This aerial photograph presents a clear view of the Conemaugh Generating Station in New Florence, PA, against the backdrop of a sunset. The plant, featuring prominent cooling towers and smokestacks, stands out in the local industrial landscape. While not in operation in this photograph, the plant operates regularly and still receives unit coal trains. It is, however, scheduled to close by the end of 2028.
In the foreground, a Norfolk Southern coal train, led by an EMD SD70ACe, travels along Main 3 of the Pittsburgh Line. While the power plant accepts coal train, this train is bound for the port of Baltimore. This single track section of railroad is known as the "Sang Hollow Extension" and takes a circuitous route through Seward and New Florence while Main 1 and 2 are located along the opposing bank of the Conemaugh River. Because the route takes roughly 7-15 minutes longer, The Sang Hollow Extension is typically the route of choice for lower priority trains in both directions (with exceptions of course.)
A continuously growing album of photos that IMHO reveal the awesome and seldom-seen beauty of the railroad world from the dimming of day to dawn's early light! From dusk to dawn, trains roll on! (I'm still finding gems of sunset-to-sunrise surprises!)
