Updates

  • 12/6/2024

  • Removed - BNSF 758 - BNSF Warbonnet
  • New Web Cam - Johnstown, PA by VirtualRailfan.com
  • New Web Cam - Ritzville, WA by Steel-Highway.com
  • 12/2/2024

  • Added - NS4851 - Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway
  • 12/1/2024

  • Added - WE7004 - Patched Former CEFX Blue/White

    Added - WE7006 - Patched Former CEFX Blue/White

    Added - WE7007 - Patched Former CEFX Blue/White

  • Added - OHCR2014 - Genesee & Wyoming (Whisker)
  • Added - IORY4431 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members
  • Updated @ 11:35AM (Thank you Julian)

    Train Symbol - NS 13V
    Power is NS 4120 NS 1017 NS 4611 
    (ex-CEFX) NS3979, NS3968, NS3992, NS3989, NS3974, NS3971, NS3969, NS3972, NS3990, NS3993 

    Captured on cameras (VRF Altoona, PA at 4:34 AM and Railstream Cresson, PA at 5:03 AM), 10 NS (formerly CEFX) units appear to be in transit, likely for rebuilding.

    They were spotted on a westbound manifest train behind NS units. (Train symbol to be updated once confirmed and locomotive #'s once spotted in daylight)

    Good luck everyone!

    Brian =)

  • 11/30/2024

  • New Web Cam - Barstow, CA (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 11/26/2024

  • Last night Amtrak 161 (Phase I - 50th Anniversary) caught fire at the Amtrak Maintenance Facility in Northeast D.C..   We're suspending reports on AMTK161 indefinitely and will flag it future removal from the site. 

    Link to news artical

  • 11/24/2024

  • New Web Cam - Ingersoll, ON by LiveTrains.com
  • New Web Cam - Mendota, IL by Steel-Highway.com
  • 11/20/2024

  • Added - CSXT1981 - Pan Am Railways
  • 11/16/2024

  • New Web Cam - San Luis Obispo, CA (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 11/14/2024

  • Removed - GTW 4620 - GTW Paint
  • Removed the following locomotives.  Rebuilt and repainted to standard NS paint. 


    NS3980 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3985 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3983 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3994 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3987 - Central, Maine & Quebec

    NS3981 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3984 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3966 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3995 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

    NS3996 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

  • 11/11/2024

  • Added - BERX7879 - Genesee & Wyoming (Whisker)
  • 11/10/2024

  • Removed - SOO 4410 - SOO Paint (repainted to SSRX 4410)

  • New Web Cam - Sedalia, MO by Steel-Highway.com
  • New Web Cam - Fond du Lac, WI by Tavern League Of Railfans
  • 11/8/2024

  • Added - SLR3587 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members
  • Added - METX120 - Honoring Who Served
  • 11/6/2024

  • New Web Cam - Green Bay, WI by Tavern League Of Railfans
  • 11/5/2024

  • New Web Cam - Lacey, WA by Steel-Highway.com
  • 10/31/2024

  • Added - CSXT1902 - Clinchfield
  • 10/25/2024

  • Added - CFE4036 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members
  • New Web Cam - Lafayette, IN by VirtualRailfan.com
  • 10/21/2024

  • We've added back UP9696 (CNW Paint) for its journey to Texas, where it will undergo a rebuild and repaint.

    This unit has been inactive from the heritage units reporting since it was stored in 2018.

  • 10/15/2024

  • Added - NJT4540 - 40th Anniversary
  • 10/13/2024

  • KCSM4139 - Breast Care Awareness
    KCSM4727 - Breast Care Awareness
    KCSM4662 - Breast Care Awareness

  • 10/8/2024

  • We've unlocked KCS FP9s for reporting as they're currently on the move.

  • 10/7/2024

  • New Web Cam - Santa Clara, CA by South Bay Historical Railroad Society
  • A new field, "Turn Job," has been added to the train symbol database.

    Currently, this field is only visible on the website, but it will be available in the mobile app within a few days. 

    Note that if any existing train symbol contained the word "Turn" within the notes; that we automatically defaulted the Turn Job flag to 'on'.    

    Brian =)


  • 10/6/2024

  • Add the Great Lakes Central Railroad which includes the following

    Locomotives

    • Added GLC329 - Tribute to Louis P. Ferris Jr (SD40M-2)
    • Added GLC393 - 10th Anniversary (GP35)
    • Added GLC394 - City of Clare (GP35)

    Train Symbols

    • Setup known train symbols

    Subdivisions

    • Added subdivisions / milepost
    • Setup routing logic for the GLC

  • EWLX329 - Montana Rail Link (SD45-3)
    EWLX815 - Wisconsin Central (GP30)
    EWLX7311 - Chessie System (SD18)

  • WAMX3536 - Texas Tech University (GP35)
    WAMX3834 - Pittsburg State University (GP38-3)
    WAMX4001 - Wichita State University (GP40-2LW)
    WAMX4158 - Cherryvale Chargers (SD40-2)
    WAMX4207 - Texas Tech University (SD40M-2)


  • 10/4/2024

  • Added - NJT4208 - Conrail
  • 10/3/2024

  • New Web Cam - Necedah, WI by Steel-Highway.com
  • 10/2/2024

  • New Web Cam - Birmingham, AL by LiveTrains.com
  • 9/29/2024

  • With reports emerging about the damage to several bridges on the CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision and the subsequent rerouting of CSX trains, I've updated the routing configuration to bypass the affected subdivision until further notice.

    Within the next few hours, all CSX symbols in the system will automatically adjust their routes accordingly.

    Brian =)

  • 9/26/2024

  • New Web Cam - La Grange, TX (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 9/23/2024

  • New Web Cam - Des Plaines, IL by LiveTrains.com
  • Added - UPY309 & UPY409 - UP Hybrid mother-slug set.

  • 9/20/2024

  • Added - NJT4533 - Salute our First Responders
  • Added - SLR4022 - Genesee & Wyoming (Whisker)
  • 9/19/2024

  • Added - CPKC1201 - Hydrogen (Green/Blue/Gray)
  • 9/17/2024

  • Added - CSXT1851 - NC&StL (LinkedIn Post)

  • 9/16/2024

  • Removed - IC 2462 - Blue Devil - At SLM in Welland, ON waiting to be scrapped (thanks Jay K. for the info)

  • 9/15/2024

  • New Web Cam - Grand Saline, TX (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 9/14/2024

  • New Web Cam - Juliette, GA by Juliette RR Xing
  • 9/11/2024

  • New Web Cam - Imlay City, MI by Steel-Highway.com
  • 9/10/2024

  • New Web Cam - Bridgeport, AL by Iron Rail Cams
  • 9/5/2024

  • Added - SLR4024 - Genesee & Wyoming (Whisker)
  • 8/30/2024

  • Added - NECR3015 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members
  • 8/29/2024

  • At 11:30a EST our primary internet provider has reported that they're down.  I've failed over to our backup provider at 11:40a but it could take up to an hour for your device to recognize this change.  

    Brian =)

  • 8/26/2024

  • Added - CSXT1900 - Seaboard Air Line
  • 8/20/2024

  • Removed - BNSF 9705 - Executive/Grinstein Paint (Sold to Progressive Rail)

  • 8/16/2024

  • New Web Cam - Viola, DE by Railfan (Jacob C)
  • 8/15/2024

  • Added - PW4069 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members

  • 8/12/2024

  • New Web Cam - New Braunfels, TX by SouthWest RailCams
  • 8/11/2024

  • Added - CSXT7274 - Spirit of West Virginia
  • 8/6/2024

  • Added - MNCR214 - Tribute to Metro North Workforce
  • 8/5/2024

  • New Web Cam - Eagles Pass, TX (Piedras Negras, Mexico) by Supper Channel 12 (Mexico)
  • 8/4/2024

  • Added - WEBX2058 - New Haven

  • 7/28/2024

  • MBTX1129 - MBTA Heritage Maroon paint

  • 7/27/2024

  • (Mobile Devices) - Click here to read the entire update


    Since I developed the routing engine over a year ago, I've been documenting instances where routes are incorrectly assigned and require manual adjustments.


    Recently, I've devoted significant time to adding conditional routing logic to handle various scenarios, such as directional travel, specific train types, and unrealistic junction turns. Here are a few examples:


    Cincinnati, OH:

    NS and CSX share tracks where trains traveling north of Cincinnati use CSX lines, while trains heading south into Cincinnati use NS lines. This is generally the case, though exceptions do occur (I'll be adding alternative routing in the future).


    Butler, IN:

    Prevent eastbound trains on the NS Chicago Line from going westbound on the NS Huntington District to Fort Wayne due to the lack of a connection.


    BNSF Washington:

    Empty eastbound grain trains are usually routed through Tacoma, WA, whereas loaded grain trains are routed through Vancouver, WA.


    These examples represent the initial phase of implementing new conditional routing rules. If you notice any scenarios where routing is incorrect, please let me know so I can make the necessary corrections. It’s most helpful if you can submit an edit through the train symbol and specify in the notes to moderator the correct route.


    I also want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has previously assisted with routing discrepancies. Your feedback has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate it.


    One common misconception I hear is that Google maps is calculating the routes... not true.  The system is entirely custom-built specifically for railroads... been many years of work mapping railroads (USA/Canada) and creating the routing engine. =)


    Brian

    HeritageUnits.com

  • 7/26/2024

  • There was a system issue that was preventing new accounts from registering. This has been resolved as of 7:30PM EST. 

    Brian =)

  • Removed - AMTK187 - Big Game Train
  • 7/23/2024

  • Added - CSXT1877 - C&EI (Chicago & Eastern Illinois)

  • 7/19/2024

  • New Web Cam - Wisconsin Dells, WI by Steel-Highway.com
  • New Web Cam - Slinger, WI by Steel-Highway.com
  • 7/17/2024

  • Removed - SOO 4412 - SOO Paint - Repainted into the new CPKC scheme

  • Added - NS5036 - NS High Hood
  • Added - NS5173 - NS High Hood
  • New Web Cam - Duluth, MN by Northern Transcon Railcams-Otter Tail Channel
  • 7/13/2024

  • Removed - AMTK168 - 25th Anniversary (Heartland Flyer) decal was removed

  • 7/12/2024

  • New Web Cam - Wiggins, CO (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 7/9/2024

  • Hi Everyone,

    If you're running an older version than 4.12; please upgrade to the latest version within the app stores (visit Google Play or Apple Store).  


    Note that 90%+ of you are already running this version for several weeks so this message is for the 10%.   You can check your version by going to the home screen and scrolling to the very bottom.


    Starting later this week I'll start disabling the server to responding to the "legacy" pull notifications and will require 4.12 to submit new reports.    Not only does this assist me with supporting the current version; it also allows me to reduce the load on the server and look to expand the routing engine to do additional railroads.


    Brian =)

    HeritageUnits.com 

  • 6/28/2024

  • Added - GNWR4055 - Genesee & Wyoming (Whisker)
  • 6/25/2024

  • Added - CSXT1834 - Georgia Railroad
  • 6/23/2024

  • Added - BNSF2806 - BN Paint
  • 6/22/2024

  • New Web Cam - Worcester, MA by Railside Live
  • Added - BNSF1927 - BN Paint
  • 6/21/2024

  • Added - BAYL4059 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members

  • Added - CP9618 - RCMP Musical Ride
  • 6/19/2024

  • New Web Cam - Hearne, TX (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 6/17/2024

  • Added new Chattanooga, TN  (CSX W&A Sub - MP 122.8) camera link by Rail Moments

  • 6/16/2024

  • I've added Berkshire Eastern Railroad (in-place of the Pan Am Railways).   All train symbols have been migrated over to Berkshire Eastern Railroad with a prefix of BERX.  Many thanks to [Trainluvr 1956] for bring this to my attention.

    Brian =)

  • 6/10/2024

  • Added - NS3968 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White
  • 6/9/2024

  • Added - AMTK168 - 25th Anniversary (Heartland Flyer)
  • 6/8/2024

  • Added - NS4822 - Moving the Weight of the World
  • 6/6/2024

  • Added - SPAX276 - Pennsylvania
  • 6/5/2024

  • Added - CN3331 - CN Retro Logo
  • Added - NS1650 - N&W Nose
  • 6/4/2024

  • Added - SPAX280 - Reading Lines

    Added - SPAX304 - Conrail

    Added - SPAX401 - Penn Central

  • Added - CSXT1875 - P&LE
  • 6/2/2024

  • Version 4.8 should be available to download within the app stores within the next 48 hrs.

    Items Fixed

    • (iOS/Android) Fixed report time display issue
    • (iOS) - When attempting to change the time during a report submission the app would crash


    Brian =)
    HeritageUnits.com

  • 6/1/2024

  • New iOS app is finally released (4.7).   This release now aligns with the Android (v4.*) that was released  about 6 weeks ago and has numerous enhancements to make reporting much easier.  


    Also note that push notifications are now enabled in version 4.6.  Make sure to configure your notification settings (More > Settings > Notifications). 


    Brian =)
    HeritageUnits.com

  • 5/27/2024

  • *** Completed ***

    On Tuesday (5/28/24) we'll be performing system maintenance between 4-7AM. 

    This is because our system has reached a new milestone where our databases have grown so much that we're in desperate need of an upgrade.   I don't foresee this maintenance window taking 3 hrs. (hopefully only 15 minutes) but I wanted to block off enough time just in case.

    During this time it will be a total outage (server, apps, notifications, etc...).  If you're able to pull up https://heritageunits.com then you'll know we're back online. 

    Note that I'll also update this article once completed.

    Brian =)
    HeritageUnits.com

  • 5/26/2024

  • Today between 11:30AM-3:35PM (EST), there was a system issue that was preventing web cam reporting.  This has been resolved and reporting is now available again.    


    Note that I'll be reviewing the submission logs that ran into this issue and will resubmit your report to the server if you had an issue during this time. 


    Brian =)

  • 5/22/2024

  • Added - CSXT2625 - L&N Nose
  • 5/21/2024

  • Added - CSXT1967 - Seaboard Coast Line
  • 5/18/2024

  • Android Devices


    Near by Reports Push notifications are now operational on Android (v4.5+) which should be available within the Google Play Store as of yesterday.   Please make sure to check your notification settings within the app (see below).


    You can enable notifications by opening the HU app > "More" > "Settings" > "Notifications" > "Near By Reports".


    Additionally, make sure you've given permission within Android Operating System to allow the Heritage Units app to display notifications.  You can always check this by going to the Android Settings > Apps > Heritage Units > Notifications.


    iOS Devices


    I'm getting very close to releasing the iOS app.  I'm currently building the push notifications for iOS and once that's completed and working I'll be releasing it. 


    Brian =)
    HeritageUnits.com



  • 5/16/2024

  • Added - NS3970, 3972, 3976, 3997, and 3998 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

  • 5/13/2024

  • Added - CP9375 - 1st CPKC Livery

    Please note this will be the only unit we'll be tracking in the new CPKC paint since it was first one to be painted.

  • 5/12/2024

  • Hi everyone, 

    I'm working on bringing true push notifications to the app (current version can only checks every 15 minutes on Android and randomly on iOS).  

    The Android version with push notifications is currently in testing and hope to release it with a week or so.

    iOS users, the 4.x version is still in the works and very close to being ready to test. 

    Brian :)

    Heritageunits.com 

  • 5/10/2024

  • Added - AGR4423 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members
  • Added - GNWR125 - Genesee & Wyoming
  • Added - GNWR1899 - Genesee & Wyoming
  • 5/1/2024

  • Added - EMDX1605 - EMD Demonstrator Gray
  • 4/30/2024

  • Added - CSXT1899 - Pere Marquette
  • 4/28/2024

  • Added - NS3994, NS3995, NS996 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

  • 4/27/2024

  • New Web Cam - Seymour, IN by Seymour Trains

  • New Web Cam - Missoula, MT (By Cornell Lab Bird Cams)

    •  BNSF - MRL Third Subdivision is in the background behind Osprey's bird nest. 
    •  Trains going left to right are eastbound. 


  • 4/22/2024

  • New Web Cam - Boone, IA by Trains on Demand

  • Added - NS3967 / NS3966 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

  • 4/20/2024

  • New Web Cam - East Greenwich, RI by Railside Live
  • 4/19/2024

  • New Web Cam - Creston, IA by Steel-Highway.com
  • New Web Cam - Red Oak, IA by Steel-Highway.com
  • Added - NJT4500 - Salutes Space Force
  • New Web Cam - Missouri Valley, IA by Steel-Highway.com
  • 4/18/2024

  • New Web Cam - Woodbine, IA by Steel-Highway.com
  • 4/17/2024

  • Added - CSXT2100 - Hydrogen (Green/Blue)
  • 4/12/2024

  • New Web Cam - Colfax, CA (SWRC) by SouthWest RailCams
  • 4/10/2024

  • New Web Cam - Dunkirk, NY by Wide World of Trains

  • New Web Cam - Keokuk, IA by StreamTime Live

  • 4/9/2024

  • New Web Cam - Ames, IA by Steel-Highway.com
  • 4/8/2024

  • New Web Cam - Prescott, WI by Northern Transcon Railcams-Otter Tail Channel
  • 4/6/2024

  • Hi Everyone,

    I'm very close to releasing the new Heritage Units app and I'm looking for folks that might be interested in testing the new version.  This is only for the Android (iOS version is ready and will follow within 2-3 weeks).  

    What's in the new app 


    100% New Report Submission (hopefully faster & easier than the current)


    • Locomotive Image now display when selecting
    • Locomotive list will default to units around your location or webcam
    • Selecting a web cam there is a "Recent" view based on your previous reporting (make it fast to find your fav camera
    • Map view is available when selecting the sub division


    Map Customizations

    • Set default zoom
    • Map type (terrain, street, satellite, etc.) 
    • Map themes (normal, blue, dark)


    Dark Mode (highly requested) 


    Web Cams (Individual camera links per camera)


    If you're interested in becoming a tester please contact me at the support link on the website (https://www.heritageunits.com/main/contact).  


    Brian =)
    HeritageUnits.com

  • 4/4/2024

  • Added - CSXT1852 - Western Maryland
  • Removed - CSXT7560 - NCSTL Emblem - Rebuilt and repainted (no longer has emblem)

  • 3/20/2024

  • Added - NS5604 - PRR Sticker
  • 3/15/2024

  • Added - NJT4508 - Black History Wrap

  • 3/14/2024

  • Removed - AMTK174 - Phase VII.  Mentioned earlier when adding this unit.  We would tracked until Amtrak started painting additional units in Phase VII.   Amtrak 82 has been recently repainted and thus we're taking the unit down. 

  • 3/8/2024

  • Added - CSXT1972 - Family Lines System
  • 2/29/2024

  • Added - MNCR217 - Penn Central
  • 2/12/2024

  • Added - CSXT1836 - RF&P
  • 2/10/2024

  • Added - WE7026 - Operation Lifesaver
  • 2/8/2024

  • New Web Cam - Decatur, AR (City of Decatur) by SouthWest RailCams
  • Added Montana Rail Link SD70ACe units (MRL4300-4319 / MRL4400-4408) as some of the units are starting to venture out onto the BNSF system.  We'll add additional units in the future.

  • Added - NS3984 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White
  • 2/7/2024

  • Added - NS3983 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White
  • 2/6/2024

  • Added - GTW5951 - Grey Ghost
  • 2/5/2024

  • New Web Cam - Dragoon, AZ (Dragoon General Store) by SouthWest RailCams
  • Added - CN2958 - Every Child Matters
  • 1/30/2024

  • Added - AMTK174 - Phase VII.  

    Please note that this is first P42 in Phase VII and we'll temporarily track this unit until the additional units get repainted into Phase VII. 

  • 1/27/2024

  • Removed - CSXT7574 - Thomas Rice Special - Rebuilt and Repainted

  • 1/25/2024

  • Renumbered AMTK406 to AMTK90406

  • 1/22/2024

  • Added - CSXT1897 - Monon
  • New Web Cam - Flossmoor, IL by Steel-Highway.com
  • 1/20/2024

  • New Web Cam - San Marcos, TX (Thorpe Ln) by San Marcos Traffic Cameras
  • 1/18/2024

  • Added - FEC430 - Veterans Unit
  • New Web Cam - Kansas City, MO (Doc's Caboose) by VirtualRailfan.com
  • 1/15/2024

  • Removed - IC 2463 & 2459 - Blue Devil (Scrapped)

  • 1/6/2024

  • New Web Cam - Blue Island, IL by LiveTrains.com

    Fixed a bug where the Train Symbols web page was appearing to fail to load.  

  • 1/3/2024

  • Added - CSXT1853 - New York Central
  • New Web Cam - Newport, MN by Northern Transcon Railcams-Otter Tail Channel

  • 12/31/2023

  • Added - IAIS519 - Paul H. Banner
  • With the BNSF taking over the Montana Rail Link (MRL) effective Jan. 1st, 2024.  We're starting to move things around within the Heritage Units system to align.   Below are some quick bullet points.


    • All MRL subdivisions are now under BNSF.
    • We've updated the routing configuration for BNSF to utilize the MRL subdivisions.  If you see a train route that appears incorrect;  please submit a train update and let us know. 
    • Currently there are only two tracked MRL locomotives (MRL4404 & MRL4407) within the HU system.  These locomotives will still maintain the locomotive prefix of "MRL" until BNSF officially re-prefixes them to "BNSF" and any possible renumbering.


    Note... We do plan to track MRL painted locomotives as they'll likely migrate out onto the rest of the BNSF system. Please contact us at our link on the home page when you see these MRL units outside of the current MRL tracks.  We will request pictures/videos during these suggestions


    Happy New Years!
    Heritage Units Team

  • 12/27/2023

  • Removed - BNSF557 - BNSF Warbonnet
  • Removed - BCOL 4625 - BC Rail Paint
  • New Web Cam - Clear Creek, CA by M. Leland-Nascimento

  • 12/25/2023

  • Merry Christmas from the HeritageUnits Team! 

  • 12/24/2023

  • New Web Cam - Okarche, OK by okweatherwatch.com

  • New Web Cam - Galveston, TX by M. Reeves

  • 12/23/2023

  • Added - WAMX4246 - Ex-Southern Pacific
  • Added - UP5287 - Lynell Smith Plaque
  • Added - KYLE6843 - BN Paint
  • 12/17/2023

  • Added - NS3982 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White
  • Added - NS3981 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White
  • Added - NS5231 - NS High Hood

  • 12/14/2023

  • Removed - PRLX6003 - Blue/White Striped - Waiting to be rebuilt

  • 12/11/2023

  • New Web Cam - New London, CT by Railside Live

  • 12/10/2023

  • New Web Cam - Ludlow, KY by RailStream.net

  • 12/7/2023

  • Removed - WE7009 - Operation Lifesaver (sticker removed)