In the late 1970's, L&N was hit by a coal boom that left it in need of any and all power it could get its hands on. SCL's Alcos were somewhat orphans in its roster, so its entire fleet was transf... (more)

Two GEs are ready to take a train south after a summer rain storm at Loyall, KY. The ground is covered in spilled coal--so it's pretty obvious what commodity dominates this line.

A westbound L&N unit coal train passes near Blackmont, KY on the CV Subdivision on May 30, 1978, led by SD40-2 No. 3579.

A westbound L&N coal train crosses at bridge near Hazard, KY on Nov. 13, 1977, led by C420 No.1329.

L&N power lays over in the engine terminal at Loyall, KY on the evening of Nov. 12, 1977.

The lead diesel is in full shade as L&N run-through train 214 climbs around the curve and out of Opelika on a summer evening. GP38s are front and back, but in between are 4 U-boats, including 2 U... (more)

Waiting for clearance to head fro Birmingham...

The daily L&N run-through passes the hotbox detector just west of Auburn.

L&N 1240 sits with other coal train power near the turntable in Tilford's crowded engine facility. In the background is an ancient L&N caboose with a too-small cupola.

The L&N acquired a dozen six-motor 2,750 horsepower C628s from Alco in 1964. The big units were the first six-motor power on the L&N, and the first new units to be equipped with dynamic brakes. Sa... (more)

Alcos 1425 and 1405 smoke it up as they depart Appalachia with train 864 for Corbin. This is the Imboden crossing just west of "Double Cut." The adjacent track is the Southern Railway main line. T... (more)