Thank you for a successful 2014!

Hi Followers,

With less than 48 hours remaining in what has been a very exciting year for rail preservation in West Virginia and throughout the Nation, we look ahead to 2015 with even larger goals, more ambition , and a great team of rail photographers and colleagues. At the beginning of 2014, I envisioned the organizing of at least two photo excursions and/or workshops that highlight West Virginia's rail tourist lines through photography focused excursions that replicate scenes from a fallen era.

Thanks to a great partnership with the Elkins, W.Va. based Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, we successfully coordinated two photo excursions in 2014. In September, we visited Durbin in a single day excursion that featured the railroad's former Moore & Keppel Climax No. 3 in a photo charter along the Greenbrier River. We utilized the 'wye' in Durbin to turn the locomotive for the first time in 12 years. Approximately four weeks later, we found ourselves back in the mountains of West Virginia on Columbus Day weekend, conducting a full day photo excursion in the peak of fall mountain foliage with West Virginia Central's first generation diesels along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. Between both excursions, we were joined by approximately 80 photographers from as far away as Colorado and New York.

As we closeout 2014, we look forward to the opportunity to join our friends at the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad and South Branch Valley Railroad in April 2015 for a two-day photo excursion that will highlight much of the South Branch of the Potomac River scenery between Moorefield, W.Va. and Romney, W.Va. The trip will feature first generation diesel locomotives, photo freights, and a night photo session. We first visited the Potomac Eagle in March 2013 as our inaugural trip under the name of Chase Gunnoe Photography. A collaborative effort between railroad management and our small photo team, our first excursion brought a crowd of nearly 90 photographers to West Virginia. To accompany our upcoming visit to the Potomac Eagle, we are also working with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and its supporting non-profit foundation on a night photo session that will precede the excursion on the Potomac Eagle. The night-only workshop will help benefit the restoration efforts of C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 with 50% of proceeds going to the foundation.

Our goal for 2015... 

"What is your purpose? What services do you provide and how do you stand out?" is undoubtedly the most common question we receive from inquiries on social media and email. Understandably, most who follow or 'like' our social media presence from those outside of railroad photography don't fully grasp the concept of photo excursions or workshops, especially exclusive to rail tourism. Our internet presence is not as strong as it could be, as our advertising efforts are primarily exclusive to email mailing lists and Facebook. As we head into the New Year, we will soon launch an expanded website, in which we'll incorporate this blog into the content of the new site. This has been a slow going initiative, but we are looking forward to launching our site before the April excursion.

Additionally, our vision for 2015 is to continue providing the hospitality we do in each and all of our trips and workshops through all-inclusive meals, hands-on night photography instructional tips, and an atmosphere that allows for two-way communication between staff and guests. My biggest inspiration for rail photo excursions is to introduce photographers from across the East Coast, Midwest, and even the West coast to West Virginia's premiere rail tourist destinations through high quality railroad photography trips that replicate scenes from the 1950s and before. Some of my greatest friends today are from those who I have visited and attended our excursions.

To me, it's much more than a photo excursion, it's an all-inclusive experience that includes high quality photography, exclusive railroad access, good food, and good fellowship. We have an excellent staff, a wonderful team of repeated guests, and great colleagues in the rail tourism industry who helps make these trips worthwhile. And for that, we look forward to what the New Year offers with a heart felt thank you to all of those who made 2014 a spectacular year.

Sincerely,

Chase Gunnoe

Night Photo Session to benefit restoration efforts of C&O No. 1309

Thanks to a collaborative effort between Chase Gunnoe Photography, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and the WMSR Foundation, proceeds from a night photo session on Friday, April 17, 2015 will be applied toward the restoration efforts of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. 50% of the funds generated by ticket sales to the night photo session will be given to the WMSR Foundation for parts needed to return the historic Mallet to steam, scheduled for the railroad's 2016 season.

The three hour night photo session scheduled from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday, April 17th, 2015 will feature the railroad's diesel equipment along with WMSR 2-8-0 No. 734, which will be operating its last season in 2015 before going down for an extensive overhaul. The night photo session will be hosted at the railroad's Ridgeley Shops, across the river from Cumberland and will feature several static and abstract photo opportunities using both ambient and flash lighting.

The three hour night photo is valued at $50.00 and tickets can be purchased by calling Chase Gunnoe at 304-553-9409 or email at Chase55671@hotmail.com.

Get involved today and help return C&O No. 1309 to steam!

Gift Certificates available by CG Photography!

Dear Friends & Followers,

As advertised via our social media outlets earlier this week, we are proving our rail fan and photography followers with an opportunity to attend one of our photo excursions or workshops using a seasonal holiday gift certificate. Currently, we have gift cards available in the amount of $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 that serve as great gifts for those who who appreciate rail photography, or as gifts for those who have attended our trips in the past.

These certificates can be used for discounted admittance to one of our 2015 photo excursions and workshops and/or the opportunity to purchase one of our photo prints or other products available. These certificates are designed for someone who has an interest in railroad photography as well as attending photo related workshops and vintage rail excursions. For more information on our upcoming photo excursions, take a look at the two links below:

2015 Excursions:

WMSR C&O 1309 Fundraiser Night Photo Session: 04/17/15

Potomac Eagle Spring Railroad Photography Charter: 04/18/15 and 04/19/15

Happy Holidays,
Chase Gunnoe

Black Friday! Reduced Ticket Price for upcoming Charter!

Hello Followers,

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week and are well on our way into winter, I want to provide our followers with an opportunity to benefit from a discounted ticket price for our 2015 Potomac Eagle Railroad Photography Charter. Currently, we have several seats remaining for the full day and night event on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The trip, valued at $150.00 includes ten hours of photographing vintage first generation diesels and the railroad's Chessie painted GP9 No. 6240 in rural settings along the South Branch of the Potomac River. Additionally, your ticket includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1, the Saturday-only will be reduced to $140.00. This was the same price we offered during the advanced pre sale in October. This will be the last and final reduction before all prices return to $150.00.

Sunday's exclusive 20-person trip is currently sold out. For any additional information, please contact me directly at chase55671@hotmail.com or 304-553-9409.

Update on Potomac Eagle Spring Photo Charter!

Hello Followers,

I would like to thank all of our loyal photography friends for helping spread the word on our Spring 2015 Railroad Photography Charter on the Potomac Eagle and South Branch Valley Railroad. Within the first two weeks of being online, we received over 45 reservations for the Friday Night Photo Session in Cumberland, the Saturday trip to Moorefield, as well as the exclusive Sunday trip to the "Trough". Thank you for patronage and supporting our efforts!

I wanted to provide an update to our mailing list for those who may still be interested in joining us for the Sunday trip. We had originally sold all 20 spots last week, but an unexpected cancellation has left approximately two tickets remaining for the exclusive Sunday charter. There's a small discounted rate for the Saturday/Sunday duo which I have outlined in the attached chart. Additionally, do not forget that there's still plenty of availability at the Friday evening Western Maryland Scenic Railroad photo session. We are partnering with the railroad and its non-profit foundation on raising funds toward the restoration of C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 through a steam and diesel night photo session scheduled for Friday, April 17th in Ridgeley, W.Va. For more information on all trips, please contact me at Chase Gunnoe: 304-553-9409 or email at chase55671@hotmail.com

Update on Potomac Eagle Sunday Exclusive Trip!

Hello Readers,

We are well into our second week of processing ticket orders for our Potomac Eagle Spring Railroad Photography Trip next April 18-19, 2015. This unique two-day all inclusive photo charter will feature  unique opportunities to capture the Potomac Eagle and South Branch Valley Railroad diesel equipment in operation. For full trip information on the Spring excursion, take a look at this link below.

Potomac Eagle Railroad Photography Charter Details

As many of you may know, we are continuing to promote this charter at a unique discounted rate of $140.00 for Saturday's trip and $225.00 for the all inclusive Saturday and Sunday excursion.

Attention: Only 4 tickets remain for Sunday's trip! After several inquiries and orders, we can now confirm that only four tickets remain for the Sunday excursion!

I am going to extend the discounted price through to Sunday, November 9th!

Notice: Do not forget we have also partnered with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for an opportunity to photograph C&O 1309's in-progress restoration at the railroad's Ridgeley Shops on Friday, April 17th. The standalone Friday night session is valued at $50.00.

B&O GP9 No. 6240 Photo Copyright Dan Morris.

Hotel Group Rate for Potomac Eagle Charter!

Hello Followers,

We are now in week two of processing advanced ticket orders for our April 2015 Potomac Eagle Spring Photo Charter scheduled for April 18-19, 2015. As many observed with our March 2013 charter, lodging accommodations in the town of Romney, West Virginia are limited. Thanks to an agreement between South Branch Inn at Romney, we now have a discounted group rate available for patrons attending our railroad charter next Spring.

The hotel has a normal overnight rate of $97.00 + Tax. Our Friday & Saturday weekend rate for the nights of April 17th and April 18th will be $83.00 + Tax. When reserving, please ask for the Chase Gunnoe Photography rate. The full contact information for the South Branch Inn at Romney is:

South Branch Inn at Romney
U.S. Route 50
Romney, WV 26757
(304)-822-2444
http://www.wvafun.com/sbi-files/sbir.html

For any questions or comments, please get in touch with me at 304-553-9409.

Thanks!
Chase Gunnoe

Night Photo Session in Cumberland will precede Potomac Eagle Spring '15 Charter!

Hello Followers,

Thanks to an agreement between CG Photography and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, we are very thrilled to announce a special night photo session that will take place on Friday April 17th, 2015 at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's Ridgeley, W.Va. shops featuring the in-progress restoration of C&O H6 Class 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 and other available equipment.

This unique and night-only photo session will precede our two-day railroad photo charter at the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad in nearby Romney, W.Va taking place on Saturday and Sunday. The night photo session will take place between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM and will feature industrial perspectives of C&O 1309's restoration with numerous human interest props available. Unlike other night photo sessions, the atmosphere of the Ridgeley Shops will provide photographers with a unique opportunity to capture industrial and mechanical perspectives of the equipment and infrastructure that is helping return C&O 1309 to operation.

This three hour night photo session is valued at $50.00. Thanks to a collaborative effort between CG Photography and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Foundation, 50 percent of the funds generated by ticket sales will automatically be donated to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Foundation for the ongoing restoration of the historic Mallet type locomotive.

For general inquiries or ticket order information, please contact Chase Gunnoe at 304.553.9409 or chase55671@hotmail.com. We accept all major credit cards and check/money orders.

Night Photo Exclusive Offer for Potomac Eagle Spring '15 Charter

Hello Followers,

Since announcing details yesterday on the April 18-19, 2015 Spring photo charter on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad and South Branch Valley Railroad, we have received several ticket orders and additional inquiries with specific interest in Saturday's night photo session.

Some of our photographers asked about the opportunity to purchase only night photo tickets for the two hour night photo session near Romney, W.Va. on Saturday, April 18th. We'll be visiting a large wooden trestle just south of Romney on Saturday evening and a night session that will include ambient and flash lighting with the railroad's B&O F7(A) No. 722 and Chessie GP9 No. 6240.

The exclusive Saturday night only photo session is valued at $50.00 and will include approximately two hours of shooting. As described above, we'll feature both ambient and artificial lighting (flash) weather permitting. The bridge is located less than two miles south of Romney Station, the railroad's main ticket office and depot. The photo session will require tripods and wireless/wired cable releases are encouraged. For any questions or comments, please message me for additional details. All contact information is included below.

Sincerely,

Chase Gunnoe

304-553-9409

chase55671@hotmail.com

CG Photography

PO Box 401

Nitro, WV 25143

Special Price Announcement and Details on Potomac Eagle Spring '15 Charter

Hello Followers,

As we iron out some kinks in our new website that we intend on bringing live in the near future, I want to increase our online presence through a blog/social networking site that allows us to share information, stories, and photos with our railfan followers in a friendly blog format.

For many of you, this may be the first time you've seen this website. I'm utilizing the available online bandwidth to share information on our much anticipated Spring 2015 railroad photography charter on the Potomac Eagle and South Branch Valley Railroad. After much success in March of 2013, we have finalized dates and trip details for a Spring 2015 charter that will be hosted on Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19, 2015.

Unlike our 2013 efforts, our 2015 trip will feature a Saturday and Sunday excursion. For specific details on each of the day's activities, take an extended look at the Trip Overview below!

Saturday April 18, 2015: 

We'll begin Saturday's trip in Romney, W.VA. at the ticket office and train station of the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. Our train will depart from Romney at 8:00 AM to the north. In compliance with the sun angles, we will perform a number of 'southbound' runbys at locations just north of Romney about three miles. Once we conclude with those locations, our photo freight and passenger trains will depart to the south from Romney performing additional runbys enroute to Moorefield, W.VA. as we pass through the trough and over Sycamore Bridge. We'll conduct a daytime runby at Sycamore Bridge, a location we visited under the stars in March 2013.

As we approach Moorefield, we'll conduct some additional runbys in town before returning north to Romney, W.Va. in the early evening hours. While on board, patrons will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner which is included in the single ticket cost of the event. The meals will be prepared by the railroad's contracted catering staff. After dinner, we'll conduct a night photo session at a large wooden trestle just south of Romney, W.Va.

Our motive power on Saturday will consist of the railroad's Baltimore & Ohio F7(A) No. 722 and the South Branch Valley Railroad's distinctive Chessie painted GP9 No. 6240. This will be the first time the Chessie GP9 has been featured in a photo charter in a number of years.

Sunday April 19, 2015:

Exclusive Trip! In addition to our Saturday trip, we are offering an exclusive trip that provides a limited group (20 photographers maximum) to visit scenic locations in the 'trough' that are not accessible with a large group of people. This trip will feature some key locations such as the stone house, Eagle Rock, and more... Our photo train will depart from Romney Station at 8:00 AM and return to Romney at 2:00 PM. Our Sunday photo train will feature B&O F7(A) No. 722 and a freight train photo consist.


 Saturday's excursion is limited to a maximum of 90 photographers, while Sunday's trip can accommodate only 20 photographers. We are offering a special advanced pricing on the trip available form October 27 to November 7 for those who are subscribed to our mailing lists and for those who actively follow our updates on social media, such as Facebook. For complete pricing, take a look at the attached photo bro the left. In March 2013, we had approximately 95 photographers, and we expect tickets to sell quickly. All meals are included in the ticket price. A physical flyer will be distributed to photographers soon. For the most up-to-date information, please subscribe to this blog or follow us online at www.facebook.com/chasegunnoephotography



For ticket information, general inquiries, concerns, or comments, please contact:
Chase Gunnoe at 304-553-9409 or by email at chase55671@hotmail.com 

Tickets are available for purchase today.

Sincerely,
Chase Gunnoe
CG Photography
PO Box 401
Nitro, WV 25143

Preserving History... While Building the Future... Whistles by the Depot

Hello followers,

Tonight's contribution comes in the form of both traditional blog text and video narrative in an effort to expand word on our Whistles by the Depot multimedia programs held each Spring and Autumn in Saint Albans, West Virginia.

As a young, dinky and impressionable kid with more enthusiasm than common sense, I spent some of my earliest years of "railfanning" from the park benches of the Chesapeake & Ohio Saint Albans Depot. By the time I had already developed an interest in railroads and photography, the depot was being maintained and operated by the Women's Club of St. Albans with some participation from a local model railroad organization.

The model railroad group and its affiliated members served as great mentors in my teenage years and I attribute a great deal of that knowledge and information I learned from the core group of the organization.

As I developed an interest in community involvement and social gatherings related to rail preservation and photography, I wanted to feature Saint Albans in a project titled, "Whistles by the Depot". The multimedia program brings together some of West Virginia's most accomplished rail photographers, authors, and historians for an evening of railroad photography and art presentations twice each year.

Today, we have a continuous waiting list of railroad photographers and a consistent attendance that fluctuates between 60 and 75 people each program. While not a huge number, we are grateful for the participation we've received from the community and the awareness we've generated on preserving rail infrastructure and specifically, the St. Albans Depot.

Take a look at your new promotional YouTube video promoting Whistles by the Depot!

Join us in St. Albans on Saturday, October 4th, 2014 for our Fall '14 segment!

Also, check us out online at Facebook: www.facebook.com/whistlesbythedepot

It's beginning to look a lot like... Fall...

With the celebration of Labor Day now in the archives and into the second week of September, it's only a matter of time before the humid days and mild nights transition into breezy afternoons and chilly nights. The humidity will become a thing of the past and soon, we'll be franticly searching for our ice scrapers and gloves... To many, the end of summer in West Virginia means that winter (and Christmas!) is just around the corner... And, that's not too awfully far from reality.

Similar to Spring, the fall season in West Virginia and Appalachia often suffers from an identity crisis. Above average temperatures into October result in a sharp transition to below average temperatures by the time November arrives and vise versa... Ideally, September, October, and the first days of November would gradually introduce us to the inevitable wintertime season. A subtle temperature change.. That rarely happens, though. 

Regardless of the temperature and climate outcome, we are generally guaranteed at least a few premiere days of fall foliage in the mountains of West Virginia... Somewhere... Foliage is always a challenge to predict across the state, attributed to different levels of precipitation, wind, temperature, and moisture. In the northern and eastern counties, color change becomes noticeable as early as mid September. When visiting our state's mountain counties over the weekend, I observed some subtle color transition along Cheat Mountain above Huttonsville, W.Va. Elevations above 3,600 feet will notice premature color changes as a result of cooler temperatures.

While it is relatively early to predict exactly when we may see our peak foliage days across the state, I hope to closely monitor the foliage situation (as I attempt each season) and report my observations back to this blog for our leaf-peeping followers. 

Book Review: RAIL USA Museum & Trips

Hello Followers,

In most instances, my blog contributions consist of personal experiences, trip notes, or a subject of interest related to something news relevant or historically significant. In this unusual case, today's submission comes in the form of a book review of a Bella Terra publication; RAIL U.SA. Museums & Trips. As a frequent travel who is always seeking good rail related reading material, I was recently introduced to this expansive guide and illustrated map that outlines some of our country's most unique rail related tourist destinations, the contact information to those attractions, and an easy-to-read illustrated map that connects our nation's rail preservation sites in a small, compact size.

I obtained a copy of all three RAIL U.S.A. Museums & Trips guides, which feature three separate books that include The Western States, Central States, and Eastern States. The all inclusive three-pack which I obtained at a price of only $24.95 features over 1,200 Museums, Depots, Scenic Railroads, Dinner Trains, Model Layouts, and Historic Sites & Train watching locations. For the occasional or frequent traveler, these compact guides are incredibly handy for quick references, proactive planing purposes, or personal research projects.

The attached photo (at right) features the expanded back side of the RAIL U.S.A. Western States edition, which includes an in-depth review of some of the western state's most prominent rail tourist destinations. A key-gen, which is somewhat visible in the top left of the photo helps identify specific types of rail attractions, such as museums, tourist lines, model layouts, etc. Those symbols are then placed alongside the text of that particular location/site along with its contact information, respectively. This helps quickly identify an area of the reader's interest and makes navigating each booklet extremely user friendly.

Each booklet is laid out very consistently, each featuring summarized information related to a specific attraction, its address/phone number, and other contact information. When fully expanded on the opposite side, the reference guide quickly evolves into an in-depth and well laid out illustrative map that features creative artwork and an atlas that easily pinpoints rail museums, tourist railroads, miniature railroads, etc. in relation to nearby highway systems and other roadways. The map also outlines existing railroads, but primarily focuses on the significance of museum and other rail attractions, as opposed to Class I railroads.

In short, each of these books in part of the RAIL U.S.A. Museums & Trips series are ideal for a traveling rail enthusiast, preservationist, or historian. Their compact size allows them to be easily stowed into camera bags or laptop cases while traveling. Additionally, they're great resources for trip planning purposes. As a West Virginia native, I was very impressed that the Eastern States edition included some of West Virginia's most obscure tourist attractions.

Each booklet is priced at $9.95, while the three-pack all inclusive guide is priced at $24.95. The booklets are a publication of Bella Terra and hit news stands in early 2014. Laminated copies of the maps are available, per request. Visit BellaTerraMaps.com for the latest product information.

Deja Vu in the Desert? Warbonnets still roam the Mojave Desert

Deja Vu in the Desert? 

Warbonnets still roam the Mojave Desert

In my three separate trips to southern California since early 2012, I've focused heavily on visiting and photographing today’s BNSF Railway operated Needles Subdivision, a busy section of transcontinental railroad connecting California’s coastal ports to the Midwestern industries of Chicago. Intermodal traffic dominates this scenic line, which slices through the Mojave Desert between Barstow and Needles. While I've heard several different estimates on projected daily train count, all of my visits to this busy railroad have produced significant levels of rail congestion, and consistent parades of westbound and eastbound trains.

While the double track mainline between Barstow and Needles has endless scenic photo opportunities, I’m also very partial to BNSF and Union Pacific lines west of Barstow, especially in the direction of Mojave proper and continuing west toward the former Southern Pacific Tehachapi Pass, a route deserving of its own story and photo essay.

The original Santa Fe yard and terminal of Barstow has always served as a good centralized point of interest in providing the most trains and variety. Several road locals originate here and the never-ending volume of inbound and outbound trains is fascinating to watch. This is also one of the best locations in the Mojave Desert (from my personal observations) to still watch several decently-painted original ATSF ‘Warbonnets’ lead road locals across the desert.

In a January 2012 visit to Barstow, I had my first, true ATSF Warbonnet encounter in the form of the railroad’s weekday Boron local, a road local that delivers covered hoppers to a Borax facility in Boron, Calif. west of Barstow. The roughly 80-mile round trip disembarks from Barstow on weekdays, delivering inbound cars to the Rio Tinto Borax Mine and picking up outbounds for customer distribution. On a mild and sunny day in January, rail photographer Chris Starnes and I intercepted the Boron job while it was switching out cars on the ‘Boron Spur’, which diverts away from the BNSF Mojave Subdivision to gain access to the facility. In true Santa Fe fashion, former ATSF GP60M No. 160 was doing the honors on this specific day, leading a trio of freshly rebuilt BNSF SD40-2R’s. The train left the facility with a heavy train in tow, putting on quite an impressive audio show to maintain a track speed of 50 MPH.

Fast forwarding over two and a half years in the June of 2014, I was once again in the center of the railroad’s busy Barstow terminal. Approximately two years had passed since my last visit to the area and I was anticipating an entire revamping of the railroad’s selection of motive power for road locals. As Class I’s work all across the nation to repaint locomotives into current corporate logos and schemes, I was expecting the iconic Santa Fe’s of 2012 to be even more endangered.

In a sea of vibrant orange ‘swoosh’ painted BNSF widecabs and rebuilt SD40-2R’s during my first re-encounter in 2014, I was even more convinced that the days of Warbonnet-led road locals were a thing of the past… Continuing east toward Ludlow to re-join access to Historic Route 66, a headlight on the horizon indicated we were on path to intercept a westbound. Expecting to encounter another L.A. bound container train, we diverted away from Route 66 onto a dusty pathway near Ash Hill.

As the train approached, the distinctive red nose of a former ATSF Warbonnet became apparent. On closer observation, a magnified telephoto perspective revealed a westbound light engine move. This was obviously the Cadiz local returning light to Barstow from the Arizona & California Railroad interchange near Amboy, California in the center of the Mojave Desert. The local is notorious for representing unique power lashups, but I was anticipating that even the Cadiz job had fallen victim to the ever increasing BNSF Railway corporate image.

On this extremely hot evening in June, I was once again fortunate to document a road local with classic power. The five-unit light move featured four Santa Fe locomotives; three of which were iconic red and silver ‘warbonnets’ while the fourth was the blue and silver Santa Fe inspired scheme. The leader, BNSF B40-8W No. 558 had received a BNSF applied patch job, separating it from the few remaining (and clean) traditional warbonnets. The trailing locomotive in the light power consist featured a traditional warbonnet, BNSF B40-8W No. 543. With a couple of modern patches/modifications, the aging four-axle B40-8W still proudly represented the predecessor carrier, returning west to Barstow on original Santa Fe rails in June 2014. 

Despite modernization and the evolution of new locomotive technology and efficient train operations with state-of-the-art equipment, one can still find a glimpse into ‘old school railroading’ at Barstow Yard in the heart of Santa Fe’s Mojave Desert…

New angles at an old place...

New angles at an old place...

Living in the outer skirts of Charleston’s city limits, I’m fortunate to have decent access to major freeways and relatively decent secondary roads that lead you to the different areas of the state’s extensive rail network. A 50-mile jaunt to the south places me in the center of the National New River Gorge, a beautiful gorge dotted with old mining communities, abandoned rail yards, and the center of today’s tourism in West Virginia. The New River caters to hikers, cyclists, rafters, and the general outdoorsmen. Those with an appreciation of history, beauty, and good food will not be disappointed… And that’s a guarantee!

The route of the former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway mainline operates through the entire New River Gorge, which is operated and preserved by the U.S. National Park Service. The mainline railroad today is part of CSX’s Huntington Division and serves as a critical link for the transport of export coal to the ports of Virginia. In a cover story written for the National Railway Historical Society’s quarterly publication in Spring 2013, I followed much of the Gorge, documenting abandoned infrastructure, scenery, and passing trains.

One of the most identifiable locations within the Gorge today is the old town site of Thurmond. The National Park Service has made tremendous efforts in preserving the town’s icon C&O steam-era infrastructure. The old storefronts of the once profitable railroad and mining town have been restored for public display, while the C&O passenger station is open for public tours throughout the peak summer season. Despite its main appeal as a historic town for tourists, the small town, which was once the center of the highly profitable New River Coal market, is home to a five residents, per the 2010 census report.

The railroad still operates here today and while coal may not be once it was one in terms of frequency and car tonnage, Thurmond is still an important link to CSX and its operations along the New River Subdivision. From a photography perspective, the use of different lighting situations and angles make the possibilities for photography never-ending.

Visiting the area several times each year, I challenge myself in finding new compositions using different lighting situations and equipment. I have yet to find a place that offers as much history, beauty, and variety as the community of Thurmond. It’s a truly a preserved piece of West Virginia railroad history…

Similarities between the Illinois prairies and West Virginia plateaus

As a long-time subscriber to Blogger content, though a seldom contributor, recent weeks of inspiration through mutual friends, an increase in writing interest, and flexibility in scheduling has allowed me to sideline permissible time to revivify my modest corner in the internet's vastness. As a freelance writer and photographer with a dominant engrossment in rail related content, whether through railroad photography, industry news, or preservation efforts, I'm eager to replenish this blog with rail material or illustrations of personal interest, industry relevance, or historical significance in an effort to share my railroad interests and photography with followers and friends old and new. 

The inaugural reestablishing of this site features a condensed blurb outlining a few collective thoughts and observations during a May 2014 visit to Illinois and Wisconsin. 

 Similarities between the Illinois prairie and West Virginia plateaus

Surrounded by prodigious mountain ranges, narrow valleys, and isolated communities thriving off the production of West Virginia’s most desirable natural resource, I somehow managed to find a interrelation between mountainous West Virginia and the flatlands of Illinois during a recent visit to The Prairie State.

As a Mountain State resident, tracing the mainline of the former Illinois Central Railroad, often called the Main Line of Mid-America, and later acquired by Canadian National in 1999 provided me with an authentic perspective to America’s agriculture industry and its critical significance to the economy of these remote communities.  Temperatures were beginning to warm up and local vegetation was in bloom at the time of my visit in early May, but communities were still preparing their plantations and estates for the year’s harvest, heavily delayed by a winter that exceeded its welcome.

Often exploring obscure mining communities and rural coal mining valleys often exceeding no more than 100 yards in width back home, I’m oftentimes enamored with my findings and enjoy relating them to the communities I visit during my travels. It was apparent that during my time in Illinois following CN’s Chicago Subdivision mainline, there were some unique comparisons between the two diverse geographical regions.

Historic steam-era infrastructure related to the predominate corn and soyben industries dotted the mainline, often positioned around the center of town. Occasionally, a modest station would stand boarded over, dwarfed by surrounding grain silos. The commercial districts of these quaint towns were immaculate, though human activity was seldom.  Occasionally, a large combine would disrupt the stillness, utilizing the Illinois state roads to enable access to nearby ranches.

People were very neighborly, extending waves most times and essentially unmoved by the presence of a camera holding young man with a strange Appalachian accent. The position of the railroad in relation to the community reminded me of being home. I envisioned the significance of passenger rail traffic in its hey-day and how such service enabled access to Chicago, only 90 miles away.

The atmosphere of being in an outlying area, surrounded by natural beauty, historic infrastructure, and hard-working people reminded me of being in the coalfields of remote McDowell County, West Virginia. While understanding the importance of coal back home and how it creates families, feeds tables, and keeps the lights on, I realized in my short trip to Illinois how significant of a role the agriculture industry plays in both the local economy and the railroad.