The week I had filmed this was when a north bound coal train derailed in Spring City, Tennessee causing the CNO&TP to be shut down south of Harriman, Tennessee for several days. The rather dormant K&O suddenly became alive with detour traffic. The hot Cincinnati, Ohio to Jacksonville Florida intermodal was one of the many detours. The local power out of Clinton for the most part was promoted to pusher service as many of the detour trains exceeded trailing tonnage limits for the grades in the area. Surprisingly, 229 was one of the train that still needed pushers. It could navigate Copper Ridge and other stiff grades just fine with the power it was given, but there were enough empty cars between the power and loads to merit pushers. The lead UP SD70M also had mechanical or electrical problems in the end as well.
What's so special about this train you might ask? Two old head railroaders are aboard this train. The engineer began with Southern Railway and was his last day running a train before retiring. Another person aboard was the dispatcher for the South End of the CNO&TP. This was his last train ride before retiring at the end of September. His career with the railroad began with the Missouri Pacific Railway in Memphis, TN.
Both individuals enjoyed long railroad careers and now will enjoy a well earned retirement. Thank you for your service, gentlemen.
Enjoy!
6 авг 2024
