The frost was still hanging on the field as the eastbound W&W "Sandman" was literally clawing its way up Gainesboro Hill on Oct. 28, 1983, probably at little more than walking speed. RS-11 No. 351 and S-6 No. 80 were giving it everything they had, but like very other time I visited the W&W, eventually doubling the hill would be be necessary. I have to give them credit, they tried to make it every time, like a challenge not to be denied, but every time they stalled. Then they would try more. They would literally inch forward, trying to restart the train. After about five minutes or so of that, finally someone would go back and make the cut for the double. It was short line railroading at its best and a spectacle I never got tired of watching.
