Norfolk Southern train 117 exits the south end of new Tunnel 24 at Nemo, Tennessee, along the second district of the CNO&TP, commonly referred to as the "Rathole". Prior to a massive realignment and upgrade project of the 1950s and 60s, the line traversed 27 tunnels and 105 bridges. Today it only passes through four tunnels, but also features impressive deep rock cuts and many bridges, and retains the "Rathole" nickname. The four upgraded tunnels were built with electrification im mind. That idea never panned out, but the added clearance is beneficial for the larger modern freight cars moving across one of NS's busiest routes along the Central Division. Train 117 is a daily general merchandise freight operating between Bellevue, Ohio, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. EMD SD70ACe #1030 is the unit that represented the current NS paint scheme during the heritage unit gathering in 2012 at Spencer, North Carolina. Photo by Casey Thomason. For more information about Norfolk Southern, visit www.nscorp.com
Best shots and/or classic scenes on the of the Norfolk Southern CNO&TP South-End from Danville, KY to Chattanooga, TN. Also includes classic scenes from the former 2nd & 3rd District.
