Classic paint

Throughout the years railroads have had some unique paint schemes for their cars and locomotives. These ranged from the regal like the Pennylvania's through the circus-like multi colors of some of the Florida roads. One of the more unique schemes was that of the Chessie System.

The Chessie System was relatively short lived. It was formed from the merger of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad (C&O),the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and some minor lines in 1973. It's unique scheme featured a cat logo. The cat represented Chessie, a kitten used by the C&O for advertising purposes from 1933 until the line turned over it's passenger trains to Amtrak in 1971. Chessie was used to make the point that you would "sleep like a kitten" on the C&O's trains. When the Chessie was merged with the Seaboard Coast Line in 1980 the new corporation was renamed CSX. Their new scheme was a bland grey and blue and starting in the mid 80s equipment was repainted into the new colors.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a small town with a rich history. Located at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, it was the site of a Federal Armory dating from 1799. This is where John Brown attacked in an attempt to incite a slave rebellion just prior to the Civil War. The original B&O mainline to the west runs through town, crossing the Potomac on a massive double track bridge that still carries heavy traffic.

On one of my visits I captured a short Chessie coal train crossing the Potomac bridge. Overlooking the scene is the famous "Hilltop House" a historic hotel that once hosted the rich and famous.



A better shot of the bridge and the Chessie Safety Special.