L&N switch back

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I read in the early 90’s the L&N had a switch back on one of their mainlines in Kentucky.

Does anyone know if it is in operation?

Thanks in advance!!

2

…I believe that was featured in TRAINS back several issues, and If I remember correctly, it is still in use. Someone will confirm.

3

Hagans Switchback is between Loyall, KY and Appalachia, VA on CSX.

4

This is a link to a previous Thread on Hagans Switchback:

(ADD) I think that this switchback is located in the area of the Cumberland Gap National Park,and is close to the route of US Hwy 25 over the gap, through a hwy tunnel, IIRC( ?).

http://cs.trains.com/trccs/search/SearchResults.aspx?q=CSX+Switchback+AND+sectionid%3A111&o=Relevance

Railway man responded on the above link:

Railfan1 wrote:

A few years ago, I saw a pentrax movie entitled “CSX Eastern Kentucky Coal” (or something to that effect) and it showed a segment about “Hagan’s switchback” which was stated to be the only operational switchback left in the US. This was filmed in the 90’s and I was wondering if this was still in use. It seemed very outdated in the 90’s so I was wondering if it made it into the 21st century?

Here’s a photo taken 10 months ago:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=182656&nseq=4

The definitive article is in August 1985 Trains, pages 24-32. If you can’t find a back copy, Trains will ma

5

I was wondering, after reading the original post on this thread, if the poster meant a true switchback or simply a hairpin curve (which some call a “switchback”). As RWM says, this switch does not quite meet the criterion of gaining altitude, so it may be highly improper (just as it is improper to so-call the Gilluly Loops on the Rio Grande (now UP) southeast of Provo) to call it a switchback.

My only experience with true switchbacks is on the Cass Scenic Railroad, which has not just one, but two, true switchbacks as it ascends the mountain. I can even admit that I have thrown the switch on one; while descending (36 years ago), I was talking with the conductor as we approached the upper switch, and I asked him if I could line it after we had run through–and he said that I could. It rather startled my wife and the children as I got off and took care of the switch.

6

railcarguy

Yes Hagans is still in service and is a true switchback. Originally the Martin’s Fork branch out of Harlan, Ky. which was extended in 1930. Southbound trains leave the Hagans tunnel under Cumberland Mountain onto the lower tail track at Smiley and it then backs up to the middle leg of the switchback where a spring switch lines up to take it up to the top at Hagans Junction and the old Cumberland Valley main from Cumberland Gap. Which the crosses over Hagans tunnel where the whole thing started. In the process they gain 102’ and turn 90 degrees due East to Norton Virginia and the connection with the NS (N&W).

7

From: ‘The What it’s Worth Dept’!

Page 11 of the current TRAINS (September 2010) The article by Kevin Burkholder;

The story references the Montpelier Branch of the Vermont Railway, and its 5% Grade with two switchbacks. Line has apparently been dormant since approximately 2001.

A long time back I used to haul car seats for use in new L I RR M-l cars from Elk Grove Village to the Bombardier Plant which was located just on the SE side of Montpelier, Vt. It was a bear to get a 53’ tlr. into for a delivery

The rail line that serviced that plant had an awful looking grade to get into the plant and the line ran through a large cemetery to get to the plant, and they were always worried about loosing a car down the hill. I wonder if this is the line mentioned in Kevin Burkholder’s article? Kind of sounds like what I remember. Anybody else have any knowledge of this Branch line? Can they set me straight on that information? Thanks.

8

FWIW, the Hood River RR has a switchback a couple of miles south of Hood River.

9

Sam - that is the switchback referenced in my article on the granite hauling ops. The line continued up the hill past the Bombardier plant to the quarries. Just wanted to let you know so there was closure to your question - if not already answered elsewhere.

Thanks,

Kevin Burkholder
White River Junction, VT

10

Kevin:

Thank You!

That was always an enjoyable trip for me.

My wife used to love the Maple syrup, and stuff I managed to find coming back out of the Putney area…It is beautiful country.

And as well, WECOME![#welcome] This can be a pretty interesting place, and most of the folks here are interesting, as well.

My Christmas present is supposed to be one of the Archive disks from the TRAINS library, I think, I remember your piece (incl Rock of Ages OPs(?). I’ll refresh my memory.[8-|]