(Source: Trains Magazine column by Jim Wrinn, October 16, 2016)
WAUKESHA, Wisc. — Thursday’s news that CSX, which runs the Clinchfield today as part of its system, will downgrade the railroad and reroute much of the traffic was unsettling to those of us who know the railroad well. The sinking fortunes of Appalachian coal have claimed a truly beautiful victim. Having ridden excursions on the line since 1978 and having photographed it many times when I lived in North Carolina, I understand the economics: Too many miles across too many mountains with too little traffic to support it. There are alternate routes with plenty of capacity that can take the Clinchfield’s trains. To my head, it makes sense. To my heart, it makes none.
Full story: Trains Magazine