Norfolk Southern Heritage Locomotives
It was the railfan equivalent of Woodstock with enthusiasts at all levels of interest in attendance. But whether one is a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, the gathering of all twenty Norfolk Southern heritage locomotives painted in predecessor paint schemes was an event to behold. The North Carolina Transportation Museum at Spencer was the setting and is one of the few museums with space enough to have accommodated this festival which took place July 3-4 of 2012. As part of an annual celebration of the Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary, the heritage locomotive gathering was the marquee event.
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There is little doubt that those fortunate enough to attend will ever forget the festivities. Over 4000 attended the event during the two day affair coming from all over the country and in some instances, the globe. All who came competed with the masses for unobstructed photos and the torrid heat. But although there were complaints, the event could not be dubbed any less than a success. All who attended left with some level of satisfaction. From a personal level, my family enjoyed the event immensely with our only negative having been the heat. To its credit, Norfolk Southern is to be commended for joining the "throwback" imaging we are witnessing today with the painting of these fallen flag locomotives. The net result is that it has created a highly positive public image of and for the railroad.
But this is only the beginning because the aftermath will be lingering: thousands of photos from the event will appear on the internet, in publications, and on calendars. Model railroad manufacturers will be salivating to release scale replicas of these locomotives as soon as possible. The marketing wheel has just begun to spin.
Below are some photos taken at the NCTM to the best of my abilities under tough circumstances. There are uncounted photos out there now of this event by photographers far more experienced than I so my efforts are quite humble in comparison. In any event, I hope you enjoy!
.
There is little doubt that those fortunate enough to attend will ever forget the festivities. Over 4000 attended the event during the two day affair coming from all over the country and in some instances, the globe. All who came competed with the masses for unobstructed photos and the torrid heat. But although there were complaints, the event could not be dubbed any less than a success. All who attended left with some level of satisfaction. From a personal level, my family enjoyed the event immensely with our only negative having been the heat. To its credit, Norfolk Southern is to be commended for joining the "throwback" imaging we are witnessing today with the painting of these fallen flag locomotives. The net result is that it has created a highly positive public image of and for the railroad.
But this is only the beginning because the aftermath will be lingering: thousands of photos from the event will appear on the internet, in publications, and on calendars. Model railroad manufacturers will be salivating to release scale replicas of these locomotives as soon as possible. The marketing wheel has just begun to spin.
Below are some photos taken at the NCTM to the best of my abilities under tough circumstances. There are uncounted photos out there now of this event by photographers far more experienced than I so my efforts are quite humble in comparison. In any event, I hope you enjoy!
the Locomotives-Roster Shots
EMD SD70ACe
#1065 Savannah and Atlanta #1070 Wabash
#1066 New York Central #1071 Jersey Central Lines
#1067 Reading #1072 Illinois Terminal
#1068 Erie #1073 Penn Central
#1069 Virginian #1074 Lackawanna
#1065 Savannah and Atlanta #1070 Wabash
#1066 New York Central #1071 Jersey Central Lines
#1067 Reading #1072 Illinois Terminal
#1068 Erie #1073 Penn Central
#1069 Virginian #1074 Lackawanna
GE ES44AC
#8025 Monongahela #8102 Pennsylvania
#8098 Conrail #8103 Norfolk and Western
#8099 Southern #8104 Lehigh Valley
#8100 Nickel Plate Road #8105 Interstate
#8101 Central of Georgia #8114 Norfolk Southern (original)
#8025 Monongahela #8102 Pennsylvania
#8098 Conrail #8103 Norfolk and Western
#8099 Southern #8104 Lehigh Valley
#8100 Nickel Plate Road #8105 Interstate
#8101 Central of Georgia #8114 Norfolk Southern (original)
Choosing a Favorite
How folks go about selecting a favorite(s) depends on how deep the interest runs. Many select ones based on their judgments as to which are the most attractive paint schemes and colors. Others may choose from the standpoint of nostalgia and the particular railroads they were connected with or had a fondness for. I am old enough to remember having seen some of these railroads when they were in existence and have a particular association with them. But the bottom line is they are all reflections of a bygone era.
Daylight Roundhouse Photos
A sampling of photos taken at the turntable area in daylight.
Night Views
Random images from the photo night shoot.
Southern Heritage
The Southern ES44AC #8099 poses with E8 #6900 in a scene that bridges the generations. The GE is wonderful but the E8 is classic. Dan Robie 2012
Norfolk and Western Heritage
An N&W family portrait with GP9 #620, GP30 #522 and ES44AC #8103. Three distinct shades of N&W livery. Large numbers of first time attendees to the NCTM for the event were just as thrilled to see the museum power as they were the heritage units. Dan Robie 2012
Amtrak Heritage
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Amtrak sent a train to this event as well with heritage unit #156 and an F40PH. The train was largely overlooked by the masses but was dearly appreciated by those who toured it and were treated to air conditioning on a triple digit day. The NS heritage units were obviously the stars of the show during the two day event but not all was forgotten for Amtrak---it had its day in the spotlight at the NCTM during March. Dan Robie 2012
Revenue Service
Any images of heritage power photographed in revenue service will be added below.
Kannapolis, NC
NS 50Z runs through Kannapolis on July 7, 2012 with the #8025 Monongahela and the #8114 original Norfolk Southern as the first two units. Dan Robie 2012
Elmwood, NC
Virginian #1069 runs eastbound with train NS 162 on the NS "S" line between Statesville and Salisbury, NC on October 20, 2012. This is one of my personal favorites of the Heritage series. Dan Robie 2012
Salisbury, NC
The elegant Wabash #1070 is used as a DPU on train NS 72R as it diverges from the Asheville line onto Charlotte line en route to Belmont, NC on October 20, 2012. Seems sort of sacrilegious for these units to be used in helper service. Dan Robie 2012
Kannapolis, NC
Central of Georgia #8101 leads coal train NS 72R southbound through Kannapolis on November 16, 2012. Although the heritage units are still unique to see, the pristine condition is fading from use in revenue service for several months now. Dan Robie 2012
Kannapolis, NC
NS 751 runs north through Kannapolis on December 29, 2012. The late evening sun is low in the sky creating the backlit effect on the Lehigh Valley #8104 and train. Dan Robie 2012
Cleveland, NC
I was at work when this train ran so my wife gets the credit here. Lackawanna #1074 is on the lead of westbound NS 135 crossing the Third Creek deck bridge at Cleveland, NC. Photo date January 4, 2013 by Donna Robie.
Bluefield, WV
The Southern #8099 is paired with Erie #1068 in the Bluefield yard. Both units are in helper service and idle between assignments. Photo date March 11, 2013 Dan Robie
Kannapolis, NC
Distinctive and elegant, Savannah and Atlanta #1065 leads NS P99 south through Kannapolis. A short train this day that is slowing for an approach at the Glass signal. Photo date August 13, 2013 Dan Robie
Thomasville, NC
Another assist from the better half with this one--and a fine shot indeed---while I was working. The "green machine", Illinois Terminal #1072 leads NS 931 through--you guessed it---Thomasville, NC on September 2, 2013. Donna Robie
Kannapolis, NC
Another of my personal favorites in the series. N&W #8103 leads NS 338 northbound through Kannapolis, NC during the early morning of October 3, 2013. Dan Robie
Salisbury, NC
Erie #1068 runs southbound past Yadkin Junction in Salisbury, NC on January 18, 2014 with NS 119. An all EMD consist this particular time. Dan Robie 2014
Lexington, NC
NS SD60E #6920, the Veterans Commemorative locomotive, leads NS P94 northbound through Lexington, NC on March 22, 2014. Displaying road grime from revenue service--perhaps appropriate---as a reflection of the dedication from the men and women in the armed services past and present. Dan Robie 2014
Catawba, NC
A dreary rainy day as Reading #1067 leads NS 135 westbound at Catawba, NC on March 29, 2014. A slow to emerge spring this year but some greenery indicates Mother Nature is slowly returning to life. Dan Robie 2014
Kannapolis, NC
The original Norfolk Southern, NS ES44AC #8144, leads NS P99 south through Kannapolis on an overcast August 10, 2014. Although not as crisp as two years ago, still a vivid paint scheme that stands out. Dan Robie 2014
Marshville, NC
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The Savannah and Atlanta with a different twist this time. It is on CSX rails running north on the Monroe Sub at Marshville, NC. Q616 passes through town on September 6, 2014. Dan Robie 2014
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Landis, nc
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The Tuscan livery of the Pennsylvania heritage unit makes an early morning appearance on the lead of NS 214 at Landis, NC. Some rare sunlight on the cloudy morning of April 30, 2015. Image by Donna Robie
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Spencer, nc
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NS SD60E #911 after its release and prior to entering revenue service on display at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Locomotive in attendance for the N&W #611 farewell on May 30, 2015. Dan Robie 2015
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Bluefield, wv
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ES44AC #8100, the Nickel Plate locomotive, leads NS 189 after a getting underway after a crew change. The light was fading quickly on the late afternoon of April 19, 2016. Dan Robie 2016
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Kannapolis, nc
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Afternoon sunlight basks the scene as the Interstate ES44AC #8105 passes through Kannapolis on September 3, 2016. The train is NS 337 southbound as it passes the North Carolina Research Campus. Dan Robie 2016
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Kannapolis, nc
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Under gloomy skies with lengthy delays slowing its passage through Kannapolis on March 14, 2017, NS 204 finally moves through town by early afternoon. ES44AC #8098, the Conrail unit, leads two others on this Atlanta to Rutherford, PA intermodal. Dan Robie 2017
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China Grove, nc
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NS 191 moves southbound through China Grove past the old Parkdale Mills building on the evening of July 2, 2017. Leading the way is SD60E #6963, the "Go Rail" locomotive. Dan Robie 2017
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China Grove, nc
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The Penn Central heritage locomotive, SD70ACe #1073, moves northbound through China Grove, NC with NS 204 on July 29, 2017. Even more than 40 years after the ignominious demise of the road, a dark cloud remains overhead. Dan Robie 2017
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Salisbury, nc
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With the December 16, 2017 sun setting in the west, NS 154 pauses at Salisbury, NC due to congestion at Linwood Yard. The Jersey Central Lines locomotive, SD70ACe #1071, dims its lights in the fading afternoon light. Now with more than five years of service behind them, the heritage locomotive fleet is taking on a weathered appearance. Dan Robie 2017
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Landis, NC
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A pair of Heritage units are power on NS 212 passing through the mid afternoon at Landis, NC on May 29, 2019. New York Central SD70ACe #1066 leads Penn Central SD70 ACe #1073 as they move northbound with the high priority intermodal. Dan Robie 2019
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Charlotte, NC
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A dreary August 17, 2021 day in midtown Charlotte as NS 218 moves south with the Wabash #1070 on the point. The skyline of the city dominates the background at the Summit Avenue grade crossing. Dan Robie 2021
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Concord, NC
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NS 218 swings through a lengthy S curve at the north end of Concord on August 24, 2021. This is relocated main line with major highway construction surrounding it. The glitz and glamour of the Heritage Event in 2012 is a faded memory---Reading SD70Ace #1067 now wears the effects from a decade of road service. Dan Robie 2021
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