Norfolk Southern, Pocahontas District, Coal Branch fans. Ben Creek spur, Gilbert Branch. 4/27/2002

[@machinist1879]

Jack, another winner. This coal operation at one time was loading two trains a day. There were at least a few occasions that they loaded a million tons in a month. Occasionally, they would load trains of 150 cars with a single unit pusher on the rear to assist. If you were yardmastering at Auville and the Ben Creek shifter was late, it was a sure-fire way to make your phone ring!

[@Steelers2841]

Excellent Video Jack my Dad work in the Coal Mines in Southwestern, PA AND TILL THE MID70S then he work the Steel Mills inCanton, OH

[@Bob.W.]

Nice to see new videos from you, even if they are older shots.

[@1jackdk]

Thanks Bob.

[@jamesunderwood6053]

Oh boy! Jack I grew up on the N&W in coal country. I am very thankful for videos like these to take me back those days. I'm afraid you are right that most the railroading on the Pocahontas district is just a memory now.

[@justinvestrand6694]

This is a great video Jack. I miss the mining sector. Always made me feel closer to dad being near the railroad. The whole thing is a modern marvel if half the people even knew what goes on. Even the barging and underground trolley systems. Then one or two total system rebuilds each year at each facility. Keep the great videos coming.

[@Steve51983]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobgallo2178]

Awesome video, thanks for going through the process to record safely and legally. Be safe out there.

[@AJmx2702001]

great video on how things were done in eastern coal mines

[@larrydockery7201]

great vids i sure love them sd40s and 50 s we had the on the clinchfield line

[@iusetano]

Thank you for taking the time. Excellent video Jack. Thank you for sharing. I like watching your videos.

[@Chessie1985]

Excellent video of NS coal trains Jack!!!

[@Pocaconductor22]

Roger “Brake Man” Martin is the conductor riding the cab at 7:45, he’s since retired.

[@davidremy4470]

Once again you've outdone yourself Jack, thanks for posting. You really went the distance to get this footage, with the permission of the mining company and all, that's awesome, preserving history as well! Not gonna see scenes like this for much longer, thanks again.

[@1jackdk]

Thanks Dave. Your right, this is getting increasingly hard, and may be impossible to get anymore in these times.

[@osrr6422]

I've never seen air dumps lettered for Southern. Thats cool.

[@angeloavanti2538]

so cool to see a working caboose. and the rooster crow at 10:13 is the icing on the cake.

[@iceman977th]

Great video Jack. I don’t know if the mine at Timbar is loading but I heard MOW on my Pokey West radio feed up there the other day, so they’re up to something.. still quite a bit of traffic to and from Gilbert though today. Coal Mountain, Kepler, Gary 50, and Affinity all get trains, they are adding a prep plant at Itmann, and trains for the KNWA as well.

[@1jackdk]

That sounds like good news Mike. Thanks for the update. Haven't been down that way in a good many years.

[@tommythomason6187]

Enjoyed it. Isn't that a hood-unit SD70 in the lead on the coal train? The trucks (wheel bogies) don't look like those found on SD60s, SD50s, or SD45s.

[@logandetwiler4483]

1st. Love those EMD’s

[@Tom.Gregory]

just phantastic, that all

[@b3j8]

Sad to see coal going away slowly. Such a huge part of our Country, it's culture, and railroading for so long! Great video Jack!

[@1jackdk]

Thank you b3j8. We continue losing more and more. Very sad indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldmorrison6013]

Neat caboose

[@kleetus92]

Mingo Logan is closed now aren't they?

[@anb740]

Nice. And long before Obama’s war on coal decimated this entire region. That whole area looks like one gigantic, abandoned ghost town.