While driving through Newnan yesterday, I caught a glimpse of the locomotive on the Norfolk Southern short line.
Unlike the CSX main with its seamless high speed rails and nearly hourly traffic, this short line serves only one industry South of Newnan. As a result, it is more likely to have one operation a WEEK.
And the behemoth engine may be drawing only a single rail car to the customer at a sluggish 5 M.P.H.
But there is something about such a large mass of metal rumbling over the ancient line that awakes the spirit and stirs the soul.
There will be a point when the railroad finally convinces the DOT that it can no longer afford to provide service to these out of the way places. There is no money in minor industry service. At that point, the rails will be salvaged and the line will be traceable only by the cuts and fills that meander across the land.
Until that time, I will enjoy the heavy metal thunder when I hear it.
And keep my camera shutter clicking!
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