Orange Cactus Productions

12/21/2024

The recent fatal UP derailment in Pecos, Texas is a tragic reminder that not everyone follows railroad crossing saftey procedure as they should. Folks, railroading is important to our society for the transportation of goods & people NO VEHICLE CAN WIN AGAINST A TRAIN AT A CROSSING!

It is a death sentence to try! So please if you see anyone or anything that shouldn't be on or near tracks, call the number on the blue signs on the gates! It could save lives, RIP to the crew of the UP intermodal.

11/24/2024

New video up on Youtube & Rumble, check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmGR___qfvs&ab_channel=OrangeCactusProductions

https://rumble.com/v5spzfh-railroad-ramblings-episode-1-siemens-charger-sink-or-swim.html

Rambling about the Siemens Charger Locomotive & it's possible future. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangecactusproductions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orangecactusproductions

11/20/2024

Got the 50th anniversary issue of Railfan & Railroad Magazine yesterday. Fantastic stuff, easily the best railroading magazine out there today! One I'm still fairly new to, I especially loved the Railfanning 50 states section. That was very well done!

11/08/2024

Absolutely great news!

From the official press release issue on November 8, 2024:

RJD America LLC Acquires Historic Chesapeake & Ohio 614 Steam Locomotive and Announces Comprehensive Restoration.

RJD America LLC is thrilled to announce that it has purchased the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio 614 steam locomotive from the American Freedom Train Foundation, Inc. With a firm commitment to preserving railroad heritage, RJD America LLC will invest substantial resources to restore the locomotive and its auxiliary tender at the esteemed Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

“Chesapeake & Ohio 614 is a treasured part of national history, and we are privileged to become its caretakers,” stated Jason Johnson, General Manager and Communications Director for RJD America LLC.

Constructed in 1948 by the Lima Locomotive Works, the Chesapeake & Ohio 614 is a Class J3a Greenbrier 4-8-4 steam locomotive, marking it as one of the final steam locomotives built for commercial use in America, showcasing the height of steam technology. It primarily served the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, known for its substantial power and speed in hauling passenger and freight trains.

The comprehensive restoration at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, will ensure the locomotive and its auxiliary tender meet contemporary operational and safety standards and retain their historical authenticity.

Photo: The locomotive is pictured at its long time home at the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society in Clifton Forge, Virginia on November 24, 2019.

Full resolution pics and prints: https://www.riverrailphoto.com/cohs/e2ff09708

Link to official press release:
https://www.co614.com/november-8-2024-press-release/

11/01/2024

One thing I never understood about Maine Central GP7's. Some had dynamic brakes & others didn't. Maybe the ones without dynamics were assigned to low grade divisions, no idea really. 🤷🏿‍♂

10/31/2024

Despite this great demonstration, the Santa Fe didn't get any SD60's.

10/25/2024

The Alco centuries were such stunning locomotives!

Lehigh Valley C628s rumble their way through Bowmanstown, Pennsylvania, along the Lehigh River, in August, 1975. Tony Organek photo.

https://www.american-rails.com/628.html

10/19/2024

It's amazing cars ever made it out of the factories on those old open racks, good grief!

10/05/2023

Haven't been able to railfan much lately. But I was surprised to find this NS grain Hopper in surprisingly good condition at one of many local grain towers.

09/16/2023

Avelia liberty trainsets stuck in philly due to problems. Taken September 11 2023

09/16/2023

First time seeing a Charger, they are admittedly pretty!