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Trains' Newswire today says that CSX has under review 8000 miles of trackage as potential sale candidates to regional or short line railroads. Going on the block immediately is the line across the Florida panhandle (former SAL/L&N) that handled the eastern extension of the Sunset.
Lines under review that handle Amtrak trains include part of their routes in the mid-atlantic, southeast, and Michigan used by the Silver Star, Capitol Ltd., Cardinal, some Michigan service, and the Boston section of the Lake Shore Ltd.
Some Florida lines are also mentioned but I'm sure it would be the secondary lines such as those that handle phosphate that are being considered. Since Amtrak has already sold the the line to Orlando and in south Florida I don't think the Meteor or Star would be affected there.
While it was common knowledge that lines would be sold under the Hunter Harrison regime, this is the first announcement with specifics.
Being optimistic, this could potentially make it easier for Amtrak to work with a regional railroad rather than CSX. However, one concern would be if the new railroad would be able to maintain the track suitable for passenger trains.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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The Auburndale Sub; isn't that the SAL used by both Florida Amtrak trains?
Florence Division: I presume that includes the SAL through S Carolina? Mr. Palmland I think is in Kubler-Ross Phase V regarding the loss of his train. Essentially the whole B&O East of Greenwich OH: how does "Son of Yäger" expect to handle on-line traffic? There's none out of Pittsburgh?
Baffling!
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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I'm pretty sure it is, Gil.
I'm wondering if the possible sale of the panhandle line could actually be a positive for "Friends of Sunset Limited in Florida."
palmland Member # 4344
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Good catch, GBN. The Auburndale sub goes from Auburdale to just short of W. Palm Beach. The Meteor uses it from Orlando-Auburdale-W. Palm, the Star uses it from Tampa-Auburndale to W. Palm.
But, today’s Trains’ newswire says the new VP operations says the B&O line is not up for sale. Further a CSX spokesman would not confirm this report and that Trains’ report of lines for sale is not accurate. Sounds like someone at CSX leaked info before CSX was ready.. Wonder if Mr. Wrinn knows you need to get multiple sources before writing a story. Nevertheless I suspect most of the story is very accurate - certainly the case for the Florence Division.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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OK, so the Florence Division includes the Seaboard through SC, then 91-92, Star, will have to be rerouted.
I have noted here that the emaciation of the Seaboard started with the '67 SAL-ACL merger. In effect, CSX is abdicating any traffic in Florida South of Tampa. Abandoning the Seaboard South of Ocala and cobbling together a routing into Tampa for the citrus traffic is indicative of such.
I guess one thing learned from the Yäger debacle on any road he was near, is that "Precision Railroading" does not mean swift railroading.
Lest we forget that if any of these wholesale abandonments come to pass, a shipper, who has become accustomed to having two roads available, could go running to the "Surf Boarf" and seek relief. This could be an invitation for "rereg" - and I don't think anyone within the industry wants to see that.
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