One of the first uses of diesel-electric motive power on the south end of the L&N's Cumberland Valley Division in freight service was the RS-3s working the Norton Local out of Loyall, KY to Norton, VA and back. Here, train 64 is headed down the main line at Big Stone Gap with its train--mostly empty hoppers picked up from the Interstate at Dorchester Junction. The local section gang is engaged in some surfacing work (by hand, of course) as evidenced by the tools and other materials along the tracks. The hoppers on the left are on the passing siding, but the fact they appear empty suggests they might be part of a work train spreading ballast (common hoppers were often used in such service at that time). My uncle, the late Rex Yonce, is riding the Alco's foot board so he can hand flag across the Short Street grade crossing. His attire is typical for the era--coveralls ("overalls"), a watch connected to the Elgin B.W.Raymond model Railroad-Approved pocket watch, and his pants legs pinned at the bottom (making it less likely to snag while getting on and off moving equipment). The depot was open until the early '60s, but its train order signal had been removed and it was rarely used to issue orders by that time. The structure was a standard L&N design for small town depots, and very typical for the CV Division. The photo was taken by the late H.L.Stuart, Jr., an official with the Interstate Railroad in Andover, VA. I've had this 4X5 negative in my collection since 1968.
