Waycross, GA

[tpd0418]

Hi everyone,

I grew up about an hour from Waycross and used to love it when we went there for shopping because I always saw a lot of trains. I was wondering what the current number of trains, both arriving and departing, is on a daily basis today. Also, is there a map available anywhere that shows the current trackage in use in Waycross?

Thanks.
tpd0418

[AntonioFP45]

Isn't there a large locomotive servicing facility there?

I drove through Waycross about 10 years ago, but didn't have time to stop. I hope to check it out next time I go to Georgia and visit relatives.

[anb740]

My guess off the top of my head would be 70+ easy. There are up to 40 a day coming on/off the Fitzgerald Sub alone. Add to that the Thomasville Sub. and both ends of the Jesup Sub. and you've got yourself a LOT of trains! Rice Yard is affectionately known as the "Waycross Hotel" for its reputation of holding out numerous trains for hours on end due to lack of yard space. I've tried railfanning this town before, and wore myself out driving from one side of town to the other trying to catch trains.

anb740

[AntonioFP45]

Are locomotives fueld and serviced here as well?

[anb740]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Are locomotives fueld and serviced here as well?

Yes....it supposedly has one of the fastest fuel pumps in use. (something like being able to fill a 3000 gallon tank in 10 mins or less) It also has a sizable "dead" line for locos as well, although small compared to the tracks in Radnor Yard. (rent-a-wreck heaven!) The facility is well known for throwing GE widecabs on the point of almost every train in sight. They've ruined more WC, CPRail, and CN consists than I can count by doing this. Progress Rail has their own graveyard on the east side...always good for a look at engines that'll never turn another wheel in revenue service. (kinda sad actually!)

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks for the info, Anb740.

I assumed that this was CSX territory.

Progress Rail. Is this a Class II shortline that runs in the area? Is it a CSX "spin off" like the Georgia Central?

[BaltACD]

Waycross is the the main classification yard for CSX in the Southeast. and as such basically all merchandise trains originate/terminate at Waycross.

Intermodal, Automotive and Bulk trains operate through Waycross with only Crew Changes and engine fueling as may be necessary. There are crew assignments that run through Waycross without a crew change.

[anb740]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Thanks for the info, Anb740.

I assumed that this was CSX territory.

Progress Rail. Is this a Class II shortline that runs in the area? Is it a CSX "spin off" like the Georgia Central?

You could rename the town "CSXcross." Progress Rail is nothing more than a large RR scrap dealer located on the east end of Rice Yard. (unless they've diversified their business?) Lots of older EMD (and a few GE) engines on the property. There was a huge line of retired CSX C30-7s' the last time I was there.

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Anb740.

Too bad this isn't the 1970s (when I was a teen). Back then places like these would at times allow railfans that wanted to take 35mm photos, onto railroad properties .
( How I miss those days!). Back then I enjoyed being able to walk onto SCL rail yards, politely talking to friendly railroaders and then being allowed to put my Olympus OM-1 to work. I wish now I had taken many more photos instead of being so stingy!

I may cruise through GA for a short time this summer. Do you know if the Waycross or Scrap Yard officials are "railfan friendly" as far as allowing photo ops? If not, I can fully understand since liability is on everyone's mind these days.

Thanks!

[anb740]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

I may cruise through GA for a short time this summer. Do you know if the Waycross or Scrap Yard officials are "railfan friendly" as far as allowing photo ops? If not, I can fully understand since liability is on everyone's mind these days.

Thanks!

I'm afraid not. There are now more "no trespassing" signs on the property that I can count! About the only place the scrap yard can be photographed is from the highway overpass.(morning shots are the best) Here's a shot from a couple of years ago of the facility....tetanus shot central!

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=99383

[AntonioFP45]

NICE SHOT!

Hey! What are those UP engines doing there?!

All joking aside, thanks for the tip!

I normally take I-75 from Tampa, make my way to Hwy 129 in Georgia. As far I think that when I come to Hwy 84 I turn east and that should take me straight to Waycross. Is that overpass in the photo Hwy 84, or does it intersect with it?