Eastern Railroad Discussion > ACR

Taken 11/01 switching just up the line fro Aberdean NC.

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That sure looks different than my first exposure to the AC&W probably 10 years ago now. Those were the days of the weekday Star-Charlotte Turn. The AC&W doesn't come to Charlotte every weekday now because the NS interchange location has moved to Gulf.

Regular power back in those early days was repainted GP9 #900, the only locomotive painted in AC&W's colors at the time, and an ex-N&W GP9 #699. There was also an old C&O Geep torn apart at Star and several other old rattlers. It was classic shortline railroading.

At least one of those GP38's came from CSX and was painted in CSX's gray-and-blue scheme. The AC&W painted a big blue triangle on the side of the long hood to cover the CSX logo. They look a whole lot better today.

The fine folks at the AC&W even participated in an NS steam program excursion out of Charlotte back in the early 90s. This was the circle trip that was scheduled to run from Charlotte to Winston-Salem behind N&W 611, although 611 stalled on a hill near Mocksville and they never got her moving again. A set of NS and CSX diesels were called out of Winston-Salem to rescue our train. Upon arrival at Winston-Salem, the diesels took us south on the Winston-Salem Southbound to Norwood, where we connected with the AC&W. I believe the AC&W power on that final leg of the trip was that pair of old GP9's. It was quite a trip.

KN Tower

In late summer of '91 they also ran a Charlotte to Gulf ( Carbonton ) round trip on the AC&W. It was planned to have SRR 4501 pulling but when we arrived at Charlotte yard we found out that AC&W diesels would pinch-hit- no matter, the trip was great. 3 high-nose geeps ( GP9#900 leading and 2 dog's breakfast GP7's ) made GREAT music on the up-and-down profile and many curves. Rode the entire trip standing at the open dutch door vestibule and enjoyed every minute of it. Talk about "rare mileage".

How was that view across the dam? Always wanted to film a train going across there.

Unfortunately, 900 is at the loco graveyard in Star now looking very, very bad. AC&W is still an interesting road to fan with the ex-Chessie #2077 still with the cat, the four GP40 wide cabs -- can't remember the exact designation right now -- and the two high hood blue GPs. I wish I could get up there more.


Joe H.
Chester, SC

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I'm not sure if this shot was taken the same day as mine of 900 was or not. Chances are that it was as Star is a long way for me to go just for roster shots. This unit is still used on a regular basis. It has been planned to be painted in ACW colors for some time and numbered in the 3800 series.

Joe H.

I swear this image was attached when I hit post. But then my computer lost the connection and the post lost it's image... anyway....

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