Three_Step_Culpep
Mainline MP
During 2023 and ‘24, the CSX power desk did me a solid by sending some rare MP15ACs to the Charlotte terminal fairly consistently. CSX 1136 (originally L&N 4231) was a frequent visitor, although the “Butthead” MP15s like the 1136 weren’t particularly popular with local crews, often resulting in them being left in trailing positions or not being used at all on some days. I was still able to snag a few decent images of these units at work during their time in the Charlotte area however, and this was probably the coolest instance. On a cold and rainy March afternoon, L656, the Pinoca Yard - Mount Holly turn, had a GP38-2/MP15AC combo, with the MP poised to lead the train back to the yard from Mount Holly. After a quick run-around here in Duke Siding CSX 1136 and 2710 trip the spring switch indicator signal guarding N.E. Duke. An end-cab switcher leading a sizable freight consist at track speed on the mainline was definitely not something I thought I would see in 2024, yet there I was. Mount Holly, NC, 3/1/2024.
Mainline MP
During 2023 and ‘24, the CSX power desk did me a solid by sending some rare MP15ACs to the Charlotte terminal fairly consistently. CSX 1136 (originally L&N 4231) was a frequent visitor, although the “Butthead” MP15s like the 1136 weren’t particularly popular with local crews, often resulting in them being left in trailing positions or not being used at all on some days. I was still able to snag a few decent images of these units at work during their time in the Charlotte area however, and this was probably the coolest instance. On a cold and rainy March afternoon, L656, the Pinoca Yard - Mount Holly turn, had a GP38-2/MP15AC combo, with the MP poised to lead the train back to the yard from Mount Holly. After a quick run-around here in Duke Siding CSX 1136 and 2710 trip the spring switch indicator signal guarding N.E. Duke. An end-cab switcher leading a sizable freight consist at track speed on the mainline was definitely not something I thought I would see in 2024, yet there I was. Mount Holly, NC, 3/1/2024.