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 main to be picked up. I was told recently they had fifteen mtys get away from them and run down the grade, luckily not injuring anyone. Natural Resource Partners is laying new rail up the hollow to a new loadout under construction, which will bring about the end of loading by gravity and an end to this way of life in Appalachia.
