Recovery Engines Hook to Stalled Train in Highland Cut - Norfolk Southern 6K4 Ethanol & C80 Light

On September 5, 2022, eastbound Norfolk Southern Train 6K4 (Union Pacific Ethanol Loads), led by NS EMD SD70ACU #7309 (former SD90MAC rebuilt from UP 3620 / 8142), stalled in the Highland Cut on the former Pennsylvania Railroad Ft Wayne Line (PRR FTW).
Although I did not hear the initial calls regarding the problem, it seems as though an issue on the Union Pacific foreign power locomotive #5690 resulted in a loss of power. It sounded like, once restarted, a crew member was manually holding a breaker to keep the engine online until after the head end crested the summit, but I cannot confirm that. Light rain conditions may have also contributed.
Highland Cut is the highest point on the Ft Wayne Line between Chicago and Pittsburgh, with the western approach being the steepest side as well as having several compound curves within a distance of only a few miles between New Galilee and The Cut.
In the past, Penn Central and Conrail ran manned helper service through this area on coal loads and other select trains though this practice has now been largely eliminated in favor of distributive power units, or DPU locomotives, in the middle or rear of the consist. This train had only two head end units with no DPU power added.
General Electric Wabtec AC44C6M engine #4379 & #4242 were dispatched to assist, under local symbol C80. After running Main 2 to release handbrakes on the tail, approximately 2 miles to the west, C80 traveled east to CP WOOD and crossed to Main 1 then ran back west to couple on the head end of 6K4.
Once coupled, and after safety checks were made, Conway Terminal gave a favorable signal at CP WOOD while all four engines were brought online and slowly throttled up to bring the loaded tanker cars over the crest of the hill before rolling down the eastern slope, through Highland Crossing, towards Homewood Junction and Conway Yard.
Finishing out the video are some 35mm black & white photographs that I took while testing a few different types of b&w film.
Music is Arlo Guthrie, City of New Orleans

[@Rob-tr1st]

Man that overhead shot is absolutely amazing!

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching & commenting.

[@gordonbryan8381]

HistoricBF, kudos for your very detailed description of exactly where your video was filmed (towns that can be found on maps) and exactly what happened. Those of us that don’t have the entire US railroad system memorized find it hard to locate where most all videos are filmed. DGBryan

[@lennymiller9308]

That old GACX airslide buffer car , I've unloaded it a few dozen times , good catch

[@HistoricBF]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@davidb5952]

some good old fashioned smoke!

[@HistoricBF]

Sure was!

[@stevenmifsud7496]

Well done guys the other two drivers would been also happy to see you guys going to help out 😊😊😊😊

[@CRBTrains]

Man that UP engine has seen better days. love your tripod setup. Awesome of you to include that picture. Keep getting those ACUs. I hardly ever see those

[@HistoricBF]

Thanks! I was pretty proud of that setup and it worked out well lol. I think there are only about 20 or 30 still on the roster. Most are in manned pusher service around Horseshoe Curve & Gallitzin but I've been seeing 7309, 7300, a couple other leading through here regularly. The are good looking locomotives, in my opinion.

[@mikegenset5228]

I’m sure I can hear at least one mighty GE engine in there with its characteristic exhaust miss-beat 💪🇺🇸

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Great capture of this situation. We enjoyed watching and have a great rest of your day.

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed! Have a wonderful evening!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

@@HistoricBF you also!

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Such a great place to make it video with having a ground level and over head view. A lot of people use Drones to take great videos but you can't here the ground sounds of the Locamotives or anything else. Thanks for the good job.😁

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@LisbonRailProductionsandF1]

Magnificent catches of the train coming by and pass, I like it 5 stars, keep up the great work, my friend, Greetings from Portugal to the USA.

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you for watching, best wishes!

[@LisbonRailProductionsandF1]

@@HistoricBF no problem.

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

Good footage and many thanks. I very much like the way you always appear to answer questions; top marks for that. Btw, I'm a 77 yr old retired Brit living in northern Spain and a great British steam aficionado but also a great fan of Norfolk Southern. I'm on board your channel now for sure. Again thanks

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you so much for those kind words, I do appreciate it. It's my pleasure to have you along!

[@finalizedtrains]

Precision railroading strikes again? Nice catch!

[@HistoricBF]

You know it! Thanks!

[@pierre7548]

Thanks for that, from France ...

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you for watching!

[@dalton1583]

That emd is clean burning.

[@gusperry1]

Excellent HistoricBF video with that country music at the end. B&W photography has always been part of this hobby. Very good A cordial greeting from the city of Cordoba, Argentina

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you so much for those kind words, I am happy you enjoyed it!

[@dhmalcolm]

I used to live above the Erie Lackawanna line in Ridgewood NJ above the big incline and would go to sleep and wake by the thunder of frieghts hourly and multiple passengers trains in the morning as 4 sets of rails ar this point.

[@HistoricBF]

Awesome!

[@siskokidd]

I was born and raised not far from that location. In fact, my earliest years were spent in a neighborhood near a very busy train route along the river, so we were used to the sound of rail traffic, horns... I appreciate you (HistoricBF) posting this, and providing as many specifics as you did, but you did not include something I consider a very important part of the story: The actual elevation of that high spot, and the gradient specifics. Without much difficulty (an elevation filter layer on Google maps), I was able to determine the high point is 1057 feet above sea level. The start of the Ohio River in Pittsburgh is just over 700 feet above sea level, which gives some perspective about the regional geography. On that rail line eastbound after passing through New Galilee the elevation is 950 feet above sea level, and within less than 1.5 miles from the peak at Highland Cut, that line climbs 100 feet in elevation. Combined with the curves you mentioned, that indeed is a good reason for any long train to struggle getting over that hump.

[@bhproductions1061]

Cool catch

[@HistoricBF]

Thanks!

[@bhproductions1061]

Your welcome

[@keonikaig9247]

A W E S O M E..... Glad I found you... Thank you 👍😎

[@HistoricBF]

Welcome, glad you found us too!

[@simplyamazing880]

Great video

[@robertteap8052]

Like the "black & white" stills at the end and the choice of music.. Well edited.....

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you so much! It had been about 20 years since I had shot on film when I pulled my old 35mm out, not long before this incident. I appreciate the kind words!

[@robertteap8052]

@@HistoricBF 35mm on film?? That takes me back.... Used to love high-speed film back in the 70's and 80's..liked the grain and the texture, especially in black and white prints.. Greetings from Ireland.

[@HistoricBF]

@@robertteap8052 Yessir! I was getting burnt out on digital so I pulled my old film stuff out & dusted it off. I need to do more photography related videos but I've been using a lot of antique (100+ year old) cameras lately. I didn't realize how much I loved it until I got back into it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@stretchlimo7275]

Wow that was pretty cool, not something you get to see everyday. To much train for the ACe and Dash 9 I’m guessing. Great catch👍🏼😎🇺🇸 I’m southwestern PA btw

[@HistoricBF]

Thanks for watching! I'm sorry for the delayed responses, had some trouble commenting over the past week. The UP kept kicking out but yeah, I think they were probably under powered to begin with.

[@kraz904]

This video is proof that the trains are too damn long. Also I'm struck by all the debris left on the sides of the tracks from a derailment that happened how long ago...

[@HistoricBF]

I believe that derailment was February, 2022.

[@emd6456]

Toasters on the point.

[@rearspeaker6364]

and no toast....bummer.

[@stephenbroughman3231]

Yes, and rescuing an SD70AcE

[@deadeyedickification]

No headlight when the helpers ran in either direction. That's strange.

[@csx4402]

Should of been 3 units for the start. That converted 90mac still held it own the best it could.

[@HistoricBF]

I would agree but it seems like they aren't happy unless they stall at least one every month in The Cut!

[@aydensheehy]

The people still down there working?

[@HistoricBF]

Yes, they are still cutting up scrap and making a mess of the area! The mud pit now extends onto the road. Track gang is still in the area, as of yesterday anyway.

[@busrailfan]

Very Nice! Subscribed!

[@JosePerez-cg9hb]

Excelente video saludos desde Querétaro México 😮😮😮

[@HistoricBF]

Thank you!

[@bryanphillips6666]

@historicbf, when was the derailment, do you have any details??

[@HistoricBF]

The derailment occurred in late February of 2022. If you look back through my videos, you will find several from when it occurred. Looking through my "Rail Incidents & Maintenance" playlist would probably be the fastest way to find them.

[@TheTheratfarmer]

a beast can move slow, couple up.

[@HistoricBF]

It was neat to watch!

[@netrainvideos1501]

what are those old freight car trucks from? An old derailment?

[@HistoricBF]

At that time, it was actually a fairly fresh derailment, but yes. At the 2:30 mark you can see some of the derailed cars sitting on the right side if the frame. They were finally cut up & removed about 2 weeks ago.

[@tucobenedicto109]

Nice, Arlo! :)

[@HistoricBF]

Thanks!

[@schrap72]

Impressive!

[@HistoricBF]

Thanks, it's always an adventure here in The Cut!

[@mshum538]

So, is this the “ruling grade” for this subdivision?

[@HistoricBF]

I can't answer that, I do not know. If I remember right, it is about 230' in 2.6 miles making it something like 1.6%. I believe out around PC 52, New Waterford, OH to East Palestine, OH is a little steeper/shorter but with less vertical rise. I don't know any numbers and I don't know if I have detailed grade charts past CP ENON, I think I only have speed charts. If I have the time, I'll take a look.

[@bryanphillips6666]

​@@HistoricBF do you know anything about the derailment that happened before this train stalled?

[@HistoricBF]

@@bryanphillips6666 The derailment occurred in late February of 2022. If you look back through my videos, you will find several from when it occurred. Looking through my "Rail Incidents & Maintenance" playlist would probably be the fastest way to find them.

[@dknowles60]

I can belive How bad of shape the Prr fort wayne line is in I thought Conrail Rebuilt it where is Highland Cut Located

[@HistoricBF]

Highland Cut is in western Pennsylvania just west of CP WOOD. I can't speak for the rest of the FTW, but Pittsburgh to CP ENON is very well maintained.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Noticed that there are several wheel sets on the bank of the cut. What happened??? A wreck or something???

[@HistoricBF]

From a previous derailment about a year ago.

[@ronnybriggs2426]

How come the lead unit doesnt have its headlights on????

[@normsweet1710]

So where is the “highland cut” on this line ? I’m guessing Pa or E. Oh

[@HistoricBF]

Yes, approximately PC37.7 on the Ft Wayne Line in Big Beaver, PA between CP WOOD and New Galilee.

[@normsweet1710]

@@HistoricBF thanks, I grew up in S. Mi 11 miles N. Of Oh line in Lenawee Co. my great grandad worked near Archbold Oh and never mentioned any grades etc. A wild guess on my part as to where it may of been, or I payed attention to what he taught me 🤔😉. I appreciate your knowledge and candor on the subject. Kind of a rare commodity these days.

[@timbrewer7318]

Also known as summit cut in big beaver of beaver county

[@Dsmpsn63]

Norfolk southern helping out Union Pacific, am I missing something here?

[@HistoricBF]

The UP engine was foreign power on a Norfolk Southern train.

[@general5104]

You know, I worked for them almost 4 decades and never got tired of the locomotives! They're like my kids. I retired before the 3 phase AC change-over. It's a hoot, not to have brushes in the traction motors?

[@HistoricBF]

They certainly are something to see, for sure!

[@syedraza7277]

Hello....how two engines are operated same time...

[@HistoricBF]

They are linked by computer and synchronized. The engineer has control over all units from the leader.

[@syedraza7277]

@@HistoricBF yes....is there any video of operating of double engines....thanks for detailed reply

[@macmikey]

Some of that film looked like tri-x and some ilford stuff?

[@noahknowstrains9640]

3:30 Train collision

[@HistoricBF]

Boop!

[@RobertGratz-os5zg]

Tricky operation coupling up to a train on a grade. You got set your air just right to take over as the controlling locomotive of the train and the locomotive consist.

[@Jacrazzz]

🤜🏿

[@donaldcross7978]

Wow ,look at the Axles up on Holl when they are Connecting the 2 motors to the Train. Talk about How a Railroad is Run , Look no Farther the N.S , can't Even Clean up a Derailment Seen !!! Poor Workmanship !!!

[@HistoricBF]

They just cut up the cars & hauled them out a few weeks ago. On the heels of the East Palestine derailment, it was just a couple days after the Pittsburgh news did a story on the mess still being there a year later.

[@mow4ncry]

Would you like the 611 to come out and show you how it's done 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HistoricBF]

🤣🤣🤣 right?

[@JeffreyStrader]

Was there an engine failure or was she too heavy for the hill crest?

[@HistoricBF]

Yes. It was underpowered to begin with, and the UP went offline on the hill.

[@JeffreyStrader]

@@HistoricBFI thought so...........I never could catch a glimpse of any exhaust out of 7309

[@dieseldave3879]

🚂👍

[@declissonolivier9376]

Very, very interesting. But... When American railways will have Very High speed trains (300Km/h), as Japanese, german, french... We'll talk again.

[@HistoricBF]

It would be nice but our government is too worried about teaching our daughters that they can grow up to be fathers, so they have no time to address really issues!

[@declissonolivier9376]

@@HistoricBF A lot of "humour". I love! Cheers from a french who visited USA three times (road trips) and one in Canada.

[@gerardorecinos8727]

Very fast railways are for lightweight only passenger trains. USA railway system is for very long distance heavy freight trains (12K-13K tons). Infraestructure, energy needs and purposes are very different

[@demil3618]

The seem to be holding the engine under load for quite a while before the train suddenly starts moving. Trying to burn the traction motors?

[@HistoricBF]

The train was on an approximate 1.5% grade, short of the summit, in intermittent light rain conditions (misting) with empty sanders on the original power set and only head end power. At several points you can see it move slightly then rock backwards. It wasn't simply "holding," they were balancing between wheel slip and exceeding drawbar forces. The whole time, they were communicating amperages and other vitals. If I remember correctly, prior to hooking up, the recovery crew wanted to go on the rear as manned pushers due to the forces and weather. That was squashed by higher ups as "not necessary" because the original crew had already outlawed and they didn't want to dispatch a second crew to man the head end.

[@HammondOfTexas0]

@@HistoricBF I was wondering the same thing. I saw them rocking back and forth thinking they still didn't have enough power, then all of a sudden they started moving as if it wasn't a problem. Someone forgot and left the brakes on?

[@demil3618]

@@HistoricBF How long do you think traction motors can stand high amps. and slow movement.

[@HistoricBF]

​@@HammondOfTexas0 As previously stated, they were also fighting to keep the UP online. Nope, no brakes.

[@HistoricBF]

@@demil3618 ​My charts predate the AC44C6M and SD70ACU locomotives. However, assuming their performance is comparable to the ES and SD80MAC series locomotives, they would be rated to a minimum speed between 8-11mph at about 1350 amps. Based on this footage, they can maintain lesser speeds at unknown, variable high amperages for at least 1 minute 40 seconds without burning up with an air temperature around 75°, if i recall the day correctly. But that's a guess because I'm neither a locomotive nor electrical engineer... Have a nice day!

[@leslieadkins5774]

Horsepower versus tonnage...

[@HistoricBF]

You'd think it would be fairly simple!

[@Amirali-lg6js]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@metro673]

They kissed herself

[@jerryjohnson6929]

Hay love trains I very sad when the train left athens oh last time

[@thepubliceye]

Don't they have a Yankum rope?

[@yaad2226]

the blinking light look like yo mama walking like humpty dumpty

[@Dachamp2001]

Too thinking I thought U.P locomotives were powerful considering their territory. 😅 Plus, I thought both sets of MU air lines had to be connected.

[@HistoricBF]

Breakers kept kicking out on the UP, it wouldn't stay online.

[@Dachamp2001]

@HistoricBF Yep, that will do it and also it having only 2 power units looks like it was under powered from the beginning.

[@Erorr_Code_277]

Bro cars train is so longer i cant i didt that i cant move push over train

[@claudiomoraes6482]

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍😛😛😛😛😛😛🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@user-pz8nn5eq2b]

😅

[@Greatdome99]

A "hook" is a crane to railroaders. I think you mean 'couple' to connect rolling stock via their, uh, couplers.

[@daveporter8351]

Who is running this rail co ..what a f joke

[@daveporter8351]

Ns cheapskates

[@anatoliykolosov3781]

да вотета мощ сила..особо обожаю типловоз сша три симёрки 777 вотета апарад видно буксует большой а тяги нет вот бы наш типловоз туда мидветь или машка вразы бы вытащил без напряга

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Such a great place to make it video with having a ground level and over head view. A lot of people use Drones to take great videos but you can't here the ground sounds of the Locamotives or anything else. Thanks for the good job.😁