The 2018 New River Train
#excursion #passenger #tourist #train #trains #tourism
Celebrating fifty two years of operations. Operating in conjunction with CSX Transportation, the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, and Amtrak. The 2018 edition of the New River Fall Foliage Train ran on the weekends of October 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th, 2018 with riders from all across the United States. This train also brings in tourists to the Railroad Days Festival at Hinton, West Virginia over all four days. Running as CSX train P954 over all four days of operation. Several places along the New River Gorge were selected for this year's run.
Myself and a couple of friends started off the first day of the trips at historic Thurmond, West Virginia. With the train running just a few minutes behind schedule. We see the first Saturday eastbound trip passing through the former downtown area of Thurmond. The wide spot and the coaling tower in the background was once apart of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's locomotive servicing facilities for the various branch lines to the coal mines in the area. After catching an RJ Corman coal train coming down off the Loop Creek Branch and getting some lunch. The decision was made to come back to Thurmond for the first of the evening trips back to Huntington, West Virginia.
While on the way up to the New River Gorge the next day. We overheard a conversation on the radio between the train dispatcher and a track inspector on which way the New River Train could run. After the track inspector flat out told the dispatcher that he could not run the New River Train across the river at Hawks Nest. result of listening to the dispatcher and a track inspector having that discussion on which way he would be able to run the New River Train that morning. Seen making its first Sunday run over this weekend and next weekend. The 2018 edition of the New River Train, operating as a P954-21, rolls across the bridge at Sewell, West Virginia on its way to Hinton, West Virginia.
Fast forward to this past weekend and what transpired.
Our only shot from this past Saturday that turned out to be the only decent one we would get that day. Running east for Hinton, West Virginia this past Saturday. The New River Train is seen passing under the bridge at Stone Cliff, West Virginia deep in the heart of the New River Gorge. After this shot was taken off the bridge. The rain had set in for the evening and basically threw a wrench into our plans for the next shot overlooking the New River at Thurmond later on that day.
This past Sunday, we managed to check off a shot that we had been thinking of and looking at for a while. With this being the last eastbound trip of the New River Train for this year and possibly for the future. We are at Stretchers Neck Tunnel just west of Prince, West Virginia. First completed in 1873, this 1,600 foot long tunnel was built to avoid a four mile long loop around Stretchers Neck of the New River. Rebuilt between 1930 and 1932 as part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's double track expansion to alleviate single track bottlenecks along the New River up until it was single tracked once again as a part of cost cutting measures undertaken by the Chessie System in the mid to late 1970's. Enjoy the view and the sound as the New River Train emerges from the tunnel on it's final eastbound run to Hinton.
After catching a few other trains pass by at Thurmond. Our next to last shot of the New River Train has us high atop the New River Gorge overlooking the town of Thurmond. Heading back west towards Huntington for the final time. The last westbound run of the 2018 New River Train glides through Thurmond, West Virginia as seen from the Concho Rim Overlook just west of town.
Our final shot of this year's New River Train takes us back down into the Kanawha Valley. With dinner for passengers and crew being served on board. The last run of the New River Train eases into Montgomery, West Virginia on its way back to Huntington. Montgomery was once used as a water stop when steam locomotives were a fixture on the train until 1994 when the use of steam on this excursion ceased.
With rumors circulating that this train may not run this time next year. This may have been the last New River Train to run. It remains to be seen what Amtrak will do pertaining to this excursion as future runs of this train currently look bleak. We will just have to wait and see what the future holds for this and other mainline excursions all across the United States.
2016 New River Train At Marmet, West Virginia
Operating as CSX train P938-15, the 2016 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through Marmet, WV on its first Saturday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 822, a General Electric P40DC, that is painted in their Phase Three heritage in honor of Amtrak's forty plus years of providing passenger service across the United States.
In celebration of fifty years of hosting excursions on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway as hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
2015 New River Train At Prince, West Virginia
Operating as CSX train P938-18, the 2015 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through Prince, WV on its first Sunday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 156, a General Electric P42DC, that is painted in their Phase One heritage in honor of Amtrak's forty plus years of providing passenger service across the United States.
Hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
2016 New River Train At Hawks Nest, West Virginia.
Operating as CSX train P938-15, the 2016 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through the New River Gorge and across the 110 year old bridge at Hawks Nest just outside of Ansted, West Virginia on its second Saturday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 174, a General Electric P42DC, that is painted in their standard Phase V paint scheme with Phase III heritage unit 822 and Phase I heritage unit 156 in tow.
In celebration of fifty years of hosting excursions on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway as hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
2016 New River Train At Brooks, West Virginia
Operating as CSX train P938-15, the 2016 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen on its second Sunday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 174, A General Electric P42DC rolls west along the New River Gorge just west of Hinton at Brooks, West Virginia as it heads for Huntington, West Virginia on CSX Transportation's New River Subdivision.
In celebration of fifty years of hosting excursions on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway as hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
2015 New River Train At Barboursville, WV
Operating as CSX train P938-17, the 2015 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through Barboursville, WV on its first Saturday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 156, a General Electric P42DC, that is painted in their Phase One heritage in honor of Amtrak's forty plus years of providing passenger service across the United States.
Hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
2015 New River Train At Saint Albans, West Virginia
Operating as CSX train P938-18, the 2015 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading leaving Saint Albans, West Virginia after making a stop to pick up passengers on its first Sunday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 156, a General Electric P42DC, that is painted in their Phase One heritage in honor of Amtrak's forty plus years of providing passenger service across the United States.
Hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
How Collis Huntington Changed America
2014 New River Train At Prince, WV
Operating as CSX train P941-19, the 2014 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through Prince, WV on its first Sunday of operation. Leading the way west is Amtrak 151, a General Electric P42DC, as it heads for its next stop at Saint Albans, WV.
Hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
2014 New River Train At Quinnimont, WV
Operating as CSX train P941-19, the 2014 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through Quinnimont, WV on its first Sunday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 42, a General Electric P42DC, that is painted in honor of military veterans that have worked or are currently working for Amtrak.
Hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States.
Shot from the overlook at Grandview State Park in Shady Spring, WV.
Crossing the New River on CR-41 East of Beckley, WV
This bridge is along CR-41 east of Beckley, WV and it crosses the New River. The bridge and the railroad bridge next to it are both visible from high above at one of the overlooks in Grandview Park. Both the park and CR-41 are highly recommended.
Amtrak's Cardinal 2017: [Chicago-Charleston-New River Gorge-Clifton Forge], Eastbound train# 50
#Amtrak -The Cardinal offers the most scenic views East of the Mississippi River.
With Viewliner sleeping accommodations, both occupants have their own window, so you can both lay in bed and watch America the Beautiful roll by in style.
We say goodbye to Robert & Wendy, yet Traci & Corey join us for the final leg of our 2017 journey back home. *Long live the long-distance passenger train!*
Video contents:
0:00.45 Walk down the platform.
0:01.37 Meeting Markeeta, Traci & Corey's SCA (in the 2nd Viewliner sleeper!)
0:02.22 Meeting Janice (Mamma J!) for the first time. What an awesome person!
0:03.33 Boarding & walk to our room.
0:04.12 Departing Chicago Union Station (on-time)
0:06.20 Amtrak's Chicago Yards, locomotive maintenance facility.
0:08.00 Crossing Chicago River.
0:09.00 Making dinner reservations.
0:09.25 Walking to dinner in the dining car.
0:15.19 After dinner.
0:16:00 Walk to lounge car for a game of cards while our SCAs make up our beds.
0:18.03 We awaken at about 80 m.p.h cruising thru West Virginia.
0:19.35 The train is sold out again today.
0:22.02 Arriving Charleston, WV
0:23.03 Departing Charleston
0:25.00 Going under the New River Gorge bridge (on the South side!)
0:27.00 Crossing the New River -over white water [not at Hawk's Nest!]
0:28.00 Arriving Clifton Forge, Virginia.
0:29.58 Cruising thru West Virginia in Business Class.
0:31.30 Arrival in Huntington.
0:33.20 Glimpse of best parts of our 2017 journey! :) *Cheers!*
2014 New River Train With Amtrak's Veterans Locomotive
Operating as CSX train P929-18, the 2014 New River Fall Foliage Train is seen heading through Marmet, WV on its first Saturday of operation. Leading the way is Amtrak 42, a General Electric P42DC, that is painted in honor of military veterans that have worked or are currently working for Amtrak.
Hosted by the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with equipment provided by Amtrak. This is the only public excursion held on the entire CSX Transportation system. Running along the Kanawha and New River Subdivisions between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia. These trips, held for two weekends in October, give riders the chance to view some of the best fall foliage in the United States. .
The 2019 Autumn Colors Express
#excursion #passenger #train
With the future of the New River Train uncertain at the beginning of 2019. Also, with the closure of the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society in February of 2019. After months of wrangling between the State of West Virginia, Amtrak, and a host of others. It was announced in August of this year that a deal had been reached with Rail Excursions Management to take over operations of the former New River Train.
Running for three days this past weekend in conjunction with CSX Transportation, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Historical Society, and Amtrak over CSX's New River Subdivision. The inaugural run of the Autumn Colors Express got underway this past Friday morning with riders and tourists from all over the United States and Canada coming in to enjoy the sights of the New River. Running as CSX train P943 the entire weekend with Amtrak Phase III heritage unit General Electric P40DC locomotive 822, BW32-8 500, and Phase IV heritage unit P42DC locomotive 184 providing the power. Enjoy the sights as we venture up and down the New River Gorge.
Myself and a couple of friends started off on Friday morning. With the train having issues with Positive Train Control even before it left Huntington and a couple of other mechanical issues plaguing the first eastbound trip. We see the first run of the weekend running over an hour behind schedule as it passes under the world famous 876 feet high, 3,076 feet long New River Gorge Bridge at Fayetteville, West Virginia. Built between 1974 and 1977 at a cost of $37 million dollars. The New River Gorge Bridge is the third longest steel arch bridge in the world with a main span of 1,699 feet.
After catching the Autumn Colors Express at the bottom of the gorge and knowing that we wouldn't make it anywhere else for another shot. We decided on setting up on the overlook at Grandview National Park located just outside of Beckley, West Virginia. Grandview offers a stunning view of the New River Gorge as it navigates one of a few horseshoe curves on the river. With the Autumn Colors Express departing Hinton an hour late due to giving the riders the ability to make up for lost time during the Railroad Days Festival. Starting it's journey around the horseshoe. We look downward upon the control point at Backus and the yard at Quinnimont, West Virginia as the train heads west for a station stop at Charleston.
With the weather Saturday morning not being the best. The decision was made not to go up on the New River on Saturday and shoot the train. However, I did manage to get a shot in Saturday evening. With their station stop at Charleston, West Virginia just a few miles ahead. The westbound Saturday run thunders through Marmet, West Virginia running several minutes ahead of their scheduled 6PM stop at Charleston's Amtrak station.
Our third location of the weekend has us once again at the bottom of the New River Gorge. This time we are at the bottom of Hawks Nest State Park to check off a shot that I had been wanting to shoot this train at for years. Navigating its way through the sharpest mainline curve on CSX. The Saturday morning run of the Autumn Colors Express is seen crossing the New River on the 660 foot long circa 1892 steel through truss bridge located just outside of Ansted, West Virginia.
After grabbing lunch and much needed refreshment in Beckley and meeting the train in Hinton. With the Autumn Colors Express getting ready to depart Hinton relatively on time. We were off to our next shot just a few miles west of Hinton at a place called Brooks, West Virginia. Here we see the Saturday westbound run making good time through Brooks as it uses every bit of the 60MPH+ track speed between Hinton and Meadow Creek, West Virginia.
Our final shot of the weekend comes from a place that railfans around here are quite familiar with. Heading back to Huntington on its last westbound run of the weekend. The Autumn Colors Express is seen passing through Cotton Hill, West Virginia as we round out our adventures on the New River this weekend. As for next year's trips taking place. They have already been announced and more information can be found by going to the Autumn Colors Express website at and on their Facebook page at
Thanks for watching!
New River Excursion Train Arrives in Saint Albans, WV
The last of four runs of the Collis P Huntington New River Train had begun just a short while ago and is now making it's first stop to gather more passengers at the old C&O Depot in Saint Albans, WV on October 28, 2012. The depot, built in 1907, doesn't see much passenger activity any more so it is truly a treat to witness the area come to life again. Last weekend the weather had treated the New River Gorge tourists extremely well, but now an all day rain has settled in on the Kanawha Valley and the temperature is more typical of a late October day. After the passengers are loaded, the New River Train continues it's journey east to the New River Gorge, The Grand Canyon of the East. As it departs, a westbound CSX Q303 passes on number one track with its load of mixed freight.
One day trip in the Cardinal Train with Beautiful Scenery
I took the Cardinal between Cincinnati and Washington.
The videos shows the train, the landscape. In particular the New River Gorge that can be accessed only by train (visible at 4:37). Great trip to make in the fall with the foliage.
Reference: train 099
Welcome to Huntington, WV
West Virginia Travel Destination & Attractions | Visit New River Gorge National River Show
West Virginia Travel Destination & Attractions | Visit New River Gorge National River Show
The New River Gorge National River is a unit of the United States National Park Service designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. Established in 1978, the NPS-protected area stretches for 53 miles (85 km) from just downstream of Hinton to Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted.New River Gorge is also home to some of the country's best whitewater rafting. The focus of this rafting is in the New River Gorge from the Cunard put-in to the Fayette Station take-out. The river levels for the New River Gorge (and most other major whitewater rivers in the United States) can be checked at American Whitewater.[3]New River Gorge is also one of the most popular climbing areas on the east coast with over 1,400 established rock climbs. The cliffs at The New are located just below the rim of the gorge and are made up of a very hard Nuttall sandstone. The rock is very featured, and an abundance of crack and face routes, with occasional large roofs. Almost all climbs are one pitch long and range from 30 to 120 feet (37 m) in height. The majority of the routes in the gorge are for advanced climbers in 5.10-5.12 range of the Yosemite Decimal System with about an equal number of traditional and sport climbs.New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 as a unit of the national park system. Located in the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia, the park encompasses over 72,808 acres (295 km2) of land along 53 miles (85 km) of the New River from Bluestone Dam to Hawks Nest State Park.[1] A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park is rich in cultural and natural history and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.President Jimmy Carter signed legislation establishing New River Gorge National River on November 10, 1978 (Public Law 95-625). As stated in the legislation, the park was established as a unit of the national park system “for the purpose of conserving and interpreting outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects in and around the New River Gorge and preserving as a free-flowing stream an important segment of the New River in West Virginia for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations; More Info
Huntington, West Virginia welcome center to Portsmouth, Ohio 2015-05-29
0:01 Leaving West Virginia welcome center on Interstate 64 near Huntington
1:11 Exiting Interstate 64 to enter Huntington, West Virginia
13:00 Downtown Huntington, West Virginia
14:55 Crossing Ohio River to leave West Virginia for Ohio
33:00 Crossing Ohio River to enter Kentucky
1:10:35 Crossing Ohio River to enter downtown Portsmouth, Ohio
URL to playlist of all videos captured on this trip east from Los Angeles, California to Columbus, Ohio:
NKP 765 pulling the New River train, Oct 1988
NKP 765 is the host locomotive for the 1988 running of the New River excursion train. First shot is near Deepwater, WV, second is at Thurmond, WV. Watch as the 765 puts on quite a sight and sound show at Thurmond.