NS 708 approaches Roaring Branch between Appalachia and Big Stone Gap, Va. Powell River and Business 23 parallel the NS right-of-way to the right and at a slightly lower elevation.
Southbound coal loads rumble through the swag at Helenwood behind a clean ACe and an ex-BN Triclops. An ES44AC and standard cab Dash 9 are pushing on the rear.
Another train of MTYs descends Kings Mountain on the way back to the western Kentucky coalfields. Not too many years ago coal was rare on the Rathole, but the markets have changed and this busy l... (more)