Amtrak from the Wilderness to the City: The Amtrak Cardinal Traveling from Virginia to Cincinnati

This is the second half of a trip following the Amtrak Cardinal from Clifton Forge, Virginia to Cincinnati, Ohio.
it has several catches in between and a few bonus catches from the Norfolk and Newport News, Virginia area at the end.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Let me know what you think and share any stories you have from riding the Cardinal.
Clifton Forge, VA: 0:34
Departing Clifton Forge: 3:55
Alderson, WV: 6:39
Departing Alderson: 9:30
Prince, WV: 11:38
Departing Prince: 14:07
Maysville, KY: 16:35
Departing Maysville: 18:59
Cincinnati, OH: 21:14
** Extra Catches **
Norfolk, VA: 24:41
Newport News, VA: 33:25
Norfolk, VA: 35:25

[@SMichaelDeHart]

As someone who lives in southern West Virginia and has traveled via rail & auto throughout the area, southwestern Virginia, as well as the Shenandoah Valley...it's definitely one of the most beautiful route in America. It truly is Almost Heaven!! Another great youtuber that cover the New River Valley is Jackson's Drones...especially around the New River Gorge Bridge.

[@mjaviation17]

Fantastic Video! I just rode Cardinal 51 last week, and we ran over 7 hours late due to weather. We sat in Prince, WV for roughly 4 hours as our crew timed out and debris on the tracks. Had the opportunity to talk to the conductor and engineers during the rest. They are actually the same crew you see in the video. Two of the funniest engineers I’ve ever met!

[@nkyrailfan]

Oh wow! I think I saw your train on Amtrak Tracker. That had to be extremely frustrating, but it sounds like you made the most of the delay.

[@bluesboyst]

Awesome video. I have ridden this route since the 60s when it was the C&O on my way to Louisville then the current route after 1971. I really miss riding over the Lexington sub Pulling into places like Mount Sterling and olive hill great memories

[@redstonerelic]

Ah! I see you've found of my favorite spots to catch it! Longworth Hall!

[@devgupta8815]

Keep up the good work !

[@mobspearman5650]

Awesome thank you for sharing ❤️👍🏿💯 I this da cardinal is the most fascinating of any Amtrak route ❤

[@nkyrailfan]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@eastkentuckyrailfan]

Nice one man! That drone does great with the night shots as well!

[@keithmoore5306]

finally seeing you you're definitely different than i had pictured from your voice!! i'll tell ya those steamers off to the side of the tracks before it pulled into the station are far more interesting than the moving govt money pit!!

[@jacksonsdrones]

Just like Part 1, the Drone shots are just Phenomenal! Especially of Clifton and Alderson. I really enjoyed these 2 video showing off my favorite train, the Cardinal! Besides the Auto Train. 😂 Once again a Great Production! Keep Up the Great Work!

[@toddnance454]

Excellent

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks, Todd. I'm glad you liked it.

[@fakecumberland]

Not sure about you, but I was appalled by what I saw in Roanoke last week.

[@nkyrailfan]

I couldn't believe it when I saw it either I always assumed it was a very busy yard based on the pictures, but what my drone captured showed the former hump yard empty. It looks like only the receiving or departing yard is in use.

[@frankcarter5051]

Amtrak 50 and 51 refuel at Russell Yard on what is called the "Passenger Main"

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the great information. I do appreciate it. Is Russell the only fuel stop or do they have another one just in case?

[@frankcarter5051]

​@@nkyrailfanNo other locations that I am aware of. If the fuel system is not working at Russell, they have fuel trucks they use to fuel freight engines in various places in the yard. There's plenty of room to fuel the Cardinal if necessary. I've ridden the entire length of the line and on occasion they have used Clifton Forge for water in the cars.

[@frankcarter5051]

@@nkyrailfanThis location is at the intersection of US 23 and KY 207. Turn North and proceed under the short rail bridge. You can watch safely at the office parking lot. This time of year 50 comes through there in daylight.

[@nkyrailfan]

@frankcarter5051 thank you. That makes sense why we stopped in Clifton Forge ahead of the station. I assumed we were taking on fuel, but it easily could have been water.

[@douglas7046]

Really well done. I live in Charlottesville so this is familiar territory. How are you capturing the scanner chatter? I've never had much luck with that. Well done and thanks!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I try to have my radio scanner (Uniden BC75XLT) with me when chasing trains. I have a separate recorder for it and just let it record while I'm at a spot. It's usually pretty dependant on the terrain how well it picks up the signals. If you search CSX radio frequencies or Buckingham Branch Railroad frequencies, you'll find the radio frequency you should be tuned to for a given area. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[@timdaugherty5921]

SO you are real!!

[@nkyrailfan]

😂😂😂

[@devgupta8815]

Unmotivated AmTrak bureaucrats ( DC insiders, Beltway Bandits ) are both lazy & foolish not to take advantage of the scenic routes in the East like that of the Cardinal to run weekend excursion trains. Not only would it generate some extra change for cash strapped Amtrak always w/ a Begging Bowl ( billions ea. year ) for Public funds, but would be excellent PR too to salvage its image.The siding at Thurmond is perfect for overnight parallel parking of two 6 car trains ea. w/ their own Diners. A lot of the activities in the Gorge National Park can be covered from there. Sunday return trips could be capped w/ on board Gourmet dining catered by the posh Green Brier Resort at White Sulphur Springs.