| 10.29.23 Orange, VA. The westbound Cardinal just came off the NS mainline from Alexandria heading for its next stop in Charlottesville via Gordonsville. Thirteen days shy of exactly 35 years ago (1988) when I photographed F40PH AMTK 333 leading the Cardinal in this same spot. See photo below. A C&O cantilevered signal tower was in the same location as the current signal mast. Also missing is a switch to a two-track siding where the satellite dish is now. The 1988 Cardinal had 9 cars, today's version has 5. This rail line into Orange provided the original Virginia Midland RR with a connection to the pre-Civil War Alexandria & Orange RR. |