The Georgia Central was well known for its fleet of U23Bs that were finally retired in 2014. The railroad began operations in 1990 with a fleet of ex-CSX U-series models. After a few years, Norfolk Southern retired their U23Bs and they were in better condition, so the older U28Bs and U30Bs were replaced with high-nose ex-NS U23Bs. The lone survivor from the original roster was GC 1004, which was the only U23B. It is likely the commonality as a U23B is what bought 1004 a reprieve. It was the only low-nose GE on the roster at the time this photo was taken, leading train L781 west from Vidalia to Macon. Lots of trackwork has been completed on the west end of the railroad and I noticed part of that work is replacing all the crossing signs. This old cast iron crossing buck was one of few on the line. Now you'll be hard pressed to find anything that isn't a new sign mounted on a typical metal street sign-type slotted post.
