This is an excellent shot in my collection taken by my friend Wally Johnson, of Richmond, VA. The train is the northbound (toward Kentucky) Norton Local--number 64--emerging from Callahan's Nose Tunnel. The line immediately goes under the Southern's Appalachia Division main, then over Powell River, and finally US 23. The motive power, 1893, is a booster-equipped J4A Mike, one of many USRA-design engines on the L&N's steam roster. Sadly, the rail is just now being taken up here (April 2012) for a rails-to-trails project. In 1986, traffic of Seaboard System (CSX) was diverted to NS trackage rights via a new connecting bridge about a half mile further down the grade. At least you'll be able to walk through the tunnel and across the bridge one day---without fear of being overrun by a 2-8-2. :)
