| 1.26.2024 Afton, VA. AMTK 320 leading the eastbound Cardinal #5025 through Afton as it passes a westbound empty CSX coal train. I heard over the scanner there was to be a meet at Afton. The Cardinal entered the passing track before I could get up to the signal to photograph it there. Though the State of Virginia owns this stretch of the former C&O Mountain Subdivision and it is operated by Buckingham Branch RR, CSX retains trackage rights from Richmond to Clifton Forge. Running empties up and over the mountain lessens the traffic on the James River line. The 5025 is running 23 minutes late.It's westbound counterpart AMTK #5126, is also being led this day by a new Siemens locomotive, AMTK 332. |