One of the great traditions that eventually came to an end in 1990 was the annual New River Train excursion from Huntington to Hinton, WV. The fall excursion was sponsored by the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society which has operated various excursions since 1966. The society has run steam and diesel excursions on many routes including CSX and NS until both railroads banned such events. During the last 3 years popularity continued to grow and new excursions, pulled by diesels, ran from Parkersburg to Clarksburg, Parkersburg to Wheeling, and a short trip from Parkersburg to St. Marys. N&W steam also made many trips along the Tug River and throughout the NS system. Now all that has gone and only the memories are left. I hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane.

Coal River

The Coal River valley is filled with the sound of steam as Nickel Plate 765 crosses the river into St. Albans, WV.

St. Albans

On a beautiful autumn day in 1988, Nickel Plate 765 makes a stop for passengers in St. Albans, WV.

Old and New

The Sunday morning Amtrak passes its predecessor NKP 765 as it picks up passengers in St. Albans, WV.

Departing

765 Departs St. Albans on its way to Charleston, WV.

Charleston

Steam makes its last stop in Charleston, WV in 1988 as NKP 765 approaches the train station.

Charleston

With a blast from the whistle 765 departs Charleston on its way to Montgomery, WV.

Thurmond

In 1988 765 makes a run by just west of the town of Thurmond, WV.

Back Up Move

After the refuel at Meadow Creek, 765 backs the last few miles to meet the rest of the train in Hinton, WV.

Hinton

While the passengers enjoy the events and food in Hinton, 765 rejoins the rest of the train.