet-Cincinnati) operated but at the time of this writing, has been abolished. One constant in a flux of changes has been F793, a Charlotte-Mount Holly turn that will operate as far as Lincolnton as needed.
Coal loads and empties still pass through on the main although fewer in number than 2006.The loss and reductions at Riverbend and Marshall on the Terrell Sub from Mount Holly has impacted coal traffic volume drastically. Conversely, in recent years grain traffic through Charlotte has increased. Local turns out of Pinoca serve the West Industrial Park and the former P&N Chemway Park in addition to customers scattered elsewhere along the mainline.
An empty rail rack train is temporarily stopped on the main adjacent to the intermodal ramp. Good old school power here with B36-7 #5856 and a GP40-2/ "GP30" slug set. All of the B36-7s have since been retired. Dan Robie 2007
Still wearing the YN1 paint was one of the last SD40s on the active roster. The #4621 and SD50 mate stopped with a ballast train for MOW work at Charlotte. Dan Robie 2007
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The evening sun is setting behind SD70MAC #752 on the Pinoca Yard lead. This class of locomotive was in the process of renumbering to the 4500/4700-4800 series to open three digit numbers for the forthcoming AC Gevo orders. Dan Robie 2007
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BNSF #7595 was an eye catcher tied down by the ramp as both these units were Q194/Q199 power for the day. The "Gevolution" was well underway by this date as yet another harbinger of change on the contemporary railroad. Dan Robie 2007
A rare location for road power during this time period. CW44AC #99 and mate are stored on ramp track RM1 waiting for the afternoon call and Q199. Dan Robie 2007
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Pinoca crews have generally liked the MP15 "buttheads" on the local jobs because of the cab platforms. Unusual running here with the nose to nose coupling. Dan Robie 2007
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Q696 has entered the Charlotte yard limits as it sweeps around the curve near the Old Mount Holly Road grade crossing. For many years, Pinoca yardmasters and crews have colloquially referred to this location as "Monkey Grip". Dan Robie 2007
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Coal train U335 runs past F768 waiting to depart for Hamlet. Trains of black diamonds were more numerous then as compared to now. Dan Robie 2007
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A very late running Q697 passes the West Industrial Park lead adjacent to Rozzelles Ferry Road. Quite a mixture of motive power on this manifest en route to Russell, KY. Dan Robie 2007
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A ramp view of Q194 arriving on an overcast morning. The fact that four units are on this train is indicative of a power failure en route and additional locomotives added. Typically, a failure will result in only one extra unit ---this is a very rare occurrence. Dan Robie 2007
Beginning in 2008, the winds of change blew forcefully shaping changes to come. The first upgrade occurred at the intermodal ramp with track extensions, a new office, and a reconfiguration of the layout within the ramp. The greatest impact on operations, however, was the economic meltdown that occurred later in the year that affected traffic patterns. All facets of business were affected but the most negative impact was on manifest traffic. Car loads decreased and at times, Pinoca Yard could be barren of cars. The most noticeable difference was the abolishment of Charlotte-Hamlet trains F767/F768 by early 2009 due to decreased traffic. As a result, manifest trains Q696 and Q697 handled cuts of cars at Charlotte.
On a positive note, the addition of two intermodal trains helped to offset the manifest losses with respect to Pinoca activity. In June 2008, the Threads Express was introduced as high priority textiles in the Charlotte- Florida market in conjunction with the FEC. Also added with these trains was port traffic at Savannah and Charleston. With implementation of the Q181/Q182 trains, the intermodal ramp essentially became a round the clock operation. In the ensuing years, the volume of these trains has more than doubled.
On a positive note, the addition of two intermodal trains helped to offset the manifest losses with respect to Pinoca activity. In June 2008, the Threads Express was introduced as high priority textiles in the Charlotte- Florida market in conjunction with the FEC. Also added with these trains was port traffic at Savannah and Charleston. With implementation of the Q181/Q182 trains, the intermodal ramp essentially became a round the clock operation. In the ensuing years, the volume of these trains has more than doubled.
The stillness is broken as Q697 passes through a hazy and barren outer Pinoca Yard. Freshly painted GP38-2 # 2685 proudly leads four big GEs in this slightly zoomed image that exaggerates the vertical curvature of the tracks. Dan Robie 2008
The GP15 has been a relatively rare locomotive on the Florence Division as the model has typically been assigned to other regions on CSX. Here is an exception with the #1540 as power for a FRA train. Dan Robie 2008
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Morning fog has immersed Pinoca Yard after a light morning rain. F768 with SD40-2 #8104 will depart before it burns off. Dan Robie 2008
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When this photo was taken, SD60I #8750 was the last of its class to remain in Conrail blue. Upon its arrival with the Q194, I asked the engineer if he would illuminate the red markers of which he kindly did. Dan Robie 2008
No overlooking this bright orange U18B destined for the Pickens Railroad in South Carolina. Unique power will appear at Pinoca occasionally as transfers either to or from the NS to the final destination. Dan Robie 2008
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By 2008,YN3 was beginning to tip the scales as the dominant CSX paint even on older locomotives. This scene offers a side by comparison of SD40-2s with a hood mounted headlight and one on the nose. Dan Robie 2008
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June 2, 2008 witnessed the debut of Q181, the southbound Threads Express intermodal running to Jacksonville, FL via Savannah. Pictured here is the inaugural departure from Pinoca Yard. Dan Robie 2008
Aboard the outbound Q199 looking towards downtown. Most of this track was reconfigured during the 2012 upgrade. Dan Robie 2008
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The most "infamous" locomotive on the CSXT roster this side of the #8888. CW60AC # 666 as a trailing unit on a Q696. Dan Robie 2008
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The first inbound Q182 arrived in Charlotte on June 4, 2008. SD70MAC #4791 leads the train into spot at the ramp on track RM4 for the unloading of containers. Dan Robie 2008
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HLCX SD40-2 #8161 and a mix of other power on F768 wait for the signal from the NS dispatcher at Southern Crossing. Known as Graham in NS lingo, the interlocking is controlled by Norfolk Southern for train movements. Dan Robie 2008
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A trio of Geeps with GP38-2 #2758 in Conrail blue wait on the West Industrial Park lead connection. Temporary congestion has resulted in the locomotives tied down here. Dan Robie 2008
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Convergence in the yard. CW40-8 #7660 is the lead unit on F768 while in the center another Dash 8 is in yard use. Meanwhile on the left a local led by GP38-2 #2563 is returning from the West Industrial Park. Dan Robie 2008
In the early spring of 2009, two new symbol trains were added that would pass through Charlotte. Q698, a Cincinnati-Hamlet manifest and its Hamlet-Cincinnati counterpart, Q699, became daily runs that boosted traffic on the Charlotte Subdivision. If on schedule, both would pass through town in mid-afternoon and meet to the railroad south at Shelby or Cherryville. The routing of these two trains only lasted several months on the Charlotte Sub before shifting to a longer but quicker Cincinnati-Atlanta- Hamlet route. Occasionally, one or both would be rerouted through Charlotte but operations opted to leave them on the aforementioned route otherwise.
Later in the year, the Charlotte-Hamlet train F768 was reinstated along with its Hamlet-Charlotte counterpart although the symbol was changed from F767 to F769. Their return was hastened by the delays to both Q696 and Q697 transit times as well as the impediment both caused at Charlotte affecting timely intermodal ramp switching and increased roadway traffic congestion.
Later in the year, the Charlotte-Hamlet train F768 was reinstated along with its Hamlet-Charlotte counterpart although the symbol was changed from F767 to F769. Their return was hastened by the delays to both Q696 and Q697 transit times as well as the impediment both caused at Charlotte affecting timely intermodal ramp switching and increased roadway traffic congestion.
One of the last F767s before abolishment arrived on a cold rainy evening and its power was tied down adjacent to the ramp. Freshly painted GP40-2 # 6455 and road slug #2339 look as though they wear a coat of lacquer from the wet conditions. Dan Robie 2009
Head on view of GP38-2 #2666 on track P05. Another GP38-2 in YN2 paint is at left and the NS transfer job (Z725) is in the yard as well. Dan Robie 2009
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Q698 meets CW44AC #2 near the Hovis Road grade crossing in a late afternoon scene. This was the inaugural run of the Cincinnati-Hamlet train. Dan Robie 2009
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SD70MAC #4718 and SD40-2 #8239 lead F769 near the Hoskins Road grade crossing. Upon reinstatement, the Hamlet-Charlotte train symbol changed from F767 to F769. Dan Robie 2009
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A pair of CW40-8s idle on the Pinoca Yard lead. The 7900 series ex LMS units added spice to this frequently seen class of locomotive that is the vanguard of the modern GE appearance. Dan Robie 2009
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An otherwise devoid yard finds Q199 on P08 track brake testing prior to departure. The five well bulkhead car as seen behind the power is becoming increasingly scarce in intermodal service. Dan Robie 2009
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Completing its overnight run from Jacksonville, Q182 crosses over from the main as it will run the auxiliary track to enter the intermodal ramp. In the background is the Gothamesque Bank of America building that towers above downtown Charlotte. Dan Robie 2009.
F769 arrives from Hamlet with a SD60/SD50 duo. The #8780 number indicates this locomotive was acquired from the Conrail split. Dan Robie 2009
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ES44AH #760 reflects in a pool of water at the conductor shack located at the north end of the outer yard. The tanks at right are at a former rail shipper no longer in business. Dan Robie 2009
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SD70MAC #4504 leads Q699 back onto the mainline at the Hovis Road grade crossing after spotting a cut of cars. This was a rare move--perhaps the only time--that Q699 set off at Charlotte. The 2012 track expansion has changed the look of this location considerably. Dan Robie 2009
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Empty coal train E151 runs south past Pinoca Yard and the intermodal ramp. Locomotives at right are Q199s power which has completed a switch at the ramp waiting for the coal empties to pass. Dan Robie 2009
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A pair of SD50s move out of Pinoca yard with a maintenance of way train in tow. This train had been working the former P&N main between Pinoca and Mount Holly. Dan Robie 2009
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A railroad northbound view from the south end of the intermodal ramp. The #2215 is a road slug with a GP40-2 mother tied down on track P11. To the right is Q194 power on track P10 and the stacked CSXU containers are empties awaiting repositioning. Dan Robie 2009.
In one major respect, 2009 was the photographic high water mark for me at Charlotte. I had previously taken large quantities of photos with the likes of roster shots and various configurations of power. But by 2010 the changes had become more obvious. YN3 painted locomotives were prevalent and the number of foreign units/leasers and even classes of power diminished. Not that I do not like YN3 (Dark Future) paint but when it combined with a daily dose of wide cab GE power became the predominant sight seemingly all the time, the interest waned. Not all was lost, however, as there would still be particular locomotives or scenes I hoped to capture. Unfortunately, there would not be as many as in the past, though.
As the local (Y222) shoves a cut of cars across Rozelles Ferry Road on the West Industrial Park track, Q696 moves past on the main. The end of train device (EOT) is visible on the recently arrived Q182 with the Crowley containers. Dan Robie 2010.
"Triple Nickels" CW44AC #555 at the intermodal ramp. These "coal field" locomotives have earned their keep in other revenue service as well. CSX has got its money worth from this class of power. Dan Robie 2010.
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Variety in motive power type and color. KLWX SW1 #130 and UP AC45CTE #7725 sit on track P11 as Q199 power moves to the ramp. Dan Robie 2010
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Q181 brake tests in track P11 this night indicating that it is not especially long. Solid EMD power with SD40-2 #8827 on the lead soon to depart for the run to Savannah and Jacksonville. Dan Robie 2010.
A pair of C40-8s at rest on the ready track at Pinoca. Power for either Q181 0r Q199 later in the day. Dan Robie 2010
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SD80MAC #4599 and GE on the ready track outside the Pinoca Yard office. These two were power on F769 which arrived earlier in the afternoon. Dan Robie 2010
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A busy scene at the ramp. Yard power is in track RM3 completing a switch as cranes and hostlers momentarily pause. Note the blue flag is down in the track and will be repositioned once the train clears and before the ramp personnel (ISWs) can work the track. Dan Robie 2010
A very late Q697 runs past the ramp as it moves towards its next stop at Bostic. CW 44AC #458 leads another GE and a MP15. Dan Robie 2010.
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Only a handful of locomotives on the CSXT roster remained in Conrail blue at this date. SD40-2 # 8814 is the trailing unit on Q199 ready for departure. Dan Robie 2010
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Local power exits the Pinoca Yard lead en route to 84 Lumber along the mainline at Toddville. The two GP40-2s (one the mother to the "GP30" slug in the lead) wear a fresh dip of YN3 Dark Future paint. This paint scheme looks best on standard cab EMD power in this observer's opinion. Dan Robie 2010.
Q182 arrives advanced several hours as it crosses over to the yard lead on a bright morning. CW40-8 #7918 appears to have been a recent visitor to the Waycross, GA paint booth. Dan Robe 2010
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All is still on a frosty morning looking railroad south. SD40-2 #8049, in well-worn YN2 paint, will lead F768 to Hamlet later in the day. Dan Robie 2010
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A local departs Pinoca with a cut of tank cars probably bound for the West Industrial Park. GP40-2 #6971 in YN2 is paired with a slug that has been repainted to YN3. Unusual because mother/slugs are typically serviced and repainted as a set. Dan Robie 2010
Q194 is briefly stopped before the Crigler Street grade crossing awaiting instructions from the yardmaster. This crossing was eliminated during the 2012 plant expansion. Dan Robie 2010
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A rare look at the local power in Pinoca Yard taken from the intermodal ramp. This angle is only possible when no freight cars are in the yard to obstruct the view. Dan Robie 2010
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Freight volume continued to increase on both the inbound and outbound trains at the intermodal ramp. General manifest traffic, too, was on the upswing at Pinoca as shipping began to emerge from the doldrums of the past couple of years. Expansion plans were in the air and the timing could not be any sooner because of capacity. By the year end of 2011, ground was broken and the next phase of expansion at the ramp had commenced.
A "film noir" image in railroad parlance that is more mood than detail. Shot opposite of the light source, SD40-2 #8131 prepares to depart Pinoca with the outbound Q181. Dan Robie 2011
A trio of Geeps straddle the Rozzelles Ferry crossing at the 84 Lumber spur. This location is approximately one mile south of Pinoca Yard. Dan Robie 2011
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CW60AC #690 repainted in YN3 arrives with a Q182 entering ramp track RM4. These locomotives have been de-rated from the original 6000 HP and reclassified as CW46AH @4400 HP during the past couple of years. Dan Robie 2011
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OK--I cheated with this one a little in regards to location. F768 with HLCX SD40-2 #6257 running through Matthews prior to stopping at Monroe on a cool autumn morning. Train originated at Charlotte about a half hour earlier. Dan Robie 2011.
Snowflakes speckle the scene at Pinoca Yard with consecutively numbered SD40-2s #8440 and #8441. This pair was acquired from the Union Pacific. Dan Robie 2011
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SD50-2 # 8552 moves on the ramp lead to pick up a cut of cars. The YN2 paint on this locomotive is certainly looking rough. Dan Robie 2011.
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Snow blankets the vestiges of the former Piedmont and Northern deep in Pinoca Yard. ES44AH #757 is breaking down train F769 as it diverges onto the former P&N mainline at right. Dan Robie 2011
Originally a B40-8 acquired from NS, CSX has since de-rated the #5974 and reclassified it as a B20-8. Other B40-8s have received the same makeover. On the ready track during a foggy night at Pinoca. Dan Robie 2011
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Kansas City Southern CW44AC #4581 and BNSF running mate switch a cut of cars at the ramp for Q181.Foreign power at the terminal incites curious inquiries from ramp ISWs. Dan Robie 2011
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A duo of Union Pacific units pull through the ramp with the inbound Q182. Blue containers from the Port of Savannah and Seaboard Marine dominate the consist behind the power. Dan Robie 2011
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Where Alcos of the P&N once trod. Winter day switching within the old Chemway Industrial Park. Dan Robie 2011
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HLCX SD40-2 #7179 and SD50-2 #8517 switch at the ramp. An old Taylor side loader crane sits at left. Dan Robie 2011
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In a view from the intermodal ramp, a pair of HLCX leasers are power for F768. The train is on track P08 which is typically used as the departure track for the outbound trains. Dan Robie 2011
To say the year 2012 was loaded with changes at Charlotte would be an understatement. A large expansion project characterized the entire year as south end leads were added at the intermodal ramp creating a second connection to the mainline. An auxiliary track adjacent to the main was extended from the Old Mount Holly Road grade crossing to the Interstate 85 overpass. Tracks were realigned and new crossovers were also added. Visually, the most noticeable change was the addition of signals within the former Charlotte yard limits. Functions once controlled by the Pinoca yardmaster now fell under the jurisdiction of the FC Dispatcher at Florence. Train symbol changes were in evidence. During mid- year, Q199 became Q195, the Threads Express was changed from Q181/Q182 to Q037/Q038 and variants. By years end, F768/F769 had morphed into Q468/Q469.
One of the tasks assigned to me was to create a photo documentary of this project that commenced late 2011 and completed late 2012. This was undertaken as both a reference for future projects and, of course, a matter of historical record. I hope to share some of these images at a future date but at this point in time, do not have rights to do so as the finished product is the property of the company.
From an operational standpoint, the year was filled with challenges and primarily at the intermodal ramp. Obstacles affecting fluidity of work were tracks taken out of service as the project expanded, operational curfews, and the spotting of cars to the ramp at specific time windows. CSXT and CSXI choreographed the operation as smoothly as possible and in spite of all the challenges, managed on time departures throughout the year. This was teamwork at its finest --to accomplish this safely and efficiently was a notable achievement.
One of the tasks assigned to me was to create a photo documentary of this project that commenced late 2011 and completed late 2012. This was undertaken as both a reference for future projects and, of course, a matter of historical record. I hope to share some of these images at a future date but at this point in time, do not have rights to do so as the finished product is the property of the company.
From an operational standpoint, the year was filled with challenges and primarily at the intermodal ramp. Obstacles affecting fluidity of work were tracks taken out of service as the project expanded, operational curfews, and the spotting of cars to the ramp at specific time windows. CSXT and CSXI choreographed the operation as smoothly as possible and in spite of all the challenges, managed on time departures throughout the year. This was teamwork at its finest --to accomplish this safely and efficiently was a notable achievement.
One stray chassis shares the scene with Q194 pulling through the ramp on track RM3. CW44AC #111 leads a lengthy train on this day. Dan Robie 2012
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A new face on the CSXT roster added the previous year is the SD40-3. Ready for departure on one of the last trains to operate with the F768 symbol. Dan Robie 2012.
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A maintenance of way train passes beneath the new signal bridge outside of Pinoca Yard. This control point is named "North End Pinoca" and at left is the outbound signal for the yard. Shiny YN3 on the SD60M and SD50-2. Dan Robie 2012.
The class unit for the 3000 series ES44AH. Moving to the ramp to begin building cuts of cars for Q195. Dan Robie 2012
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Q696 and Q038 pass at Freedom Siding about a mile north of Pinoca. This location is frequently used for meets as it is the only passing siding between Charlotte and Monroe. Dan Robie 2012
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F769 arrived at Charlotte in dramatic fashion. The turbocharger has blown in CW44AC #235 creating a spectacle that would make a steam locomotive proud. Dan Robie 2012
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SD80MAC #4600 leads Q696 past a new set of signals. They are faced away from the track indicative of not yet activated. Dan Robie 2012
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A gaggle of EMD power runs past the closed Hovis Road grade crossing during the expansion project. New track under construction is visible at left. Dan Robie 2012
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High and wide train W037 is tied down in the outer yard during a purple hazed dusk. This run has returned from Marshall Steam Station on the Terrell Sub after delivering a turbine. Dan Robie 2012.
2013 began the first full year after the ramp and track expansion and the productivity increased proportionately. The Charlotte terminal shattered its previous lift totals and in conjunction with CSXT, became a truly integrated operation in regards to the intermodal trains. The Q468/Q469 trains increased in volume as rail carloads continued to increase. From a personal standpoint, the number of photographs continued to decrease although a camera was kept close at hand for one of those days that offered a great opportunity.
Canadian Pacific ES44AC #8929 and running mate on P01 track which was power on the K447 ethanol train for TRANSFLO near Mount Holly. The locomotives on these trains are occasionally run up the P&N to Pinoca and sent to Hamlet on Q468. Dan Robie 2013.
AEX #100008, a former Conrail SD40, sits behind the Pinoca Yard office. This was among several AEX leasers transferred by CSX to the P&N at Mount Holly. Dan Robie 2013
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Building the outbound Q195 at the crossover adjacent to Rozzelles Ferry Road. SD60I #8737 and GE mate are power for the train. Dan Robie 2013
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SD50-2 #8662 and SD60 running mate near the Hoskins Road grade crossing on the approach to the yard. The autumn colors have peaked but the remaining foliage retains some tint. Dan Robie 2013
UP GP60s made the rounds on CSX during 2013 and at least two spent time in Charlotte. The #1985 is at rest with CSX Geeps on the rip track. Dan Robie 2013
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The snow begins falling as Q195 is built and backs into the yard for its brake test. ES40DC #5297 will lead the train to Monroe after which it will become the trailing unit. Dan Robie 2013
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Q040, the inbound Friday variant of Q038, pulls through ramp track RM3. The train will be spotted on arrival as it is broken down into cuts depending on length. Dan Robie 2013
GP38-2 #2625 in a grayscale conversion. The P&N car shop completes the scene in the background. Dan Robie 2013.
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Q195 with a pair of UP SD70ACes brake test in track P08. CSX local power sits idle after completing yard chores. Dan Robie 2013
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F793 was tied down on its return from Mount Holly on the auxiliary track south of Hovis Road. The green hue is from a dwarf signal ahead of GP40-2 #6435 and the glowing red in the distance is the "South End Pinoca" signal. Dan Robie 2013
SIVR GP38-2 #2045 on P02. I could find no other information on this reporting mark. Dan Robie 2013
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Another SIVR GP38-2 with number #2046. Dan Robie 2013
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Road and local power populate the tracks during a summer morning on first trick. Not too frequent to see power lined up here in this fashion as there will be at least one job working elsewhere. Dan Robie 2013
All indications of the future are portents of increased volume and expansion. The intermodal terminal is slated for additional expansion and there will without question be at least one more train added to the lineup. The only mystery at this point is which service lane it will be.
At this point, I will likely not add to this page but rather create a second one in the future. Even if that does not come to pass, I am content with the sampling of trains and locations here.
At this point, I will likely not add to this page but rather create a second one in the future. Even if that does not come to pass, I am content with the sampling of trains and locations here.
The trip from Hamlet complete, Q469 enters the yard lead at Pinoca. CW44AC #376 and mate pull the freight destined for Charlotte area industries. Dan Robie 2014
CEFX SD40-2 #3152 in a SD45 body. These locomotives are affectionately coined as "Bluebirds". Dan Robie 2014
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OFOX SD40-2 #2801 on P01. These leasers have been relatively common on the CSXT network during 2014. Dan Robie 2014
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Yard job working a cut of cars on the auxiliary track as seen from Rozzelles Ferry Road. Ex NS GP38-2 #5547 is one of several FURX leasers to appear here during the year. Dan Robie 2014
HLCX SD40-2 #7921 on P02. The ex Burlington Northern paint adds yet more color variety to the leaser fleets. Dan Robie 2014
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UP power from Q194 in temporary use at the yard until time to build Q195. Fairly common practice with road power at Pinoca when all other units are busy. Dan Robie 2014.
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This pictorial is in tribute to the employees at Charlotte, both past and present, whom I have come to know and work with as either friend or colleague. Mutual respect, accomplishments the product of teamwork, and each others well being the guiding spirit.