Numbered 6358-6524, Conrail's SD40-2's were found system wide heading up trains of all varieties as well as working on helpers over the famous Horseshoe Curve on the Pittsburgh Line. Conrail acquired its SD40-2 fleet new from EMD in 1977, 78 and 79.
The SD40-2's had a feature unique to the road, the substitution of EMD's older Flexicoil trucks in place of the newly developed (and mistakenly believed to be flawed) HTC trucks that were delivered to all other SD40-2 owners.
In 1999, the fleet was divided between Norfolk Southern and CSX. Those assigned to NS were renumbered into the 3329 - 3424 series, while CSX allocated units became 8800 - 8889 where they still haul freight today.
Former Conrail 6503(NS 3413) at South Fork, PA on Oct. 25, 2008
Former CR 6504 is seen in Enola Yard in Enola, PA on 5/10/2008.
An empty 501 coal train is led by former Conrail SD40-2 6506 at West Hershey, PA on 10/1/2004
Former CR 6507 is seen at Eddystone PA on 8/27/10.
Former CR 6507 is seen at Eddystone PA on 8/27/10.
Former CR 6507 is seen at Eddystone PA on 8/27/10.
A rear end view of former CR 6507 is seen at Eddystone PA on 8/27/10.
Just as the billboard states; CONFUSED!?!? This picture was taken on February 28, 2009 ten years after the Conrail split yet everything in the picture could easily be backdated to the pure days of Big Blue. Norfolk Southern SD40-2 3417 and GP40-2 3042 (ex CR 6507 and 3351) along with the former Conrail H54 covered hoppers work their way down the Buffalo line towards Rockville bridge for the trip across the river to Enola yard.
6512 (NS 3419) 3-24-08 Lancaster, PA. Photo by Brian Saul
Former CR 6512 is seen on a yard power set at Enola, PA on 4/7/12.
Former CR 6512 is seen at Enola PA on 4/7/12.
NS 3419 takes HA-13 Local westbound to Alburtis to crossover and come back East to do its work at Buckeye Pipeline and FilmTech. Also of note in this consist was B65A Boxcar CR 376130, also posted in the CRHS archives for that boxcar type.
Former CR 6514 is seen at Enola on 5/2/09.
Former Conrail SD40-2 6515 is third-out on train 10N at Cove, PA on 6/15/2008
Former CR 6516 is seen in Enola Yard on 5/8/11.
Eastbound NS trash train 64J heads through Easton on the Lehigh Line. The lead unit is SD40-2 #3422, ex-CR 6516. Although SD40-2s are frequently used on 64J and counterpart train 65J, it is rare to see one in Conrail blue.
This EMD duo leads trash empties back to New Jersey past dormant the Reading Company's Wernersville, PA station.
Former CR 6978 on 3/7/2004 Enola, PA
Former Conrail SD40-2R 6998 leads train 65R through Harrisburg, PA sometime in August, 2006.
I had to take this shot, since its not very often you get a chance to shoot an up close shot of the MU cables hooked up(the 7205 and 3336).
Our Conrail trio that NS put on display for us at South Fork, the former 4109, 6366, 6368(NS 7205, 3336, 3338) on Oct. 25, 2008
NS C40-8W 8318 exCR 6058 and SD40-2 3383 exCR 6449 power 64J @ Hummelstown, PA
NS Reading Turn H-68 westbound @ Macungie, Pa
The conductor on this South Fork based local prepares his power, a quartet of ex-Conrail EMDs, before heading to Cresson to start the days work.
NS Allentown-Portland/Slateford turn job H76 climbs uphill towards Bangor, PA as the storm clouds move in.
After dropping interchange cars at Slateford and picking up a shop car at Portland, H76 cruises down grade through the small town of Bangor. He will do some work in Hudson Yard before heading back to Allentown.
A group of ex-Conrail units are prepped for the days work as CRHS members swarm the surrounding area.
.thumbnail.JPG "SD40-2 3410 ex-CR 6495 at Altoona, Pa 6/23/2007")
SD40-2 3410 ex-CR 6495 at Altoona, Pa 6/23/2007
