A heritage duo flies over Lynchburg, VA with a sizable string of empty coal hoppers.

Hopper train NS 821 makes its way west through Shawsville, VA at Shawsville Cut.

Empty coal buckets for Consol pass through Lester Fork on the Buchanan Branch

The CofG heritage ES44AC leads an empty coal train bound for Consol across the Levisa Fork as they depart Weller Yard

Hopper train NS 821 heads west through Wabun, VA near control point Singer.

Hopper train NS 821 pounds the rails through Shawsville, Va.

Empties for Consol pass the CPL protecting 'Vansant'

NS #821 eases through Dismal Yard before loading at Consol

Empties for Consol roll into Weller Yard just after sunrise

An AC44C6M leads hopper train NS 821 west through Shawsville, VA.

NS 821 accelerates after stopping to turn on the second locomotive. The train is led by the Illinois Terminal Heritage Unit as it passes Shawsville, VA in some beautiful golden hour light.

A Tier 4 GEVO is in charge of hopper train NS 821 as it rumbles west is Christiansburg grade. It’s seen here in Shawsville just before the Basham Hollow Rd crossing.

Elliston Empties: NS 3650 leads an empty coal drag through Elliston, VA on the NS Whitehorne District.

A doubled-up empty hopper train NS 821 winds up Christiansburg mountain at Shawsville on a clear Spring afternoon.

A doubled-up empty hopper train NS 821 winds up Christiansburg mountain at Shawsville on a clear Spring afternoon.