NS 296 coming out of Pacolet with a nice horn on the lead locomotive

Recorded 5/11/2024 at 7:16 pm. It's too bad I couldn't get some good horn action for this grade crossing. If I'm not expecting a horn salute, I do at least hope for nice & long horn blows. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case this time. Ya win some and you lose some. Besides that, I hope you all can still enjoy the video!
-NS 296 Intermodal
-Greer, SC - Charleston, SC
-Locomotives:
NS #4170 AC44C6M
NS #1228 SD70IAC
-196 intermodal buckets (175 loads, 21 empty well cars)
-NS Coastal Division/Columbia District/W-Line
-MP W82.0

[@danielwalton9012]

The Update 4 I Love Toy Trains 3 VHS! Please!

[@joshpack7330]

That Nathan P3 is still sounding strong ever since I caught 4170 on 238 and 237 a few times! It's very sad 242 and 243 can't be at least half of this size. I mean, this train sometimes gets close to 200 cars, and those others can't even reach the triple digits.

[@anscrailfanner6812]

Thanks for watching, Josh. Yes, I feel the same way. I believe the puny size of the intermodal cuts on 242/243 is merely due to the final stretch of the transport of these containers. Right now in Charleston they’re trucked from the NS intermodal ramp to the ports. I think due to the regular commuter traffic down there, the trucks aren’t able to get as many containers to the ports. Hopefully next year when the SCPA completes the Navy Base Terminal (dedicated rail intermodal terminal), both 242 and 243 will increase in size. I heard that 242/243 will supposedly stop hauling freight altogether and we’ll be getting a pair of freights between Chattanooga and Columbia.

[@joshpack7330]

@@anscrailfanner6812That makes sense. I'm really looking forward to next year. The W-Line during the daylight hours just feels dead with just 3 trains, and you'd be lucky to get a late 242.