I understand in a basic sence that amoung the railfanning, train and railway ethusiasts, they have mixed feelings oon CSX as a railroad, as its name sounds more corprate like compared, and its logo looks borring. I would like help understanding what caused these feelings among the railroad enthusiasts and into model railroading possibly? I find that I like it, as I like all railroads and the liverys they use on their equipment. I do like the boxcar logo CSX uses, as it perfectly shows its a railroad transportation service that using its rorlling stock equipment, transports goods around for clients and customers to be delivered at their respective destinations, like every other railroad. I have to ask the memories of the forum who model and take interest in CSX, to share their stories, show their layouts and model railroading work.
Engi1487 I understand in a basic sence that amoung the railfanning, train and railway ethusiasts, they have mixed feelings oon CSX as a railroad, as its name sounds more corprate like compared, and its logo looks borring. I would like help understanding what caused these feelings among the railroad enthusiasts and into model railroading possibly? I find that I like it, as I like all railroads and the liverys they use on their equipment. I do like the boxcar logo CSX uses, as it perfectly shows its a railroad transportation service that using its rorlling stock equipment, transports goods around for clients and customers to be delivered at their respective destinations, like every other railroad. I have to ask the memories of the forum who model and take interest in CSX, to share their stories, show their layouts and model railroading work.
I railfan the CSX quite a bit, simply because it's the railroad in NY that runs the most trains. While it's not my first choice to model, I have thought about modelling the CSX's water level route, primarily because it's fast paced, intermodal heavy railroading. It doesn't have much to do with the CSX's outward appearance, more of the operational standpoint. I personally find the "Dark Future" paint scheme, well, a bit dark. I much prefer the YN2 "Bright Future" units, and I can't say I even like them as locomotives. Well, that's my opinion on the matter.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Of course I don't model CSX, but I have a good friend in Tampa that does.
He lives near the Yeoman Rail Yard, and he has seen CSX every day. The blue, gray, and yellow CSX paint scheme is very handsome, and the logo looks fine to me.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Engi1487 I understand in a basic sence that amoung the railfanning, train and railway ethusiasts, they have mixed feelings oon CSX as a railroad,
Explain, and define "mixed feelings" It's a merger of the Chessie System, and the Seaboard Coast, along with others.
A link to the CSX merger family tree:
https://trn.trains.com/railroads/railroad-history/2006/06/csx-merger-family-tree
Mike.
My You Tube
Since I designed my layout for Conrail, I had too fix the track and building locations to also model the New York Central.
Unfortunately my redesigns and revisions haven't helped me modeling both railroads.
Back 10 or more years ago I was to continue with the Conrail merger with CSX up until the year end of 2007. It would have a few Dark Future locomotives and majority of them being Bright Future.
Never had a problem with CSX, except I never cared for the boxcar logo. It looks fine as a corporate logo not as railroad wearing symbol.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
As a friend of mine who worked for the B&O used to sign his posts on several forums.
The only thing I want with CSX on it is my Paycheck!
In my model railroading world the BN, CSX and now BNSF does not exst.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
mbinsewi Engi1487 I understand in a basic sence that amoung the railfanning, train and railway ethusiasts, they have mixed feelings oon CSX as a railroad, Explain, and define "mixed feelings" It's a merger of the Chessie System, and the Seaboard Coast, along with others. A link to the CSX merger family tree: https://trn.trains.com/railroads/railroad-history/2006/06/csx-merger-family-tree Mike.
I too would like to understand these "mixed feelings"?
I live in the heart of what was once the home of the B&O, and I know lots of modelers who model all roads and eras, including CSX.
I will admit I don't know or spend time with hardly anyone who is a present day "railfan" who is not a modeler. That is a population of people I don't really have any contact with, so I don't know (or care) how they feel about CSX.
And I'm not a person who spends time on virtual railfan, or owns a scanner and sits by the tracks, that will simply never happen.
I do know a short list of CSX employees, and like all employees of big companies, they make jokes about what they don't like about their bosses or their jobs.
I am only posting in this thread because I am curious about the OP's "mix feelings" comment, and because if I was somehow more interested in present day railroading, and was going to model a real prototype in present day railroading, I would likely model CSX.
But then again I am not the sort of person who "follows the crowd", or even knows what the crowd thinks, on topics like this.
My interest in present day railroading is casual at best. I can't tell you what any of these new locos are, I don't really know much about what goes on today on the railroads.
And maybe that is why I don't have any negative impressions of CSX?
I see lots of trains all the time. My house is just a few miles from both the CSX northeast mainline and the AMTRAK northeast corridor mainline here in the northeast part of Maryland.
I still refer to them as the "B&O" line and the "PRR" line...........
Right where we are, Norfork Southern also moves some freight over part of the AMTRAK line.
There are only so many hours in the day, so a long time ago I adopted this motto - I was once well rounded until I learned what I really like.
I like trains from the 1950's....
Just curious what prompted this post from the OP?
Sheldon
I've been a model railroader and a railfan since the early 70's when I was a teenager watching trains in the Penn Central & Long Island Railroad yards in Sunnyside, Queens, NY, home of the GG-1's ( rode in one from Sunnyside to NY Penn)!
Seeing east coast railroads was a thrill at that age. At first I modeled Conrail and Penn Central since there wasn't a lot of LIRR trains (HO Scale) out there for a teen to buy. As I gre older and moved to NJ, I saw more of the railroads I liked including CSX. in the early 2000's when I was able to buy a house and build a permanent layout, I wanted to have more trains to model that I saw; mainly CSX. While I liked the YN2, the YN3 became my favorite, as well as easier to custom paint!
One day I was sitting on Route 78 East in New Jersey near the NJT / CSX / NS Interchanger which heads to Jersey City, and I saw the Juice Train. Back then it was all Tropicana reefers; at least that particular train had them. I knew right there my railroad would have that train with CSX on the head end.
As my latest layout is up and running, it has a model of a Tropicana Juice Facility, completes with a lot of Tropicana cars and a dedicated Tropicana switcher. My mainline trains are pretty much CSX engines with some Conrail sprinkled in and my shortline / local trains are my freelance-private railroad name.
Since I like CSX so much, I just bought the 3 new Heritage units Scaletrains.com came out with: First repsonders, Veterans and Law enforcement.
That being said, when I travel and have a chance to railfan, I will do so regardless whether it's a railroad I model or not. It's part of the hobby and you never know when you see something that will inspire you.
In closing, I will say this: Hello, my name is Neal and I'm a trainaholic. My last EBay purchase was 3 days ago....
CSX spent a small fortune to hire Hunter Harrison, so he could implement precision railroading. He was in poor health at the time and lasted less than a year.
I don't know if any of the following is true, but people on the webcams claimed employees were leaving and maintenance was suffering because of his cost cutting.
Engi1487 I have to ask the memories of the forum who model and take interest in CSX, to share their stories, show their layouts and model railroading work.
We lost Brakie, a former CSX employee. He always had stories. Back in my railfan days, I took this picture at Cumberland
Thomas Viaduct
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I like CSX. I like the Bright Future livery. I model CSX. Not exclusively . . . but nevertheless . . .
And I like at least two if its predecessor railroads: Seaboard Coast Line (and its predecessor Seaboard Air Lines) and Atlantic Coast Line. So much so that I scratchbuilt a model of the corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida to place on my layout. Of course, I substituted my own railroad logo . . . but hey!
Not entirely sure why the OP asked me to defend my decisions, but I am happy to do so.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
ROBERT PETRICKNot entirely sure why the OP asked me to defend my decisions, but I am happy to do so.
I don't think the OP is asking anyone to defend modelling CSX, rather he is asking what has drawn you toward CSX or what appeals to you about CSX.
I think I understand what he is asking having spent 36 years in logistics. I would have the opportunity to visit five different RRs occasionally and while they are all railroads there was/is a distinct individual feel about them I would notice. Maybe it was the from the top-down corporate culture of a company or the size and wealth, who knows. It was the same with all the courier companies/Post Offices of the world I dealt with. I could tell you exactly what companies facility I was in just by the vibe.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Engi1487 I understand in a basic sence that amoung the railfanning, train and railway ethusiasts, they have mixed feelings oon CSX as a railroad, as its name sounds more corprate like compared, and its logo looks borring. I would like help understanding what caused these feelings among the railroad enthusiasts and into model railroading possibly?
Still waiting for the OP to define "mixed feelings" and "what caused these feelings".
I read it as: there is a problem and a controversy about the CSX, and what caused this.
If there is "mixed feelings", I think Henry's response might have hit it.
Still waiting.
mbinsewi Engi1487 I understand in a basic sence that amoung the railfanning, train and railway ethusiasts, they have mixed feelings oon CSX as a railroad, as its name sounds more corprate like compared, and its logo looks borring. I would like help understanding what caused these feelings among the railroad enthusiasts and into model railroading possibly? Still waiting for the OP to define "mixed feelings" and "what caused these feelings". I read it as: there is a problem and a controversy about the CSX, and what caused this. If there is "mixed feelings", I think Henry's response might have hit it. Still waiting. Mike.
This article from Trains gives a little more insight into job cuts of Harrison
Unions hated him wherever he went. I think that's what the OP picked up on in online comments about the railroad.
I model the pre CSX era so I don't have a dog in the hunt.
ROBERT PETRICK I like CSX. I like the Bright Future livery. I model CSX. Not exclusively . . . but nevertheless . . . And I like at least two if its predecessor railroads: Seaboard Coast Line (and its predecessor Seaboard Air Lines) and Atlantic Coast Line. So much so that I scratchbuilt a model of the corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida to place on my layout. Of course, I substituted my own railroad logo . . . but hey! Not entirely sure why the OP asked me to defend my decisions, but I am happy to do so. Robert
Engi1487I have to thank Henry for helping me find an answer to this.
Whatever controversy there might be about the CSX, is more than likely what info Henry has given.
I would hate to think that choosing a railroad or era to model has devolved into some sort of political correctness exercise regarding the history or management of that railroad.
I am neither pro union or anti union, I have little interest in the politics of railroad management. But more importantly, any such interest in the prototype does not drive my interest in what to model.
And should my choices in modeling be "judged" based on some set of "politically correct" views, I assure you such opinions will excite considerable humor on my part.
I am one with mixed feelings regarding CSX, but not for the reasons you listed. A few years back I was watching and photographing CSX trains from a state park with my grandson. We were about 150 feet from the tracks in clear view of the passing train crews. My grandson and I waved as the trains passed by and many crews waved back. After awhile a CSX RR Police vehicle appeared on the service road by the tracks and stopped near us. The officer approached us to see what we were doing and gave us a friendly reminder to stay in the park area and not to get too close to the track. Very polite, not in a mean way. I don't know if he was just happening by or if one of the train crews called him.
The reason I relate this story is because as time moves forward it seems railroads are doing everything they can to protect their interests, as they should. But it just reminds me that gone are the days when railroading was up close and alive, when local switch crews were approachable and engineers were willing to give a toot of the whistle to greet people track side (at safe, appropriate distances). The sounds of couplers crashing together, air hoses split at a drop off, squealing wheels, the smell of diesel exhaust. Now the trains whoosh by, windows tinted dark, many times with no crew to be seen. Long trains of cars with muted, highly faded paint schemes with little variety. My grandson likes to watch them roll, but I am left missing the old days. I'm sure this isn't just a CSX characteristic, but they are the only road close enough for us to personally observe. The romance of the old NY Central and Penn Central has faded into distant memory. To me CSX represents a dark future for railfans indeed.
We have to remember after September '01. That railroads are protecting their business. If it eliminates the railfans they will feel safer.
Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons.
I modeled the Santa Fe and Illinois Central. Why? Well the IC tracks ran by my Grandmother's in Southern Illinois and seeing those beautiful brown and orange streamliners and massive coal trains impressed the heck out of me.
And the Santa Fe, with its much advertised warbonnet scheme and its mysterious (to a Chicago kid) route thru the west to California made it known and admired by many. And of course Lionel produced the warbonnet in the late '40s and for many years after, giving thousands of kids something to wish for.........
I would imagine those modeling the CSX and/or any other RR would have similar reasons......and its not rocket science to figure that out.
As far as "show me your modeling", well most of us have done that many times over. But where are pics of the OP's modeling efforts?
Isn't it kind of like "I'll show you mine if you show me yours"???
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
mobilman44Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons.
Except few of the Europeans who model US share that experience, which absolutely fascinates me. Of course there are US model railroaders who model British or European railroads.
I hope my posts on Harrison weren't taken as a message we should be PC in our modeling. He touched a lot of railroads in his day. BN, IC, CSX, CP, NSC, CN it would be a shame to say they can't be modeled.
BigDaddy mobilman44 Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons. Except few of the Europeans who model US share that experience, which absolutely fascinates me. Of course there are US model railroaders who model British or European railroads. I hope my posts on Harrison weren't taken as a message we should be PC in our modeling. He touched a lot of railroads in his day. BN, IC, CSX, CP, NSC, CN it would be a shame to say they can't be modeled. If we have to do Woke modeling, it would be the GG1, P5a, subways and traction and a few more. Maybe that would be an interesting thread, PC acceptable GND locos. But it would devolve into the political and get canceled.
mobilman44 Seems to me, those that model a particular RR do so because of various reasons, likely because of "what they grew up with", "what is nearby", "where it is located", "color scheme", or similar reasons.
If we have to do Woke modeling, it would be the GG1, P5a, subways and traction and a few more. Maybe that would be an interesting thread, PC acceptable GND locos. But it would devolve into the political and get canceled.
Henry, I did not take your post to suggest we should do any such "PC" modeling, and I know a little about Harrison and his way of managing.
I did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something.
That is one of those questions like "when did you stop beating your wife?".
I'm in this hobby to build models and have fun. If I have to justify my choices and interests to ANYONE, I will disappear from the public space so fast your head will spin.
I model a time before my birth, I do model the region I live in, and have lived in all my life. But railroading had changed quite a bit by the time I came along and was old enough to observe it. So my interest in trains is highly historical in nature. Historical about the physical, engineering and operational nature of railroading, not political or social comentary on that time or any time period I might choose to model.
If I want to consider the moral or social questions of the day, or the past, or how they might have been impacted by the management choices of someone like Harrison, I will go to a different forum.
BigDaddytraction and a few more.
I'm always amazed at "new" old technology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_three-power_boxcab
NYC_DES-3_531 by Edmund, on Flickr
The DES-3 goes even a step further as it could run entirely on third-rail, too.
Cheers, Ed
From reading the OP, the definition of "mixed feelings" was "corporate and boring". Not sure what more is being read into that.
You can say the same thing about any of the class I's today, or even 20 years ago for that matter.
My freelanced shortline will interchange with either CSX, NS, or both as it will be set in the GA/FL area.
Growing up in Nebraska, my favorite railorads were the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific, before they merged; with BN and ATSF right there too. And the Southern and the L&N. Not too many other railroads were of interest to me. Loved the Family Lines paint scheme when it was around, so there is some love for the CSX from a heritage perspective.
- Douglas
Hi Engi,
I checked Walthers Catalogue, Union Pacific: 10 pages x 120 products, CSX: 4 pages x 120 products. This might not be a fully true representation, but then I wouldn't know any better.
At a UK Model Railway Ex' - if I presented an non-decaled CSX Loco, not many of the public would recognise it, but were it non-decaled Armour Yellow, everyone would say "Union Pacific" - which IMO is a stereotype in Europe (i.e. model the UP and you can't go wrong)
Also, as has been pointed-out elsewhere - the Transition era seems to dominate MRR's at the moment. This was reflected in the MR Photo contest, a while back.
If I were modelling a C.1 - I would have chosen CSX for above reason(s) + I like the Liveries, the era and the North East Locations. I have often wondered myself at the apparent lack of CSX model railroads (and to a certain extent NS) being described in MR magazine. Both of these were (I believe) born out of Conrail - which in terms of Railroad History was a big event, for some?
Mobilman correctly lists reasons why many modellers do what they do + (in the USA) there are choices of Short, Regional or Class 1. - you lucky people.
Henry, I in turn - am fascinated by USA Railroads. Unlike Britain's Railways, they have not been destroyed by Nationalisation and subsequently demeaned (and yes, that is Politics) They are instead, fully utilised for the benefit of the Nation.
I would like to see more of CSX & NS Model Railroads, very much. Paul.
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
Lazers but were it non-decaled Armour Yellow, everyone would say "Union Pacific" - which IMO is a stereotype in Europe (i.e. model the UP and you can't go wrong)
A few hobby shop owners in Florida have told me that several time European tourists have come in and bought out everything they had for the UNION PACIFIC.
CSX runs through my area on former L&N tracks. I grew up next to the IC/ICG which was a childhood favorite, but that line is now long gone. I used to rail fan the Seaboard System and got really excited about the Chessie/Seaboard merger when it happened because I really like the Chessie. I feel at the time it was on of the best looking paint schemes on the rails and I was getting to see lots of it. Then came the CSX blue and grey which was bland in compairson and the X which was supposed to just be a place holder until they could find something better, did it no favors either.
To make matters worse it seemed CSX had an identity crisis with a "flavor of the month" when trying to find a lasting paint scheme. Then came the "bright Future" scheme and I really liked it and finally started to come to terms with the X which really didn't stand for anything, so they said it stood for the multiplying power of the two merging companies.
I really like the latest blue and gold paint scheme with or without the boxcar logo. I really like what they did in rebuilding the GP38-2s, GP40-2s and SD40-2s into -3s. In time the Sponge Bob cabs began to grow on me. Today I still enjoy rail fanning CSX and even though I model BNSF, I have four CSX locomotives for run through on my layout.
Ralph
ATLANTIC CENTRALI did take the OP's question as to ask "if we should be PC in our modeling choices", because "someone", somewhere in cyberspace, posted something.
I didn't read that at all.
On the other hand CSX is a big corporate merger entity, and sometimes fans of the predecessor roads aren't fans of whatever bigger fish swallowed up their "pet".
Large mergers tend to homogenize the individual "character" smaller roads tended to have.
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
Here are some photos I've taken of the CSX across New York State:
Here's my favorite paint scheme, the YN2:
Here I am shooting a CSX manifest that's passing an intermodal in Syracuse.
And here's the photo I took of it.
Many more photos can be found on my blog, North Country... Ok, ok, sorry, I'll stop now . Anyway, enjoy the CSX, despite what anyone says it would make an excellent subject for modeling.
Hi Harrison,
Nice shots. If I am not mistaken, one of those shots appears to be taken at Utica NY's Union Station platform, not far from where I live.