Norfolk Southern Local 11E pulls under the NS Kenova District and it heads east on the CSX Kanawha Subdivision on May 2nd, 2025, making their daily rounds.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 70mm, f/6.3, 1/1250, ISO 280.
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 approaches the first switchback on the way to Whittaker
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 approaches the first switchback on the way to Whittaker during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, out of Cass, West Virginia on May 3rd, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and purchased by the State of West Virginia. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 70mm, f/4, 1/640, ISO 320.
A Norfolk Southern mixed freight approaches the old N&W Bridge over the Ohio River on the Kenova District
A Norfolk Southern mixed freight approaches the old N&W Bridge over the Ohio River on the Kenova District as it heads westbound at Kenova, on May 2nd, 2025.
According to Wikipedia, the bridge was first completed in 1892 with a single track, but its piers were sized for future widening. The expansion to two tracks was undertaken in 1913 by Norfolk and Western, the predecessor railway of the current owner, Norfolk Southern. The railroad added new trusses around the existing structure and expanded the piers. Rail traffic continued throughout construction, and the new tracks opened on June 9, 1913.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 220.
In this week’s Saturday Infrared photo, we catch Engineer Noah Barkley as he keeps a watchful eye…
In this week’s Saturday Infrared photo, we catch Engineer Noah Barkley as he keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead from Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 as they pull through the countryside at Wanless on the way to Cass, West Virginia, during the Cass Spring Photographers Special,on May 4th, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and was purchased by the purchased it by the state of West Virginia purchased. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Fu, RAW, Nikon 10-25 @ 10mm, f/4.5, 1/2000, ISO 400.
May 17th, 2025 – Episode 124 Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography
In this week’s video we’re on day one of the Cass Scenic Railroad’s Spring photography Charter departing from Cass, West Virginia on May 3rd, 2025. Day two will continue on next week’s Saturday Edited Video, so be sure to stop in!
A Norfolk Southern mixed freight approaches the old N&W Bridge over the Ohio River on the Kenova District
A Norfolk Southern mixed freight approaches the old N&W Bridge over the Ohio River on the Kenova District, crossing over the CSX Kankakee Subdivision as it heads westbound at Kenova, on May 2nd, 2025.
According to Wikipedia, the bridge was first completed in 1892 with a single track, but its piers were sized for future widening. The expansion to two tracks was undertaken in 1913 by Norfolk and Western, the predecessor railway of the current owner, Norfolk Southern. The railroad added new trusses around the existing structure and expanded the piers. Rail traffic continued throughout construction, and the new tracks opened on June 9, 1913.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/6.3, 1/2000, ISO 330.
Engineer Noah Barkley keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead from Cass Scenic Railway Heisler #6
Engineer Noah Barkley keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead from Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 as they pull through the countryside at Wanless on the way to Durban, West Virginia, during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, from Cass, West Virginia on May 4th, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and was purchased by the purchased it by the state of West Virginia purchased. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 24mm, f/5.3, 1/160, ISO 100.
Canadian National 8941 heads up B229 as they head north through downtown Madisonville, Kentucky
Canadian National 8941 heads up B229 as they head north through downtown Madisonville, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on May 12th, 2025.
This is a still frame grab I did from a video I shot of the train making its way north and I must say I’m really pleased with the results of doing this frame grab. Not that I’ll be doing this as a norm, but there’s times when I want to shoot both, and this gives me a way to accomplish this by just shooting 4k video.
Tech Info: iPhone 16pro Frame Grab from 4K Video.
Fireman Brown Culp keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead from Cass Scenic Railway
Fireman Brown Culp keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead from Cass Scenic Railway Heisler #6 as they pull past the old farmhouse at Hosterman, WV on the way to back to Cass, West Virginia, during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, on May 4th, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and was purchased by the purchased it by the state of West Virginia purchased. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 24mm, f/4, 1/1250, ISO 100.
CSXT 4568, 50th Anniversary Operation Lifesaver locomotive southbound at Slaughters, Ky
CSXT 4568, 50th Anniversary Operation Lifesaver locomotive, pulls south from the siding at the south end of Slaughters, Ky on April 30th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
According to a CSX press release: CSX unveiled a new Operation Lifesaver rail safety commemorative locomotive in September of 2022, and it was painted at the railroads locomotive shop in Huntington, West Virginia. The CSXT 4568 engine will travel the company’s rail network as a visual reminder for the public to be safe at highway-rail grade crossings and near railroad tracks.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 out of Cass, West Virginia
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 pulls through the curve under stormy skies at milepost 6 during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, out of Cass, West Virginia on May 3rd, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and purchased by the State of West Virginia. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 44mm, f/6.3, 1/640, ISO 640.
Paducah and Louisville Railway 4518 and 4142 lead loaded Louisville Gas & Electric coal train…
Paducah and Louisville Railway 4518 and 4142 lead loaded Louisville Gas & Electric coal train across Interstate 69 as it heads north from Madisonville, Ky on May 9th, 2025.
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 of 1986.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 110.
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 pulls across the bridge in a light rain at Leatherbark Creek, Cass, WV
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 pulls across the bridge in a light rain at Leatherbark Creek during a night photo shoot as part of the Cass Spring Photographers Special, at Cass, West Virginia on May 3rd, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and was purchased by the purchased it by the state of West Virginia purchased. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 38mm, f/2.8, 1/160, ISO 10,000.
CSXT 5473 leads CSX M513 as it heads south over the Red River at Adams, Tennessee
CSXT 5473 leads CSX M513 as it heads south over the Red River at Adams, Tennessee on May 9th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
This train had Indiana Railroad 9012 and 9007 dead in tow as the trailing units. I’m told both engines were on their way to Memphis, Tennessee where they will be scrapped. Both units are SD90MACs.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 170.
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 pulls through the curve at Old Spruce Overlook
Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler #6 pulls through the curve at Old Spruce Overlook under stormy skies during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, out of Cass, West Virginia on May 3rd, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and purchased by the State of West Virginia. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Nikon Z6ii, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @ 24mm, f/6.3, 1/640, ISO 100.
CSXT 956 leads an empty coal train westbound across the Coal River at St. Albans, West Virginia
CSXT 956 leads an empty coal train westbound across the Coal River at St. Albans, West Virginia on the CSX Kanawah Subdivision on May 5th, 2025.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/6.3, 1/4000, ISO 420.
Cass Scenic Railway Heisler #6 pulls through Hosterman, West Virginia
Cass Scenic Railway Heisler #6 pulls through Hosterman, West Virginia, during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, as it heads back to Cass, West Virginia on May 4th, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and was purchased by the purchased it by the state of West Virginia purchased. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/6.3, 1/2500, ISO 190.
CSX M512 heads north hauling three wrecked locomotives, CSXT 3469, 3299 and 245, at Romney, Nortonville, Ky
CSX M512 heads north as it meets a southbound loaded coal train at Romney, Nortonville, Kentucky on April 30th, 2025, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
The train was hauling three wrecked locomotives, CSXT 3469, 3299 and 245, on flats behind the head end power. From what I understand the units were from the signal suspension head on wreck in Folkston, GA last year. CSXT 245 was on the rock train and the other two were on I032.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 330.
Saturday Infrared photo, we catch Engineer Noah Barkley as he keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead
In this week’s Saturday Infrared photo, we catch Engineer Noah Barkley as he keeps a watchful eye on the track ahead from Cass Scenic Railway Heisler #6 as they pull through the countryside at Wanless on the way to Durban, West Virginia, during the Cass Spring Photographers Special, from Cass, West Virginia on May 4th, 2025.
According to the Mountain Rail West Virginia Website: The Meadow River Lumber No. 6 was built by the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA, in 1929 for the Bostonia Coal & Clay Products Company of New Bethlehem, PA.
The Heisler was sold to the Meadow River Lumber Company at Rainelle, WV in 1939, where it was rostered as No. 6. She retired from the lumber company in 1965 and was purchased by the purchased it by the state of West Virginia purchased. The engine ran under its own steam from Rainelle to its new home in Cass in December 1966. No. 6 would begin operating on the railroad in 1968. The Heisler is the fastest geared locomotive in the Cass collection.
Tech Info: Fu, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 180mm, f/5.3, 1/1250, ISO 560.
May 10th, 2025 – Episode 123 Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography
In this week’s video we catch trains between Kelly and Slaughters, Kentucky including an unusual move of three damaged CSX engines on flats heading north and the Operation LifeSaver engine leading a southbound, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.
On May 5th, 2025, CSXT 6419 heads up a train as they work on building a train at Patio Yard in Winchester, Ky
On May 5th, 2025, CSXT 6419 heads up a train as they work on building a train at Patio Yard in Winchester, Ky on CSX’s CC Subdivision (Cincinnati-Corbin), a scene that is repeated many times a day across the world as railroads move goods and commodities.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 350mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO 320.