Aerial/Drone Photography – Page 16 – Jim Pearson Photography

A trio of Norfolk Southern engines lead NS 168 as they make their way across the New River Bridge…

A trio of Norfolk Southern engines lead NS 168 as they make their way across the New River Bridge northbound on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Subdivision 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 140.

Norfolk Southern 49R snakes it’s way along the Emory River from CP Camp Austin at Oakdale, TN

Norfolk Southern 49R snakes it’s way along the Emory River as it heads northbound from CP Camp Austin at Oakdale, TN, on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District on April 29th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: Oakdale was originally known as “Honeycutt” after an early settler, Allen Honeycutt. In the 1880s, the Cincinnati Southern Railway, which connected Chattanooga and Cincinnati, was built through the area, intersecting the vast system of the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad (later the Southern Railway) at Emory Gap near Harriman. Allen Honeycutt donated land to the railroad for construction of a switching point. In 1892, the name of the town was changed to “Oakdale” after a nearby mining operation.

The stretch of the Cincinnati Southern from Oakdale to Somerset, Kentucky, involves steep grades that were too difficult for normal late-19th and early-20th century steam-powered locomotives, so a railyard was set up at Oakdale where trains were modified to allow them to make the trek north. By the early 1900s, Oakdale had developed into an important railroad town, with a bank, five general stores, a drugstore, a hardware store, three schools, two churches, six secret societies, and a newspaper.

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, 1/3200, ISO 190.

Norfolk Southern 49R departs northbound from Camp Austin at Oakdale, TN

Norfolk Southern 49R departs northbound from Camp Austin at Oakdale, TN, on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District 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, 1/2500, ISO 120.

Norfolk Southern 4566 brings up the rear as DPU on 168 at Burnside, Kentucky

Norfolk Southern 4566 brings up the rear as DPU on 168 as it crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky at sunset. as it heads north on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District 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, 1/120, ISO 180.

CSX M502 waits at Arklow in Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899…

CSX M502 waits at Arklow in Madisonville, Ky with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way on the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024, as CSX M648 passes them heading north.

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, 1/1600, ISO 140.

CSX M502 heads northbound with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading at Mortons Gap, Ky

CSX M502 heads northbound with CSX Pere Marquette Heritage Unit, 1899, leading the way along the CSX Henderson Subdivision, on May 20th, 2024. This is number ten heritage catch for me for this series of locomotives from CSX, and I look forward to catching the others!

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, 1/2000, ISO 150.

Norfolk Southern 168 crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky as it heads north on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District 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, 1/160, ISO 120.

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Norfolk Southern 169 crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky

Norfolk Southern 169 crosses over the Cumberland River Bridge at Burnside, Kentucky as it heads north on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District 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, 1/160, ISO 120.

Thomas the Tank Engine prepares to meet Southern Railroad 630 at the siding…

Thomas the Tank Engine prepares to meet Southern Railroad 630 at the siding just before the Chickamauga Creek Bridge at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at west Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: Thomas the Tank Engine is an anthropomorphised fictional tank locomotive in the British Railway Series books by Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher, published from 1945. He became the most popular and famous character in the series, and is the titular protagonist in the accompanying television adaptation series Thomas & Friends and its reboot Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.

All of the vehicles in The Railway Series were based on prototypical engines; Thomas’s basis is the LB&SCR E2 class. Thomas first appeared in 1946 in the second book in the series, Thomas the Tank Engine, and was the focus of the four short stories contained within. In The Railway Series and early episodes of Thomas & Friends, Thomas’s best friends are Percy and Toby, though he is also close friends with Edward. Later episodes of Thomas & Friends have Thomas in a trio with James and Percy, and Percy is known as his best friend.

In 1979, British writer and producer Britt Allcroft came across the books, and arranged a deal to bring the stories to life as the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (later simplified to Thomas & Friends). The programme became an award-winning hit around the world, with a vast range of spin-off commercial products.

Thomas now travels the world to delight children of all ages!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.

Paducah and Louisville Railway southbound military train at Kentucky Dam, Gilbertsville, Ky

Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) 4523, 4142, 2101 and 2104, lead an 8,100ft military train across the Tennessee River at Kentucky Dam at Gilbertsville, Kentucky, on May 17th, 2024. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day to capture a train here at this location.

The crew took the train on to Paducah, Ky where it was tied down for the night. Where it went beyond there I’ve not heard, but in the past BNSF has picked up these moves and took them on west.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/600, ISO 150.

Paducah and Louisville Railway Military southbound move at Princeton, Ky

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.

I caught up with the train and chased it south to Kentucky Dam from West Yard in Madisonville, Kentucky where they had a crew change, on May 17th, 2024.

As luck would have it, I found 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, 1/1000, ISO 210.

CSX intermodal I128 passes under US 41 at Barnsley, Kentucky

CSX intermodal I128 passes under US 41 at Barnsley, Kentucky as it heads north on the Henderson Subdivision on National Train Day, May 11th, 2024.

According to the National Today website: National Train Day is observed every year on the Saturday closest to May 10, and this year it falls on May 11. The holiday was first celebrated in the year 2008 and continues to be celebrated to this day.

The celebrations were conceptualized by Amtrak as a way to spread awareness about the history of railway networks in the U.S. and why more people should use this mode of transport.

Railways are one of the most eco-friendly ways to go from one place to another. Amtrak offers railroad service in countless cities in the U.S. and three cities in Canada. Railways don’t just transport people from one place to another but are also involved in the transportation of goods and certain services.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 260.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 departs West Chattanooga

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s steam locomotive Southern Railway 630 departs Grand Junction at West Chattanooga as it heads to East Chattanooga, Tennessee with the daily local, 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, 1/500, ISO 150.

Norfolk Southern 8023 brings up the rear as DPU on NS 167 at New River Bridge, New River, TN

Norfolk Southern 8023 brings up the rear as DPU on NS 167 as they make their way across the New River Bridge under stormy skies as they head southbound on the NS CNO&TP (Rathole) Second District at New River, Tennessee. On April 30th, 2024.

DPU Stands for Distributed Power Unit, a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive unites at the train’s head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, or grain) to help climb steep grades.

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, 1/240, ISO 150.

CSX empty coal train E904 heads north across Gum Lick Trestle, Kelly, Kentucky

CSX empty coal train E904 heads north across Gum Lick Trestle at sunset, just north of Kelly, Kentucky on April 21st, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/5000, ISO 100.

CSXT 1869, Chesapeake & Ohio, heads north as the lead engine on X512 at Sebree, Kentucky

CSXT 1869, Chesapeake & Ohio, heads north as the lead engine on X512 at Sebree, Kentucky on May 12th, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

From a CSX Press Release: A locomotive commemorating the proud history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway has entered service as the fifth in the CSX heritage series celebrating the lines that came together to form the modern railroad.

Numbered CSX 1869 in honor of the year the C&O was formed in Virginia from several smaller railroads, the newest heritage locomotive sports a custom paint design that includes today’s CSX colors on the front of the engine and transitions to a paint scheme inspired by 1960s era C&O locomotives on the rear two-thirds.

The C&O Railway was a major line among North American freight and passenger railroads for nearly a century before becoming part of the Chessie System in 1972 and eventually merging into the modern CSX. In 1970, the C&O included more than 5,000 route miles of track stretching from Newport News, Virginia, to Chicago and the Great Lakes.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

CSXT 1852, Western Maryland Heritage Unit, heads north at Gum Lick Trestle, Kelly, Ky

CSXT 1852, Western Maryland Heritage Unit, heads north as the mid-train DPU on X512 as it passes over Gum Lick Trestle, just north of Kelly, Kentucky on May 12th, 2024, northbound on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

This extra 512 actually had two heritage units as the Chesapeake & Ohio unit 1869 was the lead engine on this same train and I’ll be posting a shot of that engine at Sebree, Ky this afternoon!

DPU Stands for Distributed Power Unit, a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive unites at the train’s head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, or grain) to help climb steep grades.

From a CSX press release: April 9, 2024 – CSX has launched another addition to its locomotive fleet – the Western Maryland heritage locomotive. This new locomotive pays homage to the rich history of railroads in the Western Maryland region and symbolizes CSX’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its railroad heritage.

The Western Maryland Railroad operated between 1852 and 1983 in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It was a small railroad that primarily transported coal and freight.

“In 1983 the Western Maryland fully merged with the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad), which merged with the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad) in 1987. They eventually merged with the Seaboard System to form CSX.” explained Tim Music, a CSX carman painter who assisted with the project.

The CSX Western Maryland heritage locomotive features a striking design inspired by the iconic colors and markings of the historic Western Maryland Railway. With its bold red, black, and gold livery, this locomotive stands out as a tribute to the legacy of railroading in the region.

“This was a smaller rail line but it is still an important part of our CSX history and we want to honor it,” shared Clyde Marshall, another CSX carman painter involved with the effort.

The Western Maryland is the twelfth heritage unit released by CSX in its current series, which underscores its appreciation for its railroad history as it continues to innovate for the future. The units are crafted at the company’s mechanical shop in Waycross, Georgia.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 110.

CSXT 1869, Chesapeake & Ohio, heads north as the lead engine on X512 as it crosses Gum Lick Trestle…

CSXT 1869, Chesapeake & Ohio, heads north as the lead engine on X512 as it crosses Gum Lick Trestle, north of Kelly, Kentucky on May 12th, 2024, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

From a CSX Press Release: A locomotive commemorating the proud history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway has entered service as the fifth in the CSX heritage series celebrating the lines that came together to form the modern railroad.

Numbered CSX 1869 in honor of the year the C&O was formed in Virginia from several smaller railroads, the newest heritage locomotive sports a custom paint design that includes today’s CSX colors on the front of the engine and transitions to a paint scheme inspired by 1960s era C&O locomotives on the rear two-thirds.

The C&O Railway was a major line among North American freight and passenger railroads for nearly a century before becoming part of the Chessie System in 1972 and eventually merging into the modern CSX. In 1970, the C&O included more than 5,000 route miles of track stretching from Newport News, Virginia, to Chicago and the Great Lakes.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/640, ISO 100.

CSXT 1852, Western Maryland Heritage Unit, heads north as the mid-train DPU on X512 at Sebree, Kentucky

CSXT 1852, Western Maryland Heritage Unit, heads north as the mid-train DPU on X512 at Sebree, Kentucky on May 12th, 2024, northbound on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. This extra 512 actually had two heritage units as the Chesapeake & Ohio unit 1869 was the lead engine on this same train and I’ll be posting a shot of that engine crossing over Gum Lick Trestle this afternoon!

DPU Stands for Distributed Power Unit, a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive unites at the train’s head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, or grain) to help climb steep grades.

From a CSX press release: April 9, 2024 – CSX has launched another addition to its locomotive fleet – the Western Maryland heritage locomotive. This new locomotive pays homage to the rich history of railroads in the Western Maryland region and symbolizes CSX’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its railroad heritage.

The Western Maryland Railroad operated between 1852 and 1983 in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It was a small railroad that primarily transported coal and freight.

“In 1983 the Western Maryland fully merged with the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad), which merged with the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad) in 1987. They eventually merged with the Seaboard System to form CSX.” explained Tim Music, a CSX carman painter who assisted with the project.

The CSX Western Maryland heritage locomotive features a striking design inspired by the iconic colors and markings of the historic Western Maryland Railway. With its bold red, black, and gold livery, this locomotive stands out as a tribute to the legacy of railroading in the region.

“This was a smaller rail line but it is still an important part of our CSX history and we want to honor it,” shared Clyde Marshall, another CSX carman painter involved with the effort.

The Western Maryland is the twelfth heritage unit released by CSX in its current series, which underscores its appreciation for its railroad history as it continues to innovate for the future. The units are crafted at the company’s mechanical shop in Waycross, Georgia.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 160.

Thomas the Tank Engine sits on the main waiting for Southern Railroad 630 to clear the switch…

The Iconic Thomas the Tank Engine sits on the main waiting for Southern Railroad 630 to clear the switch at the siding just before the Chickamauga Creek Bridge his train can proceed toward East Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 27th, 2024.

According to Wikipedia: Thomas the Tank Engine is an anthropomorphised fictional tank locomotive in the British Railway Series books by Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher, published from 1945. He became the most popular and famous character in the series, and is the titular protagonist in the accompanying television adaptation series Thomas & Friends and its reboot Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.

All of the vehicles in The Railway Series were based on prototypical engines; Thomas’s basis is the LB&SCR E2 class. Thomas first appeared in 1946 in the second book in the series, Thomas the Tank Engine, and was the focus of the four short stories contained within. In The Railway Series and early episodes of Thomas & Friends, Thomas’s best friends are Percy and Toby, though he is also close friends with Edward. Later episodes of Thomas & Friends have Thomas in a trio with James and Percy, and Percy is known as his best friend.

In 1979, British writer and producer Britt Allcroft came across the books, and arranged a deal to bring the stories to life as the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (later simplified to Thomas & Friends). The programme became an award-winning hit around the world, with a vast range of spin-off commercial products.

Thomas now travels the world to delight children of all ages!

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.

Norfolk Southern 189 Autorack train heads south at past the old depot at Spring City, TN

Norfolk Southern 189 Autorack train heads south at past the NS CNO&TP Third District as they pass the old depot in downtown Spring City, Tennessee on April 28th, 2024.

According to https://theclio.com website: The restored railroad depot was built In 1900 by the Queen and Crescent Railroad Company that extended out of Cincinnati Ohio built for the purposes of extending travel and commerce to the south.

In addition to it’s function of providing access to the southern areas of the United States, the Depot eventually became a museum that chronicled the story of a group of female rebels dubbed “The Rhea County Spartans.” During the course of the Civil War these Women Served as spies for the Confederate Army. However they were eventually caught and as a result of their actions they were arrested and sent 54 miles to the Market Street in Chattanooga. It was there that they were forced to swear allegiance to the Union before being sent back home on foot.

Today it houses the Spring City History Museum.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.

Southern Railway 630 crosses over the Chickamauga Creek Bridge at West Chattanooga, TN

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, 1/2500, ISO 330.