One of eight SW1500s on the Union RR roster shoves scrap metal gons at the east end of the ET Works. This unit was recently retrofitted for remote-controlled operation.

One of eight SW1500s on the Union RR roster shoves scrap metal gons at the east end of the ET Works. This unit was recently retrofitted for remote-controlled operation.

The Union is returning south out of North Bessemer with empty coke hoppers interchanged from the Bessemer & Lake Erie. The ex-DM&IR SD9 rebuild has since been retired.

A URR tactonite ore train heads south for the USX ET Works with 4 MP15DC's hard at work.

A URR tactonite ore train heads south for the USX ET Works with 4 MP15DC's hard at work.

Three Union switchers work behind US Steel's sprawling ET plant. The miniscule locomotives give one a sense of just how massive a steel mill is.

Empty hoppers from the Bessemer. This train crossed over and took the branch between the main and Turtle Creek.

Loaded Clairton coke bound for Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock crosses Grant St in West Mifflin.

This shot made possible due to the cooperation of clouds - cloudy weather often facilitates views not otherwise possible. Here, the loaded Clairton coke train grinds upgrade out of the Dravosburg... (more)

The late-morning coke train from Clairton usually rates 5 MP15DC's, and moves slowly enough to facilitate a chase. Irvin works yard is at right.

The late-morning coke train from Clairton usually rates 5 MP15DC's, and moves slowly enough to facilitate a chase. Irvin works yard is at right.

The hottest train on the Union! Loaded steel slabs from USX Edgar Thomson works are headed for the rolling plant at Irvin, at right. The route to the left continues to the Clairton coke works.

The hottest train on the Union! Loaded steel slabs from USX Edgar Thomson works are headed for the rolling plant at Irvin.

The URR Coke Express heads towards Demmler Yard as an eastbound freight passes beneath it on the NS Pittsburgh Line. Photo taken from the Westinghouse Bridge.

A loaded slab train shoves up the ramp from USX Edgar Thomson works (to head across the river to Irvin) as an empty coke train reverses to head to Clairton.