Slabs, Coils and Coke: Halloween On The Union Railroad

Deep within the hills and valleys of Pittsburgh, hidden away where one would not normally not dare to search, the steel mills still reign, carrying on a legacy that began with the Industrial Revolution. Right there with them, having served them almost as long as they have been in business, the Union Railroad and it’s fleet of EMD End Cab Switchers handle almost every part in the process, from bringing in raw materials to moving out the finished product. It’s an operation often overlooked, but rather fascinating when one takes the time to delve in. As part of of our “Eastern Swing”, ‪@Djcman331‬ and myself dedicated Halloween to filming the Union in action. The damp, misty day was fitting, especially for Pittsburgh, as we darted back and forth between the Edgar Thomson Steel Works and the popular Davrosburg Tunnel. The usual steel slab job and Coke train pickup from the CSX were caught, as well as an extra hauling coiled steel with one of the SW1500s on the point! A switch job at Edgar Thomson and another empty hopper train rounded off the day. Quite a unique operation, one that one should definitely take the time to examine and catch in motion! Enjoy Everybody! There is plenty more to come!