Dear all, We all know the economy is not doing well, but do we see the price? Yes and No. I love going to the steel mill to watch trains, but before I did the steel mill was huge. Each "Island"(little place of the steel mill across the river) was used. It was not until the time when 2/3 of the great steel mill was took down to make a plaza did I actually go with my dad. I loved seeing the diesels shifting cars around and waving to the drivers. Then when late 2008 came... It was not every time I went did I see them switch. When 2009 hit. It was quiet. Then I went today and..... The gondolas Were mostly gone! I found 1 and a few tank cars on the American Crow side(http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=206860&nseq=10) of the yard. The CSX side was normal but I was upset to see most of the cars gone. Who knows what happened but they probably got stored somewhere. They made steel mostly for cars so it gives you an idea why. I hope to at least see these guys work one more time if they shut down. :( I know this is not the only railroad but this is one if the many. :'( Hopefully they stay open but the damage is already done.
Thats to bad. I love short lines and industrial railroads as well as Big class 1 railroads :'( :-[
i can understand the sense of loss. not only have we lost most of the steel mills here in pittsburgh, but the quintessential pennsylvania short line, with multiple emd switchers hauling heavy coal trains, is no more either. there were several of these in western pennslyvania, cambria & indiana, montour, and pittsburgh & shawmut come to mind. all are now gone, only short stretches of the shawmut line still ssee trains.
As a kid in the 1950's we used to watch the slag cars dump their loads at the old J & L mill in Aliquippa. Especially impressive at night. That is Mike Ditka territory, I might add.
The PA network had a special about the specialty steel industry in Pittsburgh, going strong at 28,000,000 tons per year, if I remember right. All the car panels are supposed to be made in the 'Burgh.
There should be some opportunity to view supply trains, n'est pa?
Best Wishes,
Jack