Stamping upgrade on sanded rail, Ross Rowland’s ex-C&O 4-8-4 #614 takes the Chessie Safety Express east through Cotton Hill, WV. The autumn leaves are down, the sun low in the sky, and they’re hauling the full contingent of 21 cars today – tool car, crew car, and the entire consist – meaning that this is a one-way ‘ticketed’ move from Huntington to Hinton. From Cotton Hill to Hawks Nest is one of the steepest parts of the grade up New River, and the big J-3a is putting all her muscle into the battle!
