Nolan Gregory
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
The temperature is quickly dropping and the winter sky is growing dark as the Wheeling's 618 crew shoves a cut of cars down the Matt Branch toward Monessen at a measly 5mph. Coke business hasn't quite recovered to where it was before the pandemic, meaning that what once used to move as unit trains has now added work to the 618's day as they ply the rails of the old P&WV between Rook Yard and the CSX interchange in Connellsville.
The remainder of the train is tied down on the siding along the main and power is split so as to circumvent a hazardous and lengthy ride for the conductor over the elevated structure which passes underneath the spectacular Speers bridge and follows the Monongahela River to the plant which is situated on its banks a few miles downriver. These ancient bridge structures have undoubtedly moved tens of millions of tons of coke during their service life and have stood the test of time as a reminder of Pittsburgh's once booming steel industry.
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
The temperature is quickly dropping and the winter sky is growing dark as the Wheeling's 618 crew shoves a cut of cars down the Matt Branch toward Monessen at a measly 5mph. Coke business hasn't quite recovered to where it was before the pandemic, meaning that what once used to move as unit trains has now added work to the 618's day as they ply the rails of the old P&WV between Rook Yard and the CSX interchange in Connellsville.
The remainder of the train is tied down on the siding along the main and power is split so as to circumvent a hazardous and lengthy ride for the conductor over the elevated structure which passes underneath the spectacular Speers bridge and follows the Monongahela River to the plant which is situated on its banks a few miles downriver. These ancient bridge structures have undoubtedly moved tens of millions of tons of coke during their service life and have stood the test of time as a reminder of Pittsburgh's once booming steel industry.