Tucker County- North Fork Blackwater River, Coketon to Douglas
Map
The mainline of the Thomas Sub is on the left hand side of Blackwater. The line on the right is the Francis Branch that was serving strip mines in the Davis area up through the 1980's. I have often wondered why VEPCO did not extend the Francis Branch to their Mt. Storm power plant instead of making a new, very steep line up from Bayard. If the Francis Branch had been used, the WM would still be in Thomas.
Coke Ovens
The National Forest sign reminds that the coke ovens are not to be carried off brick by brick.
North Fork Blackwater River at Coketon
A lime doser was in place earlier to offset lingering mine drainage, but apparently has been removed..
WM Bridge Over Long Run, Douglas WV
Long Run starts on the side of Backbone Mountain at about 3500 feet elevation. It enters the North Fork Blackwater at about 2781. This photo was shot in the Blackwater, showing the relationship of the grade to the river. For comparison only a few miles downstream, see the next photo.
Blackwater Canyon, Below Douglas
Where the bottom drops out.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Cass Scenic Railroad, home of Western Maryland Shay No.6
More railroad photos
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