Railroading in the New River Gorge... Overpowering the sounds of the violent rapids of the New River just feet away, eastbound coal approaches the cantilever and mast signal at the interlocking of 'E.E. Fayette'. They'll soon be approaching Whitcomb Boulder, illuminated by two LED flash lights. The large rock face served as a C&O station in the steam and early diesel eras. The station sign was printed on the face of the boulder and was titled respectively, 'Whitcomb Boulder'. The name originated from the late 1800's during the construction of the Right of Way through the Gorge. The large rock, which prior to the clearing for the ROW expanded across the mainline and up the hillside to the right (out of the photo). Challenging to cut and clear, the C&O ultimately succeeded, though in the process, a man by the last name of Whitcomb died. Today, the rock remains, cut in half to allow for the passage of trains and the station sign is all but gone, only visible in unique lighting situations.
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!)
A continuously growing album of photos that IMHO reveal the awesome and seldom-seen beauty of the railroad world from the dimming of day to dawn's early light! From dusk to dawn, trains roll on! (I'm still finding gems of sunset-to-sunrise surprises!)
