Norfolk Southern's "office car special" exits the tunnel at Nemo, Tennessee (near Wartburg) during a recent inspection trip. Nemo is located along the famous "Rathole" district of the Central Division's busy CNO&TP mainline (Cincinnati, New Orleans, & Texas Pacific). Prior to a major line relocation and upgrade project in the 1960's, the route was nicknamed the "Rathole" due to the numerous tunnels between Harriman, TN, and Danville, Kentucky. The "new" tunnels at Nemo were constructed with electrification in mind, which resulted in higher ceilings than normal tunnels. Although the electrification plan was never put into place, the innovative thinking of the Southern Railway resulted in tunnel clearances that were ready for increased freight car heights decades later. Ever since the advent of doublestack intermodal cars, the "Rathole" has been a preferred and highly suitable routing for the commodity, and is one of Norfolk Southern's busiest arteries. 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.
