Southbound NS 285 (Kansas City,MO-Jacksonville,FL/FEC) finally come around the curve on the main 1 track through Cohutta, GA (MP-27.0) on the NS Atlanta North-End slowly heading to the next signal at the MP 28.6H on a restriction speed. Due to PTC communication problems between the lead motor, and the software, the 9,100ft long freight dragged up the north-end pf Howardsville grade at a agonizing 30 mph, that is a major headache for the crew that want to make the mad dash south to Atlanta. After making a stop at the bottom of the hill in town, and having a frustration conversation with the PTC-Dispatcher, the Division Chief Dispatcher stepped in, and give the Jacksonville bound train permission to proceed south at a slow speed to the intermediate signal just outside of Varnell, GA, and hope that system on the lead motor would reset itself. After getting the train on the move a friendly wave coming from veteran conductor Grady Wyche (now retired) who won't let this minor set back damper his spirit as he was taking the train home to Atlanta.
