On May 31 and June 1, 2014, steam returned to the 2nd Division of the CNO&TP, or as is more commonly known, the ex-Southern Railway Rathole. Originally a nightmare of endless tunnels, grades and curves, a major project in the early 1960s resulted in major line relocations, along with some massive cuts and fills to turn the line into effectively a super highway. Changes are still happening today as the last of the single track is slowly giving way to a fully doubletracked line, which has some of the heaviest traffic on the Norfolk Southern system. It's also some of the most scenic territory on the old Southern Railway, which was the major reason for this trip.
The Lexington Limited operated between Lexington, KY and Oneida, TN as part of the Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam Program. With the long restoration of Southern 2-8-2 #4501 nearing completion in Chattanooga, TN, this weekend and next weekend’s Chattanooga to Oneida turn are likely the last major mainline outings for the 630, so this is in some ways a farewell tour. I have to say I’m going to miss seeing her on the mainline. She’s made a believer out of me.
Kevin
