Drawing of the Day-February 2nd, 2016-Amtrak/Louisville & Nashville E8 #224

Today I drew Amtrak E8 #224.  It is a former Louisville & Nashville E8 from the era of Amtrak's inception.

Watching CSX While Visiting My Dad in 2009

I often enjoyed watching CSX trains at St. Albans, West Virginia while visiting my dad in Charleston.  In 2009, I spent much of the year in Charleston studying East Coast railroads.
A few times we drove to nearby Huntington and beyond to Catlettsburg, Kentucky.  I enjoyed watching trains cross the Big Sandy River as they made their way to Cincinnati and beyond on the old Chesapeake & Ohio. 

The Norfolk Southern Whistle-Stop Safety Train

The Norfolk Southern Whistle-Stop Safety Train continues on its tour of Kentucky and Ohio.  Norfolk Southern operates trains such as the Whistle-Stop Safety train in partnership with Operation Lifesaver.

Trains such as the Whistle-Stop safety train carry local first responders as their passengers, giving them an opportunity to see the profile of the track and the location of grade crossings.  Safety instructions are taught by an Operation Lifesaver presenter about how to prevent grade crossing accidents and how to stop trespassing on railroad property.

CSX Along The Big Sandy

At Catlettsburg, Kentucky the CSX former Chesapeake and Ohio line hugs the Big Sandy River.  Trains make their way from Huntington to Ashland.  We give a wave to the Amtrak Cardinal.
Across the river at Kenova, West Virginia, the Norfolk Southern Heartland Corridor connects Roanoke, Virginia with Bellevue, Ohio.  We hear a train in the distance on this summer morning.