Synopses & Reviews
CSX's Clinchfield Railroad follows one of the most scenic routes in the country and runs through the most rugged mountain barriers in the eastern United States. More than 3,000 laborers built the Clinchfield, using construction standards unheard of at the time. The railroad was finished in 1915 when George Carter, the driving force who put it all together, hammered in the last spike. Because of its enduring innovative construction, engineers have yet to enlarge its tunnels or strengthen its bridges.
In its heyday, the Clinchfield was not well known outside its territory, but its history, including its genesis and challenging assembly, has fascinated railfans for years. Jerry Taylor and Ray Poteat take us on a mile-by-mile trip through the tunnels and over the bridges of the Clinchfield's route in their fascinating portrayal of this railroad's current operations.
Synopsis
Jerry Taylor and Ray Poteat take readers on a mile-by-mile trip through the tunnels and over the bridges of the historic CSX Clinchfield. Completed in 1915, the Clinchfield Railroad follows a scenic route through rugged mountain country in the eastern United States. Facing the challenge of this difficult terrain, engineers and more than 3,000 laborers built the railroad using construction standards unheard of at the time. The results were so durable and forward looking that for nearly a century there has been no need to enlarge its tunnels or strengthen its bridges. Though the Clinchfield is not well known outside its territory, its history and challenging construction have been continuing sources of fascination for rail fans.
Synopsis
The genesis and challenging construction of the Clinchfield Route