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I am slowly working on getting caught up on processing the backlog of images I have shot during the past 3 or 4 months. It seems like we where on the road just about every weekend. Between all of the steam trips, OCS trips and a few other special events that we attend, I figure we drove close to 7000 miles in about 4 or 5 months, and I shot well over 5k frames. It certainly has been a year to remember if you like the NS and its predecessor's! Being able to travel to enjoy the trains has been awesome, and being able to run around with  our wonderful group of friends while doing it was even better.

This installment covers the private trip NS ran for the Lexington Group on November 12th with the F units & OCS equipment from Knoxville TN to Asheville NC and return on the River Line. I was lucky enough to get to ride that line a few years ago on a train, but this was the first time I had ever tried to chase it. We made use of the extra seats in the new explorer and invited Jacob Gwinn and Doyle Massey to ride with us, and had a great time. Jacob's knowledge of the line and expert job as navigator kept us well ahead of the train, and got us into a few spots that I had no idea even existed. We had a few other carloads of folks following us as well, and I think everyone came away with some great shots.

I just wish that the OCS would run at such a laid back and leisurely pace all the time!

This link will take you to my 2011 OCS gallery. I added 18 new shots from this trip (top of the page), and you can also find some other F unit stuff from this year, if you have not already seen them.

http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/ocs11

Here are a few small teasers. The shots at the link above are larger and better quality.

Eastbound at Del-Rio TN


Westbound at Marshal NC, along the French Broad River.


Passing the Baptist Church at Wolf Creek TN.


Pacing just outside of Del-Rio TN

Someone needs to chop that tree down there across from the church before it gets to be really tall and blocks the view from that angle.


Thanks for sharing E.M..

Steve Forrest sent me this picture..its not often you get to see what you look like out chasing the OCS.

He shot this from the rear of the Bunea Vista, near Del-Rio TN, as we where doing our best to get back ahead after shooting the church shot seen above.

That's really cool, EM.  You are at the Del Rio/Big Creek siding there.  I usually hop this road all the time at 60 mph chasing the trains along the River Line, since I live a couple blocks from it in Newport near Food City by the tracks.  I wish I was able to chase the OCS on that day but school/work had me 'tied down'.

On second thought, I saw the OCS in Newport moments after this pic was taken; my wife and i had just arrived at Walgreens by the tracks when the OCS came by.