| 1.26.2024 Afton, VA. Coming very slowly cresting the Blue Ridge Grade is CSX 3278 leading an empty coal train. It Is moving slowly as it will soon have a meet with Amtrak's eastbound Cardinal here at Afton. Although this stretch of the former C&O Mountain Subdivision, operated by Buckingham Branch RR, and the tracks are owned by the State of Virginia, CSX retains trackage rights from Richmond to Clifton Forge. Running empties up and over the mountain helps to lessen traffic on the James River line. |