CSX Scrapbook

Producer: Charles Smiley

Timeframe: 1991-2001

Length: 1 hour 42 minutes

Locations: Cumberland sub, Deshler, Fostoria, Sand Patch Grade

Sources: Tom Luckey, Mark Johnson

Charles Smiley, with the CSX, at the close of the 20th century. A few geographic areas are shown with busy tracks. Featured locales are: Ohio Hotspots, Cumberland Sub, and Sand Patch Grade.

The ‘scrapbook’ theme is a fine premise for a program. There are a huge number of trains shown in this program. Shown in all 4 seasons. The wide variety of power, locations, and scenery. All equal fantastic railfanning!

Drawing mainly on 1999-2000 footage. Also included, are some 1991 and 1993 views.

CSP is always one with some bonus features. Here, the earlier film provides a differing viewpoint. Some renumbered Chessie units still in mainline service.

A GE C40-8W, CSX 7332 leads a freight train.

High quality is a hallmark of a CSP show. This one, is no exception to that standard.

Another consistent CSP extra are the custom made maps. These are important to get a sense of an area, locations and even elevations.

They are frequently referenced and add better understanding of the lines. Historical backgrounds of each line are often discussed.

Foley sees a Conrail unit leading.

CSX was power short and leased units are abundant. Some are in the paint schemes of former roads with quick patched paint and logos.

Intersecting roads such as Norfolk Southern and even Union Pacific are seen. Run through locos are from roads such as, BNSF and CNW are found. Canadian National, Illinois Central add variety. Helm Leasing, FURX are some of the leased diesels.

CSX had a large roster. Many different locomotive types are viewed. There are many assorted CSX paint schemes too. Renumbered Conrail units are included.

The head-end never is repetitive on this show. Long lash-ups, Helper Service and long trains are plentiful.

Charles intersperses some individual locomotive history on CSX repaints. He also has discussion, and views of the replacement, of old B&O color position signals.

Deshler, Ohio has the ‘Crossroads of the B&O’. A busy crossing of 2 former B&O lines. Judicious use of the maps keeps viewers aware of the train moves.

The old B&O station still stands. Various trains are shown in the area.

Fostoria. Ohio has 3 former mainlines from: B&O, C&O and NKP. This is known as ‘The Iron Triangle’. It is a renowned modern hotspot. At this time, CSX and Norfolk Southern cross here. These are all double track mainlines.

Cumberland subdivision begins at Point Of Rocks, MD. We will move west from here, as we tour this subdivision on CSX.

Martinsburg, WV. does see many assorted freights. There are enough general merchandise moves to keep up the interest level.

Amtrak with it’s Capital Limited. Cherry Run.

Sand Patch Grade, is one of the most famous railroad locations, in the United States. Excellent coverage.

Action at the summit. This show devotes two chapters.

The heavily wooded scenery is a nice backdrop for train-watching. Mountains, tunnels, bridges and rivers all add to the scenes.

Charles has a rich supply of detail with on-screen graphics. Locations, direction, car counts and additional info are often listed.

Randolph Tunnel is but one of many on the line. It is representative of the group, for the most part. The only one included.

The scenic beauty of the region multiplies as we travel into Pennsylvania and towards Sand Patch Grade. Contemporary equipment gives some of the best imagery from this area. Digital processing has been used throughout the program.

The footage has been digitally enhanced for improved picture quality. Audio is crisp and clear, as well. Natural sounds of the trains are quite prevalent in this program.

CSX on Union Pacific in California, as run through power.

Without a caboose in this show. Let’s close with this CSX freight stopping at Deschler, Ohio.

This is an excellent assortment of CSX trains. The extra fine picture and sound qualities are a highlight. Any railfan will find enjoyment in the sheer volume of train scenes.

Once again CSP just does superior work. You just can’t go wrong with a Charles Smiley Presents.

Rating: 5 Stars