Norfolk Southern local T36 works the yard at Emory Gap, Tennessee at the start of their day on the NS CNO&TP Division, on April 29th, 2024. According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/8000, ISO 150. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #nscnotpsubdivision #norfolksouthern #trendingphoto

Norfolk Southern local T36 works the yard at Emory Gap, Tennessee

Norfolk Southern local T36 works the yard at Emory Gap, Tennessee at the start of their day on the NS CNO&TP Division, on April 29th, 2024.

According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/8000, ISO 150.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 crosses over the Chickamauga Creek Bridge as it heads to Grand Junction at West Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2024. According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with a group of local railway preservationists. They wanted to save steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use. Today, the museum offers various tourist excursions from stations in Chattanooga and Etowah, Tennessee. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 320.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Southern Railway 630 crosses over the Chickamauga Creek Bridge

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 crosses over the Chickamauga Creek Bridge as it heads to Grand Junction at West Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 “Consolidation” type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with a group of local railway preservationists. They wanted to save steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use. Today, the museum offers various tourist excursions from stations in Chattanooga and Etowah, Tennessee.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 320.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 pulls east from the siding around a westbound on the main, as it heads to East Chattanooga, Tennessee with a trainload of passengers, on April 27th, 2024. According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with a group of local railway preservationists. They wanted to save steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use. Today, the museum offers various tourist excursions from stations in Chattanooga and Etowah, Tennessee. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 110. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #PassengerTrain #TennesseeValleyRailroadMuseum #TennesseeTrains #steamtrain #tvrm

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 pulls east from the siding…

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 pulls east from the siding around a westbound on the main, as it heads to East Chattanooga, Tennessee with a trainload of passengers, on April 27th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 “Consolidation” type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with a group of local railway preservationists. They wanted to save steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use. Today, the museum offers various tourist excursions from stations in Chattanooga and Etowah, Tennessee.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 110.

Norfolk Southern 178 crosses the Emory River at Harriman, TN, just south of Harriman Junction, on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District as it heads north on April 29th, 2024. According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati. Technically, this stretch of the Southern main line was known as the 2nd District of subsidiary Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP), which was plagued for years by numerous tunnels resulting in its famous nickname by the crews which operated over it. Over the years the Southern worked to daylight or bypass these obstacles as the route saw significant freight tonnage, a task finally completed during the 1960s. Today, the Rathole remains an important artery in Norfolk Southern’s vast network. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 180. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #nscnotpsubdivision #norfolksouthern #trendingphoto

Norfolk Southern 178 crosses the Emory River at Harriman, TN

Norfolk Southern 178 crosses the Emory River at Harriman, TN, just south of Harriman Junction, on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Third District as it heads north on April 29th, 2024.

According to American-rails.com, It used to be called the Rathole Division when it was the Southern Railway and is often remembered as a road with relatively flat and tangent main lines due to the region in which it operated. However, the system did feature its share of steep, circuitous main lines such as Saluda Grade in western North Carolina and its famed “Rathole Division” through Kentucky and Tennessee that reached as far north as Cincinnati.

Technically, this stretch of the Southern main line was known as the 2nd District of subsidiary Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific (CNO&TP), which was plagued for years by numerous tunnels resulting in its famous nickname by the crews which operated over it.

Over the years the Southern worked to daylight or bypass these obstacles as the route saw significant freight tonnage, a task finally completed during the 1960s. Today, the Rathole remains an important artery in Norfolk Southern’s vast network.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 180.

A trio of Norfolk Southern engines lead NS 29F as they make their way across the New River Bridge southbound on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District at New River, Tennessee. On April 29th, 2024. According to the Historic Bridges website: This bridge is a very large high level deck cantilever truss bridge. It was constructed in 1963 and as such is a late example of its type, but still noteworthy as an uncommon structure type and for its size. Typical of 1960s truss bridges, the bridge still has riveted built-up beams, but v-lacing and lattice are absent in the built-up beams, and truss connections are bolted instead of riveted. It is 1,622.0 Feet (494.4 Meters) long, with 3 Main Span(s) and 6 Approach Span(s) is over 300 feet above the river. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #nscnotpsubdivision #norfolksouthern #trendingphoto #nsnewriverbridge

A trio of Norfolk Southern engines lead NS 29F as they make their way across the New River Bridge…

A trio of Norfolk Southern engines lead NS 29F as they make their way across the New River Bridge southbound on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District at New River, Tennessee. On April 29th, 2024.

According to the Historic Bridges website: This bridge is a very large high level deck cantilever truss bridge. It was constructed in 1963 and as such is a late example of its type, but still noteworthy as an uncommon structure type and for its size. Typical of 1960s truss bridges, the bridge still has riveted built-up beams, but v-lacing and lattice are absent in the built-up beams, and truss connections are bolted instead of riveted. It is 1,622.0 Feet (494.4 Meters) long, with 3 Main Span(s) and 6 Approach Span(s) is over 300 feet above the river.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.

It’s fairly rare to find a military train move on the Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) through my neck of the woods, but it does happen. I got word from a friend, Lee Taylor, up the line about an 8,100ft loaded military train that was headed southbound from Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Here I caught the PAL Salute to our Troops engine 2127 sitting in the yard at Princeton, Ky as the southbound military train passed it headed for Paducah, Ky. PAL 2127 was one end of an Operation Lifesaver Trainset that was there. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/200, ISO 110. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #trendingphoto #militarytrain #pal #paducahandlouisvillerailway

PAL Salute to our Troops engine 2127 sitting in the yard at Princeton, Ky as the southbound military train passes

It’s fairly rare to find a military train move on the Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) through my neck of the woods, but it does happen. I got word from a friend, Lee Taylor, up the line about an 8,100ft loaded military train that was headed southbound from Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

Here I caught the PAL Salute to our Troops engine 2127 sitting in the yard at Princeton, Ky as the southbound military train passed it headed for Paducah, Ky. PAL 2127 was one end of an Operation Lifesaver Trainset that was there.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/200, ISO 110.

CSXT 3379 leads CSX intermodal I025 south under the Sub Station Road overpass at south end of the siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson on May 30th, 2024. This intermodal normally runs with a string of autoracks which contain Tesla automobiles that are bound for Florida. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #trendingphoto #csxt #trainsfromadrone

CSXT 3379 leads CSX intermodal I025 south under the Sub Station Road overpass, Kelly, Ky

CSXT 3379 leads CSX intermodal I025 south under the Sub Station Road overpass at south end of the siding at Kelly, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson on May 30th, 2024. This intermodal normally runs with a string of autoracks which contain Tesla automobiles that are bound for Florida.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.

A set of Southern Pacific locomotives sit in the during a late spring snowfall in March of 1995 as the conductor makes his way back to the engines at Devore, California, in the Cajon Pass as they work on a tank train during the cold weather. According to Wikipedia: Devore Heights, or Devore, is a residential rural neighborhood of the city of San Bernardino, California. It is located just north of the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, about 12 miles northwest of downtown San Bernardino. It is also the last town to pass through before taking the Cajon Pass to reach Hesperia, California. Tech Info: Nikon F3 Film Camera, exposure not recorded. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #trending #southernpaficicrailroad

A set of Southern Pacific locomotives sit in the during a late spring snowfall in March of 1995…

A set of Southern Pacific locomotives sit in the during a late spring snowfall in March of 1995 as the conductor makes his way back to the engines at Devore, California, in the Cajon Pass as they work on a tank train during the cold weather.

According to Wikipedia: Devore Heights, or Devore, is a residential rural neighborhood of the city of San Bernardino, California. It is located just north of the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, about 12 miles northwest of downtown San Bernardino. It is also the last town to pass through before taking the Cajon Pass to reach Hesperia, California.

Tech Info: Nikon F3 Film Camera, exposure not recorded.

Storm Report…

I’ve had quite a few folks messaging and emailing me to see how I survived the storm/tornado that passed through my area last night and I thought I’d let everyone know that it missed me by about 6-8 miles! I only had two small trees comedown, but with no damage otherwise. That’s everyone for checking!

Here’s a few pictures from this mornings railfanning, while I was out picking up gas for the generator as I’ve been without power since 10pm CST last night. I do have a generator that runs my home however, so it’s good!

The engines light is CSX L391 taking the cutoff at Mortons Junction in Mortons Gap, Kentucky due to flooding on the main track at Earlington, Kentucky on the Henderson Subdivision as it heads to Attkisson Yard at Madisonville, Ky for it’s daily run. These were all shot today, May 27th, 2024.

The second shot shows the flooded track just north of Earlington, Ky which has shut down the line. This area floods pretty much whenever we get a lot of rain fast, which we got probably 6 inches during the storm last night from what I hear.

The third shot with one of many downed trees along the Paducah and Louisville Railway. This one was next to my home in Richland, Kentucky.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 passes Allied Metal as it heads to west Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2024, also passing the CSX WA Subdivision to the right. According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with a group of local railway preservationists. They wanted to save steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use. Today, the museum offers various tourist excursions from stations in Chattanooga and Etowah, Tennessee. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 150.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 passes Allied Metal

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 passes Allied Metal as it heads to west Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2024, also passing the CSX WA Subdivision to the right.

According to Wikipedia: Southern Railway 630 is a 2-8-0 “Consolidation” type steam locomotive built in February 1904 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Richmond, Virginia for the Southern Railway as a member of the Ks-1 class. It is currently owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it resides today for use on excursion trains.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with a group of local railway preservationists. They wanted to save steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use. Today, the museum offers various tourist excursions from stations in Chattanooga and Etowah, Tennessee.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2500, ISO 150.

Norfolk Southern intermodal train crosses over the Tennessee River on the CSX Chattanooga Subdivision, at Bridgeport, Alabama, as they make their way to the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District and on north on April 26, 2024. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 180.

Norfolk Southern intermodal train crosses over the Tennessee River…

Norfolk Southern intermodal train crosses over the Tennessee River on the CSX Chattanooga Subdivision, at Bridgeport, Alabama, as they make their way to the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District and on north on April 26, 2024.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 180.

Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 4523 leads an 8,100ft loaded military train as they pull south from West Yard after a crew change at Madisonville, Kentucky, on May 17th, 2024. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 200. #railroad #railroads #train #trains #bestphoto #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailway #bestphotograph #photographyoftrains #trainphotography #JimPearsonPhotography #trendingphoto #militarytrain #pal #paducahandlouisvillerailway

Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 4523 leads an 8,100ft loaded military train

Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 4523 leads an 8,100ft loaded military train as they pull south from West Yard after a crew change at Madisonville, Kentucky, on May 17th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: The Paducah & Louisville Railway (reporting mark PAL) is a Class II railroad that operates freight service between Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky. The line is located entirely within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 270-mile (430 km) line was purchased from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in August 1986.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 200.

CSX M502 through the south end of Atkinson Yard at Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024. According to a CSX Press Release: May 1, 2024 - CSX has introduced the latest addition in its heritage locomotive series, paying homage to the rich history of the Pere Marquette Railroad. This new unit showcases the Pere Marquette's legacy, dating back to its inception on November 1, 1899. The Pere Marquette Railroad, operating in the Great Lakes region of the United States and parts of southern Ontario, Canada, derived its name from Jacques Marquette, a notable French Jesuit missionary credited with founding Michigan's first European settlement in Sault Ste Marie. After years of operation, the company merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on June 6, 1947, eventually becoming part of the renowned CSX network. The design of the Pere Marquette heritage locomotive was meticulously crafted by employees at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop. According to CSX Carman Painter Eric Lee, “We had to measure each stripe precisely and position the words just right to ensure it captured the look of the original design. It took us about four days just to lay out the stripes before we could begin painting.” A fascinating tidbit related to the history of Pere Marquette is its cameo in the 2004 film "The Polar Express." The steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225 served as the inspiration for the train depicted in the movie, with audio recordings of the actual locomotive in operation featured in the film. Interestingly, the locomotive had been donated to Michigan State University and was exhibited near the university's football stadium. The author of "The Polar Express" book drew inspiration from seeing this locomotive on display during childhood, solidifying its place in popular culture. CSX's dedication to honoring the history and significance of the Pere Marquette Railroad through this new locomotive underscores the company's commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of American railroads. Keep an eye out as this remarkable piece of history moves across the CSX network, bridging the past with the present. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #steamtrains #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #steamtrainphotography #CSXPereMarquetteheritageunit #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #csxheritagelocomotive

CSX M502 through the south end of Atkinson Yard at Madisonville, Ky

CSX M502 through the south end of Atkinson Yard at Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024.

According to a CSX Press Release: May 1, 2024 – CSX has introduced the latest addition in its heritage locomotive series, paying homage to the rich history of the Pere Marquette Railroad. This new unit showcases the Pere Marquette’s legacy, dating back to its inception on November 1, 1899.

The Pere Marquette Railroad, operating in the Great Lakes region of the United States and parts of southern Ontario, Canada, derived its name from Jacques Marquette, a notable French Jesuit missionary credited with founding Michigan’s first European settlement in Sault Ste Marie. After years of operation, the company merged with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on June 6, 1947, eventually becoming part of the renowned CSX network.

The design of the Pere Marquette heritage locomotive was meticulously crafted by employees at the CSX Waycross Locomotive Shop. According to CSX Carman Painter Eric Lee, “We had to measure each stripe precisely and position the words just right to ensure it captured the look of the original design. It took us about four days just to lay out the stripes before we could begin painting.”

A fascinating tidbit related to the history of Pere Marquette is its cameo in the 2004 film “The Polar Express.” The steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225 served as the inspiration for the train depicted in the movie, with audio recordings of the actual locomotive in operation featured in the film. Interestingly, the locomotive had been donated to Michigan State University and was exhibited near the university’s football stadium. The author of “The Polar Express” book drew inspiration from seeing this locomotive on display during childhood, solidifying its place in popular culture.

CSX’s dedication to honoring the history and significance of the Pere Marquette Railroad through this new locomotive underscores the company’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of American railroads. Keep an eye out as this remarkable piece of history moves across the CSX network, bridging the past with the present.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.