Chasing a rare High-Hood SD40-2 in Virginia! NS local V08; 3-30-2024

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, word quickly spread throughout the railfan community that Richmond to Crewe, VA local V08 would feature a gem of a leader. Norfolk Southern SD40-2 #1627, built for the N&W in 1973, would be leading the local away from Richmond that evening. This unit retains its as-delivered number, bell, horn, and high short hood. There are only a handful of these units left on the active roster, and it is rare to catch one outside of yard duties. This one has been serving Crewe yard for a while, and is typically reserved for yard switching. However, it somehow made it out of there, and has been running this local for a few days. The Leslie RS5T harkened back to a day in time where SD40's were common power on trains, and with a friend at the throttle, he certainly didn't mind giving a few extra blows of the horn along the way. We started our chase in Amelia Courthouse about halfway between Richmond and Burkeville, and ended the chase with watching the train shove into Crewe yard just after the sun had set. Thanks for watching! Hope everyone enjoys!