Trip to Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina - 4

Hi, On Sunday, October 14 we decided to photograph along the "Rat Hole" which was the Second District of Norfolk Southern's CNOTP Subdivision. Unfortunately a major track project was underway which caused about 15 miles of railroad to be single track. As a result there was very little traffic moving with a lot of trains parked.

We did not see a train until 11:18 AM when this southbound grain train came through Sunbright, TN

followed about 20 minutes later by a stack train.

The next train was a northbound slab train at 2:10 PM at Elgin, TN.

At Robbins, TN we came across a northbound coal train sitting.

A northbound train with auto racks passed the coal train shortly after we photographed the coal train.

We encountered another railfan, Ian Whaley, at Winfield, TN. He confirmed that a work window was in effect and that it would be ending shortly. On the radio we heard the dispatcher say that he had at least two trains waiting north of the work zone to come south. Ian also told us that one of these trains had the CNJ heritage unit leading. First up was #117 at 5:34 PM.

Train #215 followed at 5:58 PM.

Train #215 was recrewed at Oneida, TN. However, it had to wait north of town until #117 cleared (above and two below).

As we drove into town we spotted this northbound grain train sitting.

Finally, #117 got on the move and #215 moved forward for its crew change at 5:52 PM.

For me photographing the CNJ heritage unit leading made my day as I had not seen it on the road until this point.

Thanks for looking.