CSX Bags Guilford But When to Expect Change?

CSx is set to complete its purchase of the former Guilford Rail System (currently branded pan Am Railways) on June 1, 2022.  However does this mean to immediately expect the end of NORAC Rules, searchlight signals and bracket masts? Well according to some initial reports the community will enjoy at least a slight reprieve before CSX has the opportunity to go to town on the Boston and Maine's legacy.

Guilford searchlights and the Lowell Wye.

As of now CSX plans to make no changes to former Guilford operations until October, 2022 due to the existing collective bargaining agreements and delays to the sale of the Pan Am Southern joint venture to a G&W subsidiary.  This means NORAC Rules and signal indications will remain in service until that point and it is unlikely that CSX will embark in any large scale re-signaling investments. CSX will also need to improve/signal the line between Worcester and Ayre to actually connect the former Guilford Freight main Line with its former Conrail Boston Line.

Boston Line CP-45 at Worcester

In the longer term, use of Rule 562 cab signal without fixed wayside signals on both the former MBTA territory as well as the Boston Line will likely keep the former Guilford territory under firmly under CSX's legacy "Conrail" signal rules, even if the operating rules change. How PTC is integrated into the new territory remains to be seen as MBTA lines that share the former Guilford Freight Main Line route around Lowell, Ayre and Haverhill, will be ACSES and cab signal equipped. It is entirely possible that CSX will choose to complete the look and install 562 between Worcester and Ayre and as part of any re-signaling projects on the Freight Main Line, including the Downeaster corridor north of Haverhill. 

Boston Line CP-187 with Conrail Small Target Searchlights

 As has been observed on the Boston Line, Darth Vader type signals have been slowly supplanting those of Conrail vintage, however this process is not complete after 20 years due to the young age of the vintage Conrail signaling. Fortunately the former Pan Am Southern covers both the Freight Main Line to Mechanicville, NY and the CT Valley Line used by Amtrak. The latter was recently re-signaled in the Guilford style with the remainder getting a mix of Darth Vaders and Guilford signals in any re-signaling projects.  I suspect the orphan nature of this route will further stunt investment, hopefully prolonging the life of the remaining B&M vintage searchlight equipment and US&S pulse code CTC .