May 11, 2002

Having been told that Operation Lifesaver would make a run through Anderson and having been ginven the times (but not the date), I made a trip to South Anderson Yard. Imagine my surprise to find this ex-Conrail GP15, CSX 1545, painted for Operation Lifesaver siting in the yard idling. No, it wasn't the run I was looking for, but it was a good photo op.

Click on thumbnail for larger picture

May 16, 2002
This was the operation Lifesaver train that I was looking for. It had FE7As CSX 9993 and 9992 leading with several cars and the glass end inspection car on the end. It was a busy day. Just before the Special arrived, CSX 7850, CW40-8 came through with Auto Racks and containers. And just as the Special was preparing to leave, CSX 7818, CW40-8, with a grain train, came to a stop to wait for the Special to leave the siding and clear the next block.

The Special was due to arrive SA at 10:10 AM. It was running a little late and I had watched the riders gather over by the access road. When they began to move in my direction, I knew the train was nearing. CSX had decided to board on the east end of the yard where the passengers wouldn't have to cross a large number of tracks. It was nearly 10:30 when the Special came gliding down the siding toward us and came to a stop. I was told that it would be led by F40's. CSX calls them FE7A and the CSX 9993 and CSX 9992 were impressive in the new paint and looked like true passenger locos with their length. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a good position relative to the sun, but I did the best that I could. As the Special began to move, I waved to one of the gentleman sitting in the observation window, all the time wishing that I could have been aboard. Oh, well...

Click on thumbnail for larger picture

CSX 7850
 


Operation Lifesaver Special
 

CSX 7818