Originally a UP unit this rebuild looks right at home on a southbound coal train coming down the main for a crew change etc. prior to going to the hungry power plants of the south.

We caught this unit on an empty coal train on the 9th. On the 26th it's racing north with a merchandiser across barren fields in the anemic sunlight of winter.

Northbound mixed freight is departing after a crew change in a shot that shows off the beautiful mountains at the south end of Erwin's broad valley.

The Clinchfield Railroad was primarily a coal hauler, although not as big as B&O, C&O, N&W and others. The gray and yellow 3010 was one of 24, SD40s such units in the Clinchfield, seen here at E... (more)

B651 enters the Nolichucky Gorge, crossing from Chestoa to Unaka Springs.

B651 rolls southward by control point Rock Creek at the north end of Erwin.

Just a little dirty. Photo by Dave Petke. From my collection.

Built for L&N the to SBD and now in classic "stealth", if there is such a thing, this is the miscast yard switcher on that day.

Another grizzled old veteran, by this date probably serving on a work train.

They didn't seem to be much of a rebuild at the time but they've hung in there with many still serving honorably, old by either built date or rebuild date. Photo by Dave Petke, from my collection... (more)

A former SCL unit appears to be the yard switcher on this date. By this point the switcher usually was a 6-axle.

Former L&N. Photo by Jim Satterwhite, from my collection.

An old acquaintance with a new number. This was the SBD number which soon gave way to a CSX number. Photo by Dave Petke. From my collection.

Reduced to being a lowly yard switcher this GE is idling out front of the old Clinchfield HQ. Somewhere there's on the site there's a shot of the unit in stealth scheme.

Buttheads had no place after SBD came along so all these are going, mostly to scrap. A sad transition for me. When I was in college and had no money I spent many weekend afternoons watching them... (more)