In 1997, CSX was re-installing the second track on their former B&O mainline between Chicago and Deshler, Ohio. They were anticipating freight traffic to double after the Conrail break-up. Sadly, this also resulted in the classic color position signals being replaced.
On August 6, 1997, I filmed the track gang adding the second track at St. Joe , Indiana. Located just west of the town in the middle of a farm crossing, the line crossed the Norfolk Southern’s ex-Wabash. The diamond would be added once the track was completed on both sides.
The machinery you see working is a spiker. The supervisor warms the crew on an on-coming container train, and later a “Pumpkin” unit with ballast hoppers.
Posted in Freight Rail,Railroad Events