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Description
On October 27, 1994, we're on CSX's former C&O Hinton Division to ride one of the most popular Steam Powered Excursions of the eastern U.S. That excursion was the Huntington to Hinton New River Train. Normally, this train would be powered by NKP S-2 Berkshire #765. However, the 2-8-4 was out of service & needing an overhaul. So, for this years' Consist, (then) Newly restored Milwaukee Road S-3 Northern #261, would be the power of the 31 car Train. We boarded the New River Train in St. Albans & headed for the Gorge. The 261 performed magnificently & we enjoyed the trip to Hinton. 261 was cut off at Meadow Creek & turned on the wye for the return trip while diesels would tow the cars the rest of the way to Hinton. We didn't know it at the time, but this was the last time Steam would be allowed on CSX Tracks, both on the former C&O, & throughout the entire system. The following year, CSX would sell the Operations of the New River Train to Amtrak, which has ran it ever since. Though in 2019, the New River Train would be succeeded by the Autumn Colors Express. Hopefully one day, CSX would allow steam back on their tracks.

evangaines 2023
TRS22
New River Train Productions

Description
On October 27, 1994, we're on CSX's former C&O Hinton Division to ride one of the most popular Steam Powered Excursions of the eastern U.S. That excursion was the Huntington to Hinton New River Train. Normally, this train would be powered by NKP S-2 Berkshire #765. However, the 2-8-4 was out of service & needing an overhaul. So, for this years' Consist, (then) Newly restored Milwaukee Road S-3 Northern #261, would be the power of the 31 car Train. We boarded the New River Train in St. Albans & headed for the Gorge. The 261 performed magnificently & we enjoyed the trip to Hinton. 261 was cut off at Meadow Creek & turned on the wye for the return trip while diesels would tow the cars the rest of the way to Hinton. We didn't know it at the time, but this was the last time Steam would be allowed on CSX Tracks, both on the former C&O, & throughout the entire system. The following year, CSX would sell the Operations of the New River Train to Amtrak, which has ran it ever since. Though in 2019, the New River Train would be succeeded by the Autumn Colors Express. Hopefully one day, CSX would allow steam back on their tracks.

evangaines 2023
TRS22
New River Train Productions