CSX M583-03 (Nashville,TN-Hamlet,NC) is working it’s way south on the Western & Atlantic (WA) Sub through the outskirts of Tunnel Hill, GA as the over tonnage train is heading to Hamlet, NC. Today catch was one for the books in this case, CSX No 1976 the Conrail Heritage Unit painted in the later Quality scheme was assigned as the lead motor. One can argue or question rather if Consolidated Rail Corp (Conrail) is or isn’t a Fallen flag. The railroad itself has played a significant role in saving the northeast rail industry from an impending doom post the 3R Act. Even after the 99’ split off, Conrail still has a role in the railroad industry, but on a smaller scale as a share asset, but still has this larger-than-life reputation of being a likeable company by former employees, and even railfans. Rather if the railfan community accept CSX's concept of painting their Heritage Fleet, it’s a breath of fresh air to now see the second biggest player in the East acknowledge the name Conrail.
