From late 2021 until January 2023, AVR interchanged coal from the Wheeling & Lake Erie at Bruceton to the B&P at Evans City for the Homer City Generating Plant. These trains were (almost certainly) the heaviest on the AVR, the only ones that utilize a manned helper regularly. On the day I caught wind of a run, the train ran with 2/3rds of AVR's SD60M roster, three on the head end and one on the rear. These trains are also one of the few opportunities available to photograph the Pittsburgh & Western sub in daylight, as the Su.-Th. AVR-1 leaves after 8:00 PM. I hope you enjoy this run 8 chase!
Since I shot and edited this video, the AVR coal trains have stopped running, and the Homer City Station closed as the coal units are decommissioned. Buffalo & Pittsburgh has since sold about half of the hoppers used on these trains, and transferred/returned two locomotives.
Consist: SD60Ms 6003, 6004, 6002, 6006 (helper)
(0:00) Intro
(0:15) Bruceton, W&LE interchange (whole train)
(6:14) Glenwood Yard limits
(7:59) Hazelwood Green
(8:24) Washington's Landing
(10:00) East Pennview St, Etna
(10:20) Bakerstown Grade
(12:06) Lakeside Dr., Gibsonia
Return run, Myoma Ave., Evans City
(14:28) Mars Train Station
(14:59) Grubbs Rd., Gibsonia
(15:47) Oakhill Rd., Gibsonia
(17:15) Photos
