There's 6 axle engines here...8500 and 8600 series SD50s, 8400 series SD40s, and 8100 series SD40-2s.

Same for me. Only,I can remember noticing it and trains in general at a very early age and being intrigued by the sights and sounds of trains that passed by the house when we lived in Kingmont from 1976 to 1981, which is just outside of Fairmont westbound of Grafton. I was just months old and remember this feeling of excitement every time I heard them blaring the horn at the crossing. And they were always Chessie, B & O, and C & O mostly I have my own theory as to why railroads often use elaborate color schemes and designs for their locomotives. First, passing trains are more than just a transportation system. They are a show of both sight and sound. The sounds of air horns, electromotive diesels working hard, turbo chargers screaming, and GE engines chugging their way by…. take those elements, and then combine them with this VERY 1970s abstract art-inspired sunburst paint scheme, and you cannot ignore that Boys of my age in those days especially remembered Chessie, and it was its elaborate colorful color design and the sillouhette of the cat that also made you notice and appreciate then more “dull” designs, like B & O and C & O. Chessie had a way of drawing attention from all, and it was this attention that inspired boys like myself into wanting to become conductors and engineers one day In other words, Chessie, Western Maryland, Conrail, and the equally elaborate cabooses… these vibrant designs and such were great recruiting tools. These railroads all knew what they were doing. It was much more than them dreaming up these designs and painting them onto equipment. They dove into the “show of both sight and sound” side of railroading and into the minds of what they were getting lined up to be the new generation of railroaders. And it believe it had a significant impact as well Abstract art was a big thing in the mid 1960s through the 70s. And mostly because the CIA was using it as a tool for throwing these art gallery gatherings that were actually traps used to spy on the Soviets. I forget the entire story, but it was something about learning that the Soviets were fans of abstract art, and painters like Andy Worhol, so… the spooks used that love of their to draw them into the galleries where the place was bugged with hidden cameras and tiny microphones. As they discussed are, they also discussed Soviet plans

Isbell St. in Howell off of Mason Rd. Still standing as of 2024, though at this point you aren't supposed to walk on it, let alone drive a car.

This is also around the time of the death of the caboose. The B & O… C & O… and WM schemes were becoming fewer and fewer as well, but not without the addition of Seaboard System and Family Lines becoming more prevalent. In fact, I remember in 1994 seeing Q316 fight the grade through Tunnelton with 4 in the lead and 3 helplers in the middle, with the 2nd helper being Family Lines 3008 - one of the rare BQ23-7s

In 1994, I lived in South Eastern Virginia. All we saw was Norfolk Southern junk. Depressing black engines.

Early CSX paint schemes were among the ugliest ever. Gray/blue is such a poor combination.

I got lucky. Born in 85, I got to see alot of the different schemes at the beginning of CSX. Also helped that my Grandfather was a chief dispatcher for them. Good Ole days. Man, I'm old.

B&O SD50 #8595 was the last engine that was ever purchased by the Baltimore and Ohio. It was suppose to go to the B&O RR museum, but someone in upper csxt management screwed up and sold it.