Once again back in 2023, we still find ourselves in Downtown Appalachia where a scene such as this, were still common on mine runs at that time. This one just happens to be coupled to what appears... (more)

Throwback to August 2023, when I caught your typical coal train roaming the rails in Downtown Appalachia.

Amazing! The powers that be at the time allowed L&N steam to be back in the coalfields for the first time in thirty years. That mournful whistle reverberating up the "hollers" and hill... (more)

NS did what I consider a tasteful job of renumbering when they acquired their portion of Conrail. This unit is working a mine run on the former Interstate. It's still around, rebuilt to 6354 and... (more)

NS U42 crew makes a reverse move through downtown Appalachia, Virginia with light engines prior to heading out on the St. Charles Branch.

Norfolk Southern U40 train crew switches cars in downtown Appalachia, Virginia.

Appalachia "Coal and Railroad Days" 2023!!

Slug mothers got a reprieve and lasted somewhat longer than other GP40s on the roster. This unit is going mine runs on the numerous branches in the "hollers" of extreme southwest Virgin... (more)

NS 77A pulls into Appalachia, VA with the still shiny Southern Heritage Unit.

A former C of G unit with one of their homemade stacks is now working the gigantic prep plant which utilized many old switchers, most with a truck engines in the radiator section. Nowadays this i... (more)

The rare locotrol-equipped 4-axle unit leads light power. Photo by Dave Petke. From my collection.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern train U41 has just begun its trip about a mile back in Andover Yard and is about to pass a caboose in a siding in downtown Appalachia, Virginia. The train has eleven cov... (more)

One of those days when you say "it doesn't get much better than this". Here a northbound L&N train passes thru after running from St. Paul on rights over NS.

Norfolk Southern empty coal train U40 is heading out on the St. Charles Branch at Appalachia, Virginia. The train is headed for Mayflower, Virginia where the hoppers and caboose will be left for ... (more)

Norfolk Southern empty coal train U40 is making a reverse move through downtown Appalachia, Virginia. Once the train clears the connection to the St. Charles Branch, the train will head out on the... (more)