CSX SD70MAC 725, leads westbound Q137 and makes a meet with Q138 on the ex-B&O Keystone sub at, Sand Patch, Pennsylvania. January 25, 2003. Jack D Kuiphoff © photo

Chessie, C&O GP30 4207- CSXT SD40 8251 exit the tunnel westbound at the crest of Sand Patch grade on the ex-B&O Keystone sub. Sand Patch, Pennsylvania. June 14, 1990. Jack D Kuiphoff photo ©

“High Water Mark”
Westbound CSX Q015-13 (toward camera) and CSX Q136-13 (going away) meet at the tiny village of Sand Patch, PA, a quarter mile west of the “Summit of the Allegheni... (more)

An AC6000 and AC4400 are power for a manned helper job as they shove on the rear of U88404 cresting the top of the grade at Sand Patch.

One of the most iconic locations on Sand Patch Grade, also the namesake, hosts one of the most if not the most well done "special paint" units out there among any railroad. CSXT 3194, t... (more)

Q370 tackles gravity as it heads towards the summit of the Alleghenies at sunset at Sand Patch, PA.

Having completed a brief stop after cresting the summit at Sand Patch, Pennsylvania, four second-generation geeps get a westbound pig train moving.

Chessie System (B&O) SD40-2 7612, (C&O) SD40 7535, (C&O) GP40-2 4383 and SBD GP40 #6690 at Sand Patch, Pennsylvania.

Helper units prepare to cut off from their train having shoved a stack train up the West slope of Sand Patch grade.

A stack train grinds its way up Sand Patch grade

Ready to pass under the road bridge, and very near the west side of Sand Patch Tunnel, these GE's are working pretty hard. The double stacks are rolling now that all the row is ready for them.

The helpers prepare to cut off an eastbound freight at the "Summit of Alleghenies" at Sand Patch, Pa.

The helpers on an eastbound freight (Q640?) split the new signals at Sand Patch. Sand Patch tower was formerly located where the red dirt is to the right.

A GP40 MOW "Pumpkin" and several hoppers wait on a side track at Sand Patch for their next call to service.

Westbound Q217 has exited the west portal of Sand Patch Tunnel (out of view around the curve in the left background) and begins its downhill journey towards Confluence, Connellsville and beyond.