2017 Train Watching in the South - Day 1, Irondale & Birmingham, AL (12/26/2017 - 1st Half)

**Note: The first half video covers the first few trains during the first couple of hours in Irondale, AL. Train action in downtown Birmingham will be in the second half video**
Once again, it was time for another train watching trip in the south between Christmas and New Years. This time however, I decided it was time for a change after going to Folkston for four straight years, so I picked Irondale and Birmingham in Alabama. This was my first trip there and in the end I was very satisfied!
Most of the trains in the video during the morning after Christmas was either re-crewing or entering/leaving Norris Yard (hence the speed the trains passing through). Head-end power wise, it was pretty good actually. There were a lot of KCS and Union Pacific units on this stretch of NS trackage. I also got a nice surprise of Union Pacific's Salt Lake 2002 (UP #2002) on one of the intermodals.
I debated to myself whether to spend the whole day in Irondale or head over to Downtown Birmingham after about 9:30 AM when a brief lull ensued. I chose the latter and was glad that I did. So again, I will continue the train action from Birmingham in the second half video.
*Note: I'm really really NOT GOOD w/ train symbols. I try to get as many as I can through my scanner or asking other railfans around me (if any).*

[@andyanderson3776]

Awesome Action!!! Nice UP Heritage!

[@Earnest2008]

The beast of all Intermodals NS 225

[@alcheng1000]

Thanks!

[@waldwickperson]

Awesome video Allen! Just about every train had good power on it, and you got some awesome camera angles!

[@alcheng1000]

Thanks, Mike! To me it was a great start to a cold but awesome trip!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Great looking video.

[@alcheng1000]

Thanks!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

You are very welcome.

[@Earnest2008]

Last train is 173 it terminates at Norris Yard they gonna have to split the train in 2 to make it fit in the yard

[@alcheng1000]

Thanks!

[@alcheng1000]

It was kind of tough to hear all the symbols due to I can hear 3 (I think) dispatcher desks talking on NS. Also it was my first time there in the Irondale & Birmingham area.

[@fakecumberland]

Can’t beat Irondale. Well, over by the Sloss Furnace isn’t bad, either.

[@iusetano]

Excellent video Allen.

[@alcheng1000]

Thanks, Hans!

[@Earnest2008]

220 departs 172 waits

[@alcheng1000]

Thanks! I figured it was one of the two EB intermodals that has the KCS power (either 24E or 220).

[@andyanderson3776]

Has the George Bush (UP 4141) came through Irondale? I heard that UP 4141 is going to do a national tour. Any UP guys can confirm this?