Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad: Route, Roster, History

Published: January 10, 2025

The Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad (C&BL) is a fascinating piece of American railroad history, nestled in the industrial heartlands of Pennsylvania.

Established at the zenith of the railway expansion era during the early 1920s, the C&BL was formed by Bethlehem Steel to serve its Johnstown Works mills.

During this time the railroad served as a vital conduit for freight and resources in the region, contributing significantly to local economic and industrial growth.

While the steel mills closed in 1992 the C&BL continues to survive and operate as a freight carrier, serving the city's remaining industries.

Conemaugh and Black Lick SW7 #104 rolls into Johnstown on its way to the small yard on May 29, 2019. Jon Wright photo.

Historical Background

The Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad, officially incorporated on December 31, 1923, was a Bethlehem Steel property designed specifically to handle serve its Johnstown Works mill, auxiliary properties, and interchange with the town's two primary railroads - the Baltimore & Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Bethlehem Steel operated several of its own industrial short lines to serve its many steel mills - along with the C&BL these included the Patapsco & Back Rivers Railroad Company (Sparrows Point, MD); Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England Railroad (Bethlehem, PA); South Buffalo Railway (Lackawanna, NY); and Steelton & Highspire Railroad (Steelton, PA).

Geographical and Industrial Importance

The C&BL traversed a number of industrial sites, notably steel, reflecting the area's robust manufacturing backdrop.

It derived its name from the Conemaugh River, which snakes through the region, and Black Lick Creek, a tributary. In its heyday, the C&BL stretched through a network that interlinked a series of industries, playing a pivotal role in their supply chains and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of raw materials and finished goods.

In its original form the railroad operated three divisions; Western, Northern, and Hinckston. Due to the railroad's unique design it owned 2.1 miles of main track, 0.6 mile of yards and sidings, and overall maintained 8 main tracks.

The segments comprising the Western and Northern divisions, along with the southern part of the Hinckston division, were owned by the Cambria Iron Company and subleased to Bethlehem Steel.

This region of Pennsylvania, particularly the city of Johnstown, was historically dominated by the steel industry. The presence of the Conemaugh & Black Lick facilitated the seamless transportation of heavy loads crucial to these operations, and finished steel products, propelling the economic dynamism of the area.

The C&BL listing the Official Guide from 1940. American-Rails.com collection.

Operations

As a short line railroad, the C&BL was distinct from larger national rail systems due to its focused geographical reach and specialized service. It functioned primarily as a feeder line, linking larger railroads with local industrial sites, effectively acting as a middleman that enhanced logistical efficiencies. The CBL's operations were characterized by their adaptability and focus on serving local needs, which rendered it indispensable to the industries it supported.

Through much of the 20th century, the railroad adapted to various technological changes and operational demands, ensuring it continued to function as a reliable service provider for local businesses. Its equipment and track infrastructure were gradually updated, although it maintained a characteristically flexible and regional operational scope.

Diesel Roster

Model	Builder	Road Number	Serial Number	Completion Date	Notes
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	50	60419	3/1944	ex-PB&NE 67; built as US Army 8413
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	51	60380	3/1944	Built as US Army 1303
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	52	60497	5/1944	ex-South Buffalo Railway 45; built as US Army 8491
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	53	60472	5/1944	ex-South Buffalo Railway 46; built as US Army 8466
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	54	60337	10/1943	ex-South Buffalo Railway 40; built as US Army 7967
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	55	60348	10/1943	ex-South Buffalo Railway 41; built as US Army 7978
65DE-19a	Whitcomb	56	60474	5/1944	ex-South Buffalo Railway 44; built as US Army 8468
SW1	EMD	60-61	11009-11010	12/1949	Acquired new
SW1	EMD	62-65	11938-11941	10/1950	Acquired new
NW2	EMD	100-102	9749-9751	7/1949	Acquired new
SW7	EMD	103-106	10303-10305, 11376	7/1949	Acquired new
SW7	EMD	107-111	9752-9756	8/1949	Acquired new
SW7	EMD	116-117	12917, 12918	10/1950	Acquired new
SW9	EMD	118-119	17225-17226	12/1952	Acquired new
SW1200	EMD	120	21831	6/1956	Acquired new
SW9	EMD	120 (2nd)	14100	2/1951	ex-Bangor & Aroostook 37
SW1200	EMD	121	21832	6/1956	Acquired new
SW9	EMD	121 (2nd)	14103	2/1951	ex-Bangor & Aroostook 30
NW2	EMD	122	8412	12/1948	Built as PB&NE 28
SW9	EMD	123	17366	7/1957	ex-FEC 228
NW2	EMD	124	1362	7/1941	ex-SP 1913
NW2	EMD	125-126	2066, 7422	7/1945; 3/1949	ex-IC 1006/9156 and P&LE 8744
SW1200	EMD	127	29642	12/1964	ex-SP 2262/1601
SW1200	EMD	128	30243	5/1965	ex-SP 2276/1611
SW7	EMD	129	10411	5/1950	ex-CR 9072; built as PRR 9392
SW1200	EMD	129 (2nd)	24147	11/1957	ex-Conrail 9328; ex-Penn Central 9009; built as PRR 7909