Another load of black diamonds snakes its way through the loops on an early fall afternoon.
Norfolk Southern's main line to Asheville, NC is just waking up and clearing the fog to start a new day.
Fresh off of the mountain and the"Loops" out of Asheville with miss matched number boards and peeling paint this loco has seen better days.
This local is operating on former Southern trackage as it rolls along through downtown Old Fort.
Although not much of the train is visible, I believe this photo demonstrates the formidable challenge of the Old Fort Loops. Local train P57 was starting into the first loop. Less then two minut... (more)
A loaded coal train leaves Oldfort NC.
Eastbound 750 drops into Old Fort as westbound 135 patiently awaits its turn on the Old Fort Loops.
Eastbound coal train 750 gingerly approaches town as it reaches the bottom of the grade off the Old Fort Loops.
Eastbound train 116 approaches Old Fort as it reaches the bottom of the grade.
66E sits in the siding at Old Fort waiting for a clear signal after the passage of 166.
With helpers attached westbound is ready to tackle the loops.
12000+ hp climbing the grade out of Old Fort through the loops grade with just 60 cars. Trailing are a hunchback C39 and a TFM unit.