The Diesel Shop

Serving The Railfan Community since 1994

A Vanishing Scene: The Buckingham Branch's local has six cars of coal destined for the boilers of the University of Virginia power plant in Charlottesville.

(Photographer: John Leopard)

During the past three decades, universities across North America have made major strides in reducing the size of their carbon footprint. Many college campuses were able to accomplish the goal by converting a coal/oil-fired central steam plant to cleaner-burning natural gas. Engineering studies had demonstrated the change in primary fuel source led to the reduction of the carbon footprint by thousands of metric tons, along with a substantial annual saving in fuel and operating costs.

The strategic change also facilitated the elimination of locomotives and railroad equipment previously required to support campus steam plant operation. The extent of that impact is outlined briefly at University Locomotives.

Midway through last year their was a request to occasionally profile some facet of electric railway operation. To that end, we present Let's Go To The Amusement Park." a brief look at four different electric rail lines located in western New York state.

THE DIESEL SHOP'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY Starts 17 November 2024. During the period (11/2024 to 11/2025), each month will profile the Alco 430 / C630, EMD GP30 or GE U30B / U30C. If there is a favorite digital image that you would like to contribute to this project, please forward it to the website.
Future Profiles:
  • Detroit River Car Ferries
  • Early Dynamometer Cars
  • Great Northern Train Station (Spokane)


Ready Track: New Listings / Major Updates

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Detroit River Car Ferries (Tom Rock collection)


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