Last Stand of B&O Signals in Appalacha...and 3 Geeps Pull 80 Coal Loads!

On January 22nd, 2022, I got word of an Appalachian and Ohio job running to Alexander, WV, to pick up a loaded coal train. The power? Three rebuilt GP40s. These old geeps made some great noise, and seemed to have the 80 loads under control as I chased them up towards Grafton. A little more about the area: Although Baltimore and Ohio CPL signals are long gone from the slopes of Sand Patch, or even the Mountain Sub, the Cowen Sub still has them...for now. From Knight Siding west to Hampton Junction, the old signals still stand guard, operated by the Appalachian and Ohio, who leases the line from CSX. In 2021, A&O and CSX filed to shut down the signal system, and the FRA approved. So unfortunately, these signals will be coming down in the near future. Timestamps: 00:00 - Arriving in Alexander to pick up their train 4:04 - Hampton Junction 9:15 - Smith Summit siding 11:54 - Philippi