18-12-28 PHOTOS: PACK

As the clock on the Norfolk Southern PRR Main Line re-signaling effort was ticking, I once again used an invitation to a New Year's party in Western Pennsylvania as a means to facilitate additional signal documentation efforts. Specifically I would be going after the famous PRR signal bridge in Lilly, PA, and a trio of interlockings in the Blairstown, PA area including CP-PACK, CP-BLAIR and CP-TOMS, the latter two being located on the Conemaugh Line. Returning a bit early from the party at night, I once again stung by the automatic signals at Tipton, PA to grab some night shots of anything that might be going past. The full set of photos can be seen here (mirror).

The Milepost 254.7 signal bridge at Lilly was frequently photographed due to its location adjacent to a curve where railfans could park their vehicles and get impressive zoom shots of approaching power. Unfortunately the only thing I was able to capture on this day's visit was a pair of MoW trucks making their way along the empty 4th track roadbed.

Through ~1995, this section of the Main Line was still controlled by traditional block and interlocking stations complete with a classic pole line data transmission system. While the signals and signal logic were not changed, the pole line was replaced by a fibre optic system. Here we see the vintage 1940's relay cabinets adjacent to a disused pole line pole that is now used to support the cotton and tar insulated signal cable feed. 

Here we see a visual representation of the Norfolk Southern C44-9W to AC44C6M rebuild program as NS #4118 splits the westbound PRR PL mast signals at CP-PACK. NS is currently upgrading the ~2000 vintage -9's that make up the backbone of NS's road freight fleet and we can see from the primer coated sections that #4118 has had the cab and forward section completely replaced to make way for AC traction components. The 7FDL prime mover in the rear has been overhauled in place. The locomotive is likely en route from GE's Erie facility where most of the rebuilds are being carried out to Altoona where it will be painted in house. 

Running in the number 2 slot was NS SD70M-2 #2723. The entire fleet of M-2's was later stored by NS due to declining traffic levels. 

CP-PACK is a full crossover near Packerton, PA that was installed in the late 70's in conjunction with the early Conrail western PRR Main Line CTC project. It's pneumatic point machines were replaced with electric models around 2012.

Clear signal indication for track #1 on the eastbound PRR signal bridge at CP-PACK. The "SP" plates indicate that these signals also protect a slide fence.

CP-BLAIR had already had it's signals replaced, but retained its 1970's vintage interlocking hardware. When the Conemaugh Line was completely double tracked, CP-BLAIR marked the west end of a third track pocket siding. Today the line has been single tracked and CP-BLAIR is the west end of a short passing zone. 

Here an eastbound NS merchandise train takes the diverging route eastbound led by SD70ACe #1037 and SD70M #2632. Diverging speed is 40mph and the line was the first to be signaled using only cab signals except at interlockings.

CP-TOMS is located at the east end of the same siding and still featured PRR PL mast signals complete with Rule 280a Clear to Next Interlocking 'C' boards.

Finally my nighttime stop at tipton caught the NS midnight train going somewhere with this sequence of long exposure shots as the Clear signal indication was knocked down on track #1. Note hoe the lower PL signal heads are offset forward from the ones above.

Farewell.

Well that wraps up the 2018 photo season. Check in next week as I pick up some local color near both DC and Philly.