On a dreary October evening in the declining community of Keystone, an eastbound loaded drag charges upgrade with a train of West Virginia black diamonds. Keystone serves as a great example of a community once supported by coal and railroading. Today, as coal production reaches an all time low, and railroads are able to operate with less employees, the future for these communities is uncertain. It would be less than two days after this photo was captured that the Bluefield Telegraph newspaper would announce the furloughing of 200 additional Norfolk Southern employees in nearby coalfield terminals.
This is dedicated (with permission) to the skilled and gifted photographer - Chase Gunnoe - who regularly posts and is on staff with RP. I believe he deserves a gallery showcasing his remarkable photos. This is for you Chase! (More great photos to come!)
