CSX Mountain Sub

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Grafton, Sand Patch, Cranberry Grade, 17 Mile Grade, Altamont, Keyser

Timeframe: 2000

Length: 1 hour 36 minutes

CSX’s former B&O line from Grafton, West Virginia, to Keyser, WV. This is the CSX Mountain subdivision. It actually extends to Cumberland. This is a contemporary visit to the route. All the trains are identified by symbols and locations.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics. Map. Previews. Narrated by Dave Drui.

Image is in 4×3. Live environmental audio. High quality in all areas.

To the Trains…

Begins at a key location. Grafton, WV. in January. Locomotive servicing and yard. CSX 442 (AC44CW)  heads  through coal move. Train V-840 is going to a power plant in Pennsylvania. The AC44CW units are common power. This D-Tower was closed in 1999. Many of the old towers are included.

Seaboard System 2667 is ex: L&N. A rare find. One of the last on CSX still wearing this livery. At East Grafton Yard.

There are many Winter scenes. At Thornton,  a Q-316 rolls past. Three Fork Creek.

A return in the Spring season. The 640 is a 6000 horsepower  GE CW60-9AC with an EMD SD70MAC. This departs Newburg after having 2 helpers added at the rear. Train T-862. Newburg Grade is one of four on this sub.

Tunnelton’s approaching tracks have many curves. Hiorra Road sees engines 381 and 167 on the Cheat Grade. Train U-823 is a coal to Maryland move.

In the Fall. CSX leader with an intriguing lashup of older power. Mixed freight consist. A Union Pacific is the far flung locomotive.

Check out the coal train further up the line. Piled high. Memorable view.

Tray Run Viaduct with a Helper set #496 leading from Newburg. This huge 3 arch structure is located on The Cheat River Grade.

Cheat River Bridge in the Fall. Train W-510. Grafton to Cumberland. Notice the contrast of the forest between Fall and Winter. East of here is Cranberry Grade.

Train Q-316 is on Cranberry Grade. GP38-2 #2665 is on the point of this fascinating lash-up. The old B&O signals are still functional.

Train Q-317 is at the Summit of Allegenies. CSX 7624 is a General Electric C40-8. Check that sign!

A coal train V-628 travels slowly downhill on 17 Mile Grade. Bloomington, Maryland. CSX 762 out front.

CSX Mountain Sub

Here is an interesting trip on CSX mountain railroading. Many old towers were still standing. They are included. Twisting trackage results in great scenes. Coal Train aficionados get a full belly.

A variety of seasonal visits add interest. Some locations are quite rare on videos. Excellent map references. Intelligent script.

To hear the train horns reverberate in the mountains is straight-up fun. Listen to the motors run hard.

An enjoyable presentation.

Rating: 5 Stars