CSX Trains with a GP30 in Coal Country West Virginia

Vacationing in West Virginia, when would be a better time to catch some trains in a place legendary for its coal trains? First we see a CSX track MOW train pulled by a GP40-2 and a rare GP30 slug with cars marked for B&O and Chessie System finishing up work for the day and parking at Fayette Station. Then we move on to the Amtrak station at Thurmond, where we see a C40-8 and an SD40-2 with a mixed freight, an ES44DC and an ES44AC with an empty coal, and a C40-9W with an ES44AC on a singlestack.

[@amtrak706]

Thank you! I used the WV issue of Trains as a railfanning guide on location. Thurmond is interesting---it's a ghost town with an Amtrak station plopped in it---but elsewhere in WV might be better railfanning, as the daily train count on the New River Sub is only 12-14. If you want to see trains on the New River Sub, the Thurmond area is your best bet because both mainlines are in the same place and there is a relatively active RJ Corman line that interchanges with the CSX right at the station.

[@chatanugadotorg]

Got that issue as well. Very informative. Granted, I know there are busier areas, but I'm going for more than just watching trains since I'm wanting to soak up the scenery and hopefully get more ideas for paintings as well. :-) I've been through WV on I-77 before but never stopped anywhere other than the rest stops.

[@appalachianrails]

By the way, that mixed freight was Q303 and the intermodal train was Q135.

[@chatanugadotorg]

Cool video! I'm planning on doing a road trip down to Thurmond in the near future. Never railfanned in WV before, and after seeing the town in Trains Magazine and online, it looks like it'd be a cool place to watch trains and soak up the scenery. :-)

[@florida_railfan_production3114]

yep its me in gonna upload the vids soon but yes im the one that u met at the bridge at Cassandra PA

[@grandparails8858]

I went through there Aug.4,2013 on the Amtrak Cardinal 50 going to White Sulpher Springs. Then came back through Aug.14,2013 Amtrak Cardinal 51.Going back again this year.

[@appalachianrails]

You should ride the New River Train as well. It may be nothing but private cars this year and not a single Amtrak car.

[@grandparails8858]

do they run all summer?

[@appalachianrails]

John Dilley No, the New River Train only runs during the last two Saturdays and Sundays in October every year. Go to newrivertrain.com for more information.

[@grandparails8858]

Thanks for the info.

[@appalachianrails]

John Dilley No problem. Subscribe to my channel also please?

[@florida_railfan_production3114]

hey dude its me i couldnt message u so I just got home and this is ur recent vid so umm...haio!!!

[@appalachianrails]

Was this your first time in the area?