Branch Lines & Coal Mines, Buchanan Branch

In the far corner of Southwestern Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, is the busiest former N&W branchline on the Pocahontas Division, Norfolk Southern’s Buchanan Branch. You’ll see plenty of coal and coke trains, along with work trains and light power moves. Run through power from UP, CN, KCS, and CSX as well as leased power from PRLX are shown working in shifter service. See loaded Coal trains assaulting the 1.76% grade on Raitt Mountain, trains easing down a branch-line at 10 MPH, and even a train backing up to a mine with a former N&W caboose leading the way.

Heritage units from both NS and UP make appearances as well. You’ll also see one of the last sets of N&W CPLs still active on NS. You don’t want to miss this over 2-hour look at a fascinating and mostly overlooked railroad Coal operation.