Norfolk Southern D49 3-25-26

After work, I was able to capture Norfolk Southerns D49 local on its way back to Good Yard. The train's consist was nothing unusual, but loads and empties are pretty identifiable.

 

The first five cars were loaded covered hoppers, two with ADMX markings. These contained some kind of grain product. Since ADM no longer operates its Peoria distillery (sold to BioUrja Renewables LLC in late-2021), these must have been received from the Iowa Interstate Railroad (from Cedar Rapids) or Union Pacific (Clinton).

 

The two NS gondolas were empty, and are probably in steel billet service. Recently, Norfolk Southern began delivering these to the Iowa Interstate (via TZPR). They reportedly originate down south for the Gerdau AmeriSteel mini-mill at Wilton, Iowa. 

 

Sixteen more covered hoppers, many with ADMX markings, indicate a block of grain product loads from a connecting line, probably Iowa Interstate. 

 

Then we have a single two-bay covered hopper. I believe it was loaded, probably with granulated slag from the Illinois & Midland RR-served Harsco plant at Powerton. These were followed by two plastic pellet covered hoppers, both loaded, from EquiStar Chemicals storage-in-transit, also on the Illinois & Midland RR. 

 

Two loaded tank cars, with haz-mat placards noting industrial alcohol (UN 1170), either from BioUrja or Alto Pekin/Alto ICP, and an empty tank car with "inedible grease" stenciling, probably from TP&W-served Evonik's Mapleton specialty chemicals plant, conclude today's train.

CAPTION: Norfolk Southern Railway train D49 (Normal IL to E. Peoria IL turn) rolls through Carlock, Illinois on its return leg mid-afternoon Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Later, it eases through Yuton, minutes before arriving back at its home terminal, Good Yard. Train paused briefly so the conductor could line the train into the yard. NS 7034 has 29 cars.

 

- David P. Jordan