Back in the 1970s SCL still operated a branch from the ex-ACL main at John's Island to Croghan, a tiny yard with a couple customers directly across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston. It was worked by trains 584/585, which ran between Bennett Yard in North Charleston and Ehrhardt, which was the end of the Walterboro Sub at the time. 584 ran every day except Sunday, while 585 ran every day except Saturday. SB 585 generally worked the Croghan branch; MWF when I first started visiting in 1977, as needed by the time I left in 1980. In the photo, the keeps and cars are rocking back and forth as 585 slowly returns from Croghan with three cars. A crew member was required to flag all crossings. At John's Island the crew will add these cars to their train waiting in the siding beside the Charleston Sub mainline. Then they will head to Green Pond, where they will move to the Walterboro Sub. The branch was abandoned - I believe - in 1980 or 1981.
Trains don't run themselves--they're ultimately run by people. This album showcases the hardworking folks that make railroads work, as well as emphasizing the size of these great machines in comparison to their masters. All photos must include a visible h
Photos taken in the Deep South--primarily Alabama and Georgia--from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Featured railroads include the ICG, the West Point Route, SCL, Southern, Frisco, and even KCS.
