A mine run out of Andover is loading its train at Wentz along the old Interstate railroad, sporting 2 motors on the head end and a trio on the rear. When staging trains here, crews were faced with a couple options, or so it was explained to me. With tracks winding up narrow hollers, there was often no room for a runaround track, therefore forcing crews to use "shoving platforms" (caboose) to shove backwards to their destination. In later years of DPU's, the Andover pusher set/local power would be utilized for the job, yet when on duty out towards Bluefield or Frisco, crews would utilize a classic red caboose in the hollers and hills of Appalachia. I had the chance to document 2 trains loading at Wentz, one with a caboose and one with the pusher set, seen here as the rear of the train eases down towards the loadout. A conversation with the crew explained that its smooth loading here when you have access to the helpers, however if your operating with a caboose, they typically tie the brakes on the first 5 cars to help hold the train back on the steep grade. Interesting operations to say the least.

Picking up seed dropped out of feeder.

4N0027

Just trying to soak up some rays and some of creators infinite wisdom. Got the rays,

The Andover helper set is seen on the rear of a mine run up at Wentz, acting as DPU's though utilized for the trip up the holler. When in service elsewhere, their job here today is done by a simple caboose.

A mine run out of Andover loads at Wentz on the former Interstate railroad, the loading process just beginning.

Powell Valley in Virginia

This informational sign is posted at the parking lot at the scenic overlook.

Near Manchester, TN. When I went back to the Sunflower field, this is all that was left of them.

They are taped together. This is in Powell Valley, TN, just south of the KY stateline.

Playing around with lighting and close-ups.