A pair of relatively clean AC440's lead a 100 loads of 'black diamond' over the Summit of the Alleghanies at C&O's famous "A Cabin" at 11:07pm. Serving as one of C&O's more unique interlockings, A Cabin protected movements east to E.E. Alleghany and west to Tuckahoe, through the over mile long Alleghany Tunnel, that is situated on the border of West Virginia and Virginia. Additionally, the challenging grades in both directions made traffic levels and dispatching more of a challenge with helpers assisting most heavy trains in the steam and diesel eras. To this day, on trains exceeding 100 loaded cars, a single locomotive, the 'Ronceverte helper' will assist drags east to the Summit of the Alleghanies, cutting off on the fly on the west portal of the Alleghany Tunnel.
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!)
