Summer in the Coalfields: CSX Trains Struggling up Cranberry Grade

Since the mid-1800s, trains on the Baltimore and Ohio have had to conquer the mountains of West Virginia traveling both east and west. Back in August, I stopped in to Grafton and found some activity, with westbounds arriving in the yard. Soon, M316 got track east, and I chased it to near Graveyard Curve just below Terra Alta, the top of Cranberry Grade. There, I then caught a stream of loaded and empty coal trains passing, before heading back west and home.

[@vincethompson3475]

Thanks! My grandfather retired from the B&O in 1961. He was conductor on the passenger service. Ran from Cumberland to Parkersburg. I can look at this and fondly remember him. He actually rode those rails through this countryside. Again, my thanks brother!

[@Skywarriorguru]

Long live the mountain sub

[@michaelminatelli8749]

My old stomping ground. Looks like someone is keeping up the graveyard. Great video.

[@lookingback6314]

Awesome videos!! Just starting out myself.
Liked and subbed thanks for sharing with us!

[@WMPotomacfan27]

Nice to see you trackside, great video!

[@bobmiller6065]

My favorite place to watch trains on the West End other than the hole at Terra Alta

[@fakecumberland]

Not a lot of trains, but some wild country.

[@kellyhollingsworth7355]

Nothing like it

[@csx8851]

Very nice shots in this video! Just subscribed

[@peterandben]

Much appreciated, I returned the favor!

[@csx8851]

@@peterandben Thanks man you rock! 👊🏼😎

[@dinkheinzman309]

Was this shot this year??

[@PaulsDMVRailroadsandAviation]

It says the date in the first shot

[@Rob-tr1st]

Clearly said August 2023 in the beginning.

[@dinkheinzman309]

@@Rob-tr1stI see it now that I was actually looking for it. The white text with a very bright sky as a background makes the text not pop or stand out on my not so great monitor.