23-09-02 PHOTOS: Doswell

As the supply of interesting signaling in the northeast dries up, I have been having to turn my attention south to the state of Virginia. The CSX route between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA fortunately has a number of Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac era signaling from before it was purchased by CSX in 1992 and after learning that the notable Doswell, VS bracket mast was under threat of replacement I schedule a third RF&P related trip in the summer of 2023, the previous two having been to the Milford and Fredericksburg areas. You can find the full set of these new photos here ( mirror ).

The first stop of the day was at the Coleman's Mill intermediate signal location, 29.5 miles from Richmond. I arrived with my friend in time to catch Amtrak Train 88 with P42DC #54 leading.

We then ran express to Doswell, VA where the famed bracket mast was still standing along with its intended replacement. Typically CSX would have replaced the now disfavored bracket configuration with a cantilever, but because the signaling logic was not in need of replacement and the location of the signal is constrained by adjacent tracks, a new bracket mast was ordered.

Doswell is a significant interchange point and yard for the Buckingham Branch railroad which operates the former C&O Blue Ridge route between Richmond and Clifton Forge, VA. Two of its locomotives, GP40-3 #12 and GP38-2 #17, were standing adjacent to the bracket mast.

Doswell's other big attraction is HN tower, the classic RF&P station and the C&O Blue Ridge route diamonds.

The diamonds are the real deal and not the low maintenance flange riding type.

The RF&P was one of the better resourced railroads in the former Confederate South and many of its all brick towers survive today with. HN tower features such PRR quality elements such as copper cladding, an air plant for pneumatic switches and a bay window.

The former joint RF&P / C&O station still stands and houses Buckingham Branch offices.

I was wondering why so many railfans were hanging around the Doswell diamonds, when southbound Amtrak Palmetto Train 89 appeared with ALC-42 Charger #329 leading on what was apparently one of the first uses of this locomotive type out of Washington, DC.

While the sun wasn't optimal for photos of the bracket mast it was still something I could work with.

After departing Doswell I headed back towards Frederick where I caught Amtrak Train 153 crossing the Mine Road crossing at Milepost 54 with P42DC #127.

Next up was catching northbound Amtrak Carolinian Train 80 at Meade's Pyramid, adjacent to HAMILTON interlocking, with P42DC #176

Built by RF&P tack workers, Meade's Pyramid marks the furthest extent of Union forces curing the 1862 battle of Fredericksburg.

The last stop of the day was at Lansdowne Rd where I caught northbound Regional Train 158 with P42DC #101 and southbound Regional Train #195 with P42DC #152.

 

After the RF&P trip I had another swing up to Philly on the NEC, here catching MARC cab cars #8049 and #7759 meeting at BWI just prior to Amtral Acela power car #2026 showing up.

SEPTA Silverliner V #807 at Market East.

Closing out with MARC MP36PH-3C #16 and cab car #8054 at Dorsey.

Well that's all for the RF&P for a little while. Next time I'll be traveling out to Portland to experience the MAC Light Rail and Amtrak Portland Union Station operations.