Slowly approaching the signal in Ashland, KY, CSXT 6403 with a welded rail train prepares to stop.

Chessie U30B #8205 resting at Martin, KY in June 1984

C&O GP40 #4071 at Martin, KY in June 1984

CSXT 469 passes the massive AK steel operation with a loaded coal train. Turn about 120° to the right and the last remaining C&O signal bridge in the area gave this train an Approach Medium, he s... (more)

Working a mine run.

Taken from the Monon and moved to the coal fields, these units lasted about another decade hauling coal and looking good with the jaunty bell mounted on the short hood.

The last number in the C420 roster, originally P&N and former SCL, didn't last long and was stored awaiting disposition having never been repainted. I wonder if this one ever operated on this rai... (more)

I got this one on the west side the day prior and stayed the night because I would never see it again. This is the east side.

It was late in the afternoon when I got this shot and I knew we'd never meet again so we spent the night.

Relegated to the dead line, ths unit has a most unusual sideways horn. I wondered if it operated that way. They would have mounted it that way if it saved a nickel, I'm sure.

If I were pinned down on the subject I would probably have to name the RS-11 as my all-time favorite. These started out on the SAL and came to L&N from SCL. Regrettably their working days are ov... (more)

Feeding eight motors required high throttle settings and this ex-TC unit is slugging it out as it shoves a large cut of the stuff that made Corbin great.

From the Oro Dam Constructors to L&N, one of the few decent shots I got of these in L&N colors. Their chug chug was unmistakable, unmuffled and glorious. At least the FDL engine was good for som... (more)

"Back in the day" we didn't have blogs, etc. to get news. Geeps did not do well in the coal fields and were hardly ever seen in those parts. To this day we wonder what occasioned the visit of tw... (more)