South for Sunshine
The Loops: Timelapse
Traveling this section of railroad will require some 22 miles to go 4 miles compass north while climbing just over 1,500 feet. This is the land of dynamic brakes and throttle 8 -- of steep grades, tunnels, sharp curves, and full course reversals where you can see both ends of a train at the same time. Welcome to The Loops. It is amazing to think that this whole railroad, from top to bottom, remains virtually unchanged and has needed no major engineering upgrades since it's birth in the early 20th century. When they built the Clinchfield, they did it right the first time.
The Loops: Timelapse
Traveling this section of railroad will require some 22 miles to go 4 miles compass north while climbing just over 1,500 feet. This is the land of dynamic brakes and throttle 8 -- of steep grades, tunnels, sharp curves, and full course reversals where you can see both ends of a train at the same time. Welcome to The Loops. It is amazing to think that this whole railroad, from top to bottom, remains virtually unchanged and has needed no major engineering upgrades since it's birth in the early 20th century. When they built the Clinchfield, they did it right the first time.