Hey guys, it’s been a while and I hope everyones been good these past few weeks. I’ve been studying hard for a class where I’m learning AutoCad. I’ve also joined the FECRS talk group so I haven’t had much time to tune in here. Has the name-calling and cussing calmed down? I hope so.
Anyway, the reason for this post. I’m watching a great program on the History Channel called “Hillbilly: The Real Story”, hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus. They just did a piece about the Clinchfield RR that was really quite good. From George Carter’s purchase of the Ohio River and Charleston Railroad, through Martin J. Caples’ engineering to today’s ownership and operation by CSX. A lot of good history told but best of all, a lot of great train video shot trackside and from helicopter platforms. Watching a pair of AC6000’s pull a 10,000 ft. coal drag through those tunnels and over those trestles that our great, great, grandfathers built is truely awe enspiring.
It’s really amazing, the amount of forethought that went into building that railroad through, around and over the Appalachian Mountains one hundred or so years ago. Never having to be re-engineered for today’s larger, heavier equipment as most other railroads did. Mr. Carter was sucessful in securing the funds necessary to build the railroad to construction standards far beyond those of that time. It’s very existence today is truely a testament to Mr. George Carter, Martin Caples and the men who built it.
I suggest setting your DVR to The History Channel and checking it out for yourselves.
Best regards everyone.