It is certainly not O. Winston Link, but NS 6588 passes the old N&W signals in Welch at 5:05 AM.
Mine run U22 runs long hood forward on a trip to the Keystone preparation plant. The massive coaling tower dwarfing the engine is a holdout from the old N&W steam days.
Elephant style NS and UP lead this autorack train out of a tunnel and onto a bridge in the town of Welch. The buildings on the side of the hill make for a great backdrop.
We didn't have to travel to far west before we caught our first eastbound at Welch. Luckily, there was just enough light on the curve.
Westbound 185 bursts out of Welch Tunnel
Lead unit of NS coal train 83J
Westbound mtys rock and roll past the old N&W position signals at Welch, WV on a return trip to Auville Yard. I'll catch this very friendly crew a few times further up the line this afternoon.
Westbound 2608 is about 100 feet shy of entering Welch tunnel as it leads lite helpers back to Farm to assist yet another eastbound coal drag up the mountain.
NS' New paint sceme
Helpers shoving on the rear of NS 83K. Note--new paint scheme.
NS 83K rounds an "S" Curve in Welch, WV.
The former N&W position signal are high on the NS hit list along the famed Pokey.