With the lead units in notch eight and the Lacon pusher (an ES44AC) coupled up to the rear, a southbound grain train begins its assault on the 1.1% grade up through Holmes Gap.

A pair of CP units leads a unit oil train bound for Atmore, AL down the former L&N mainline.

A southbound pig train notches out for the climb up through Holmes Gap to Vinemont.

Q595 glides down the number two track at Wilhite, and soon will stop so that the Lacon pusher can be added to the rear for the climb up Holmes Gap. The 4517 is the former 717; the 700-series EMDs ... (more)

The M788 local returns to Cullman from Hartselle.

sunlight breaks through the clouds just in time to illuminate the head end of T109 as it begins its assault on the grade to Holmes Gap

a pair of colorful western visitors leads Q575 south just after having the Lacon pusher (a CSX C40-8W, as usual) added to the rear for the climb to Holmes Gap

Q518 hits a pocket of sunshine as it drops off of Brindlee Mountain on its way north

southbound train on CSX S&NA Sub led by a former SP SD45 rebuilt to SD40-2 specs

The various shades of green on the hillside in the background indicate that Spring has sprung in north Alabama.

southbound passing the big dead tree at Wilhite