Standing tall and proud after years of serving the former Norfolk & Western, a concrete coaling dock spans Norfolk Southern’s busy double-track main line at Vicker, Va., as an eastbound manifest silhouettes the structure in heavy fog. The train is grinding uphill, piercing the night air with locomotives in notch 8 as they move across NS's Christiansburg District.
Old icons like coaling docks remind us of railroading’s past, and it’s neat to include them in modern photographs to contrast how far railroads have progressed.
Let’s examine this structure with a variety of motive power, including a heritage unit. I would also like to show all of the possibilities that you can work with from a public grade crossing: the different scenes, lighting, and mood can create a whole new photograph from a familiar place.
Many railfans strive for variety in photography: in motive power, locations, and angles. However you define variety, most of us long for it in some form.
Vicker is one of those spots where different lighting and motive power can change the scene and produce a new photo from a familiar place. Growing up just 30 minutes from Vicker, I have shot the location many times, but the anticipation of capturing something different, new, and exciting draws me back.
My challenge is to never give up on a location. I always push myself to get something that hasn't been shot before. I look for new lighting conditions, angles, and motive power; I can always find something new and refreshing.
Let's look at a few more examples.
The last rays of sunlight glint in the quiet hollow surrounding Vicker, as eastbound auto rack train No. 272 charges upgrade, led by a single ex-Conrail Dash-8. The peaceful sound of the stream rippling is briefly disrupted as the train passes.
A beautiful autumn morning yields to the passing of Herzog train No. 925, as it charges upgrade following close on the heals of hotshot No. 234, with a classic GP59 leading the way. A scene like this one is getting difficult to find as older EMDs are being rebuilt.
Deadheading to Roanoke at track speed, ex-Southern Railway 2-8-0 No. 630 flies uphill underneath the classic coaling dock, while rushing toward Roanoke with its passenger train in tow. The train returns from Bristol after a weekend of excursions to Radford, Va., and Bulls Gap, Tenn. This consist will also be used the following weekend for excursions to Lynchburg and Walton, Va., as part of NS's 21st Century Steam excursions.
Spring is underway in southwest Virginia as hotshot No. 23G parades upgrade in early morning light, with NS's Southern heritage locomotive leading the way toward Norfolk. The engineer has the locomotives notched-out as they pull the grade at track speed. I love how the green locomotive contrasts with the green trees and beautiful scenery, which is a perfect example of how motive power can change an image drastically.
Thanks for looking, and I hope you enjoy!
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.