Petersburg, VA
Collier Yard

The CSX/Amtrak North South Main lines pass through North Collier Yard.  The NS Line from Norfolk to Crewe/Lynchburg/Roanoke pass under the approach to the yard.  8 miles east at Poe, VA, it joins a second line that runs to the north of Richmond where the 2 form the 52 mile long tangent named, "The Race Track."

Looking for a train watching spot with lots of activity and a diversity of traffic?  Collier Yard would be high on anyones list.

For those with Mike Walkers Railroad Atlas, Collier Yard is  map VA-12 appearing on page 49.

 

Collier Yard

The entrance to the north end of of Collier Yard viewed from the top of a near by over pass. The "Railfan parking lot" can be seen center, right between the tracks and highway.

Collier Yard

A view looking south into Collier Yard in Petersburg, VA. To the left is the CSX/AMTRAK single track main line. The track to the right is the main entrance to the yard.

Can be viewed in 1024 X 768 and full frame mode on your browser.

CSX 2631

CSX 2631 is an AC4400 heading up train Q-. This shot catches the train on its approach to the Stoney Creek bridge heading south from Collier Yard.

RailFan "Parking Lot"

It is not uncommon to see 10-15 Railfans parked at the north end of the yard. The picture was taken with my back to the yard entrance. The NS bridge passes under the track just beyond the furthest car in the picture.

NS 1624

A mixed freight with NS 1624 in the lead proceeds at restricted speed under the bridge over which passes the CSX N-S main line and entrance to Collier Yard.

Best seen in 1024 X 768, full screen mode.

Q 400

CSX train Q400 heads out through the north entrance of Collier Yard. Note the interesting mix of power in the other pcitures.

Q 400

An interesting mix of power on CSX train Q 400 including Conrail, a pair of CSX, Chessie and 2 others.

CSX 8062

CSX 8062 and CSX 8107 lead their train southbound passing over the NS underpass and through the north entrance of Collier Yard.