Canadian National L557, Union Pacific MPECL 5-19-26

Not sure what is with CSXT units leading local freight trains, but I don't mind. Notably, CSXT 775 was involved in that near-collision April 2 in Bushnell Florida. It was leading the train that scraped the rear of a school bus after the bus driver decided to cross in front of it. She was fired and arrested for her stupidity. 


CAPTION: Canadian National Railway train L557 (Local, E. Peoria IL to Decatur IL) rolls along the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's Pekin mainline late-afternoon Tuesday, May 19, 2026. CSXT 775 and CN 3192 have 40 cars. CSX coil steel car is for Hanna Steel. Two FSR gondolas are loaded with scrap metal from KJRY-served Hitchcock Scrap Yard in Canton.

Tuesday was one of those rare occasions that Union Pacific's MPECL is called late, and I can see it. I actually stumbled on it accidentally, and by chance got it after missing its departure. Consist is surprisingly short since Friday's train reportedly was made up of just 49 empty plastic pellet covered hoppers from the Illinois & Midland RR. 


CAPTION: Union Pacific MPECL (Manifest, Peoria IL to Clinton IA) rolls by Pottstown, Illinois shortly after departing Peoria, Illinois late-afternoon Tuesday, May 19, 2026. UP 2750 and UP 7006 have 36 cars.

- David P. Jordan

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