A westbound NS train bound for Birmingham passes a couple of Opelika landmarks; one well-known, one not so well known. In the distance is the Lee County Courthouse, probably the most prominent building in Opelika's downtown. Closer to the photographer - right beside 8055 - is a lesser-known landmark, likely familiar only to railroad employees and railfans. Mounted on a pole a bit above 8055's windshield is a thermometer. It doesn't look like much, but it was there on my first visit to Opelika in October 1970, and I am pretty sure it was there on my last visit in October 2002.
