Merrimac Tunnel Thoroughbred
Cool mountain air and howling dynamic brakes set the scene as loaded grain train 54W emerges from the east portal of Merrimac Tunnel with NS 9747 & 9901 for power. The lead motor is the last of 859 D9-44CW’s delivered in “Thoroughbred” paint on the active roster.
Originally named Alleghany tunnel by the Virginian in 1914, this 5176’ bore was built on a 1.22% grade at the very top of Christiansburg Mountain, and even featured two ventilation fans housed in the brick buildings flanking the east end. I’ll never get tired of eastern mountain railroading!
Special thanks to Whitethorne extraordinare and conductor J.F. Smith for the help!
Merrimac Tunnel Thoroughbred
Cool mountain air and howling dynamic brakes set the scene as loaded grain train 54W emerges from the east portal of Merrimac Tunnel with NS 9747 & 9901 for power. The lead motor is the last of 859 D9-44CW’s delivered in “Thoroughbred” paint on the active roster.
Originally named Alleghany tunnel by the Virginian in 1914, this 5176’ bore was built on a 1.22% grade at the very top of Christiansburg Mountain, and even featured two ventilation fans housed in the brick buildings flanking the east end. I’ll never get tired of eastern mountain railroading!
Special thanks to Whitethorne extraordinare and conductor J.F. Smith for the help!