29 November, Bow NH – Loaded with coal dug from one or more operational mines along the Monongahela, Loveridge Secondary, or Fairmont Subdivision lines on the Monongahela lines on the PA/WV border, CSX N618-27 was identified on mid-morning, 27.November heading east out of Willard OH yard, bound for Bow NH via Buffalo, Selkirk and Worcester. The Willard location led to some speculation that the loads originated from the Powder River Basin (WY) region. Later it was confirmed that the train had originated in Newell PA.
Pennsylvania – West Virginia border

Newell PA

Willard OH


After weeks of speculation, the train wasted no time along its route. It probably departed Newell on 26.November, and was out of Willard around ~1030 on 27.November, arriving Selkirk 0500 28.Nov, and departing ~1115 behind CSX 466, 831, [unknown]. At ~1810m on 28.November, the train swung north at Worcester, and at 1815 pulling up past Barbers for a crew change. In Ayer the locos were switched out for MEC 7500, 7594, 7534. By early afternoon on 29.November, the trio was resting at the Perini siding, and by 30.November were pulling the empties south.