In the 1980s and 1990s, the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (P&LE), Chicago & North Western (C&NW), and CSX railroads collaborated to transport coal from the mining regions of southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia to the Oak Creek power plant in Wisconsin. This coal transport, operated with WEPX hoppers, involved a two-stage loading process. Initially, hopper cars were loaded halfway at Consol Energy’s Blacksville #2 Mine near Wana, West Virginia. The cars were then moved to Consol’s Bailey Mine near Graysville, Pennsylvania, where they were filled to capacity with coal.
Once fully loaded, the trains began their journey north on the P&LE, reaching New Castle, Pennsylvania. From there, CSX took over the route, continuing the trains westward toward Chicago. Finally, the Chicago & North Western (C&NW) assumed control for the final leg of the trip, delivering the coal to the Oak Creek plant in Wisconsin.
Locomotives for these WEPX trains were typically provided by C&NW and CSX, while the P&LE frequently supplied the cabooses. This efficient multi-railroad operation helped ensure a steady, reliable supply of coal to the Oak Creek power plant, supporting the region’s energy needs throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Source
Stellpflug, M., & Davidson, D. W. (2014, April 7). CSX 6541. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/85501582@N03/13692656065
Jambor, J. (2024, September 16). Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Interest Group. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/955781497921360/posts/3005639806268842/?comment_id=3005866656246157
qnyla. (2008, March 8). Wisconsin Electric WEPX trains CSX/CNW/MGA. Trainorders.com Discussion. https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?11%2C1749186