CSX and NS around Baltimore: February 2014
Still excited with my new lens, I decided to head out on Presidents Day to see what I could see.
My first stop was Contractors Rd on CSX’s Philly Sub. I had heard some scanner chatter, so I figured I might get something good. I wasn’t disappointed, with a CP leader on Q216. I was frustrated with the grass growing up that I couldn’t see through the viewfinder though.
![Canadian Pacific Leader on CSX Q216](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0294.jpg)
![CP AC4400 At Contractors Rd](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0314.jpg)
After getting him at Contractors Road, I headed further east on the Philly Sub and got him through the fence at Allender Rd.
![CP GE On Q216, Allender Road](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0324.jpg)
While I was getting this shot, I heard an NS local talking about getting access to the nearby BG&E plant. This plant receives coal from out west via NS and the NEC. I wasn’t sure what a local crew was going to be doing there, but when I heard that he’d only be there for a little while, I knew I should head over that way.
Luckily, there’s good public road access around the perimeter of the plant, allowing for a good view of the rail action inside the fence.
When I arrived, I found that the local crew was there picking up some empty coal cars that seemed to be headed to the local NS car shop for some repairs.
I first caught him getting his train together inside the plant, but couldn’t get a good photo. I was able to position myself closer to the gate though, shoot through the fence, and get a few good shots off.
![NS Local In the BG&E Plant](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0370.jpg)
And then, after it leaves the plant, it crosses a road and heads off into the woods toward the NEC.
![NS Local Heading Back To the NEC](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0377.jpg)
Since this train was heading back to the NEC, and would have to pass through the Martin State MARC station, I headed over and positioned myself to catch him going back south.
First up was a little Amtrak action as a long distance train headed south.
![Amtrak Silver Service Train Heading South](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_0409_2.jpg)
The local showed up shortly afterwards, letting me catch him again, both coming and going.
![The Smallest Unit Coal Train I've Seen](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_0429.jpg)
And, with station platforms available, I was able to get these going away photos.
![NS Local Heads Down The NEC](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_0442.jpg)
![Acela and NS Local Heading South](http://railfanning.kapuscinski.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_0456.jpg)