AN ex-Oakway leaser leads todays 17M. I've seen several of these along the Pokey in the last few weeks.
With power for the second cut idling in the middle siding, the first half creeps forward as wheel loaders do their job to the rear.
A Chessie System inspired paint scheme makes for a rather appealing GE-44 ton! This small, rarely used switcher does it's best to pull a cut of coal cars north out of the small spur located at Por... (more)
A former Southern GP30 high hood, now operating as a mine locomotive on the Alma Branch sits tied down under the only tipple on the Alma Branch. This mine is currently idle and as of November '09,... (more)
Beech Mountain's seldom photographed alco S2 is seen returning to the loadout at Star to retreive more loads. We were lucky enough to catch this unique shortline operating on this day.
With the closed Island Creek Coal VP#1 plant rusting away in the background, Alco #2 is slowly being reclaimed by the weeds after being cannibalized for parts. The complex is part of the massive V... (more)
3 engines on the front, and two new ES44AC's on the rear grind their way towards Clark's Gap across one of the many trestles that make up the former Virginian Line.
Hard to believe OSHA allows this in the modern era. Releasing the brakes on a steep spur, a worker roped in rides a coal gon under the loadout till full, then will ride it by gravity down to the m... (more)
A coal drag rounds the bend at Ought One. As one can see, it is one of the steepest curves on the Pokey. The train had two pushers on the back.
Westbound 277 pops out of Roderfield Tunnel. The auto-racks can be seen crossing over on the other side of the tunnel as a Track Inspector waits for the railroad to head east.
Just another day at Elmore Yard on the former Virginian. Several sets of power prepare to depart as the cabooses remain ready for the mine runs.
The coaling tower at Prichard continues to stand proud as it is a reminder of when steam ruled the rails.
The crew of this train had its hands full as it was attempting to fish 4 cars from the middle of a 100 car cut.
A bright Conrail unit splits the signals at Old Joe on the Pokey main, headed toward Bluefield and a sure push up the grade beginning at Farm. The signals in the background are living on borrowed ... (more)
