CSX Transportation Historical Society

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NS - Blue Ridge Division misc. - Fall-Winter 2024-2025

Rail Fan Adventure --

1. On my way home from shooting CSX Santa Train last November 23rd, I paused at Boody, the junction of the NS Clinch Valley District and CSX's Kingsport SD just east of St. Paul VA. Before mergers Clinchfield and N&W interchanged a significant amount of manifest and coal at this interchange. As soon as the CSX merger was consummated, tidewater export coal from the Clinchfield began moving to Newport News (C&O) instead of Norfolk (N&W). Although there has been nothing interchanged here for decades, the physical connection has been severed.
On my way home from shooting CSX Santa Train last November 23rd, I paused at Boody, the junction of the NS Clinch Valley District and CSX's Kingsport SD just east of St. Paul VA. Before mergers Clinchfield and N&W interchanged a significant amount of manifest and coal at this interchange. As soon as the CSX merger was consummated, tidewater export coal from the Clinchfield began moving to Newport News (C&O) instead of Norfolk (N&W). Although there has been nothing interchanged here for decades, the physical connection has been severed.

2. CSX and NS still cross around the curve to the left. It is one of the few crossings at grade in the Appalachians. Looking west on the NS Clinch Valley District.
CSX and NS still cross around the curve to the left. It is one of the few crossings at grade in the Appalachians. Looking west on the NS Clinch Valley District.

3. CRR often made several trips daily from Dante to Boody, and N&W trains were frequently found working the interchange.
CRR often made several trips daily from Dante to Boody, and N&W trains were frequently found working the interchange.

4. On our way to the model railroad show in Huntington, Christian and I beat NS e/b grain train 51V to Prichard WV, by a scant few minutes. BNSF 8076-6432 have the train today. The new intermodal terminal on the left never got off the ground. However, the old coal dock still stands! 11-30-2024.
On our way to the model railroad show in Huntington, Christian and I beat NS e/b grain train 51V to Prichard WV, by a scant few minutes. BNSF 8076-6432 have the train today. The new intermodal terminal on the left never got off the ground. However, the old coal dock still stands! 11-30-2024.

5. A few miles down US 52 we found this mine run parked at the east end of the Aquila Dock siding.
A few miles down US 52 we found this mine run parked at the east end of the Aquila Dock siding.

6. Aquila Dock is operated by Docks Creek LLC. This facility can transfer coal from barge-storage/blend-rail-truck. They can unload bottom-dump hoppers only. Rail activity has been sporadic in recent years, so finding this train was a surprise.
Aquila Dock is operated by Docks Creek LLC. This facility can transfer coal from barge-storage/blend-rail-truck. They can unload bottom-dump hoppers only. Rail activity has been sporadic in recent years, so finding this train was a surprise.

7. NS 8008-4092 lead w/b intermodal train 273 (Norfolk/Portlock Yard - Sandusky OH) at Vulcan WV, on 01-23-2025.
NS 8008-4092 lead w/b intermodal train 273 (Norfolk/Portlock Yard - Sandusky OH) at Vulcan WV, on 01-23-2025.

8. NS 8008-4092-872. Vulcan WV.
NS 8008-4092-872. Vulcan WV.

9. AC44C6M 4337 is the DPU. No. 4337 was built by GE as Dash 9-44CW 9022 in 1997. It was rebuilt with AC traction by Wabtec-Fort Worth in 2020.
AC44C6M 4337 is the DPU. No. 4337 was built by GE as Dash 9-44CW 9022 in 1997. It was rebuilt with AC traction by Wabtec-Fort Worth in 2020.

10. A few minutes later e/b grain train 40N hustles by behind NS 8107 and CNJ Heritage unit 1071. 01-23-2025.
A few minutes later e/b grain train 40N hustles by behind NS 8107 and CNJ Heritage unit 1071. 01-23-2025.

11. NS 8107 & CNJ 1071. Vulcan WV.
NS 8107 & CNJ 1071. Vulcan WV.

12. Later we found an "advance approach" on the "Alma" w/b signal at Sprigg. Christian surmised that No. 29C (Charlotte-Chicago/Calumet Yd) was due. The signal went to clear.
Later we found an "advance approach" on the "Alma" w/b signal at Sprigg. Christian surmised that No. 29C (Charlotte-Chicago/Calumet Yd) was due. The signal went to clear.

13. Shortly 29C burst out of Hatfield Bend Tunnel behind 4512-4102-7585. No. 29C and 28N are the hottest trains on the Pokey and Kenova Districts. The tunnels are in Pike County, Kentucky. 01-23-2025.
Shortly 29C burst out of Hatfield Bend Tunnel behind 4512-4102-7585. No. 29C and 28N are the hottest trains on the Pokey and Kenova Districts. The tunnels are in Pike County, Kentucky. 01-23-2025.

All for now.

Train images used by permission of Everett N Young