The Sad State of the CSX EK Subdivision | Railroad Archaeology

The reason the rails are cut the way they are, is this entire line is 'rail banked'. Rail banking is a process where a railroad can stop needing to pay taxes on a rail line, without actually totally abandoning the line. As part of the agreements to rail bank a line, though, the railroad must cut the line in several places, to ensure that no trains can operate over it. It varies exactly how they're told to do this, but it works out that for every 10 miles or so, they have to cut the rails and move them out of alignment. This doesn't just stop trains, but also rail speeders and urban explorers. In case you're curious, the reason a line typically gets 'rail banked' is because the railroad believes that there may be a future use for it, but they can't justify the operating costs at that moment. This can be because the line provides a good redundancy to another line, or a potential industry that is being developed, or some other potential use.

I cannot believe how this sub has gone down hill. This area of the country is constantly shit on and forgotten by all politicians of all parties. It’s extremely sad to see the decline since the coal industry vanished. Not for the product itself, but rather the many families that have suffered and lost members to drugs. I’ve taken many trains to Ravenna from the CC sub. There was once a lady that was paid by CSX to be on call for us in the middle of the night to cook food at a restaurant, where no food available after 10pm usually. Getting called on a train to Ravenna was one of the better calls to get, unless you were needing to be back home for something.

That drone shot over the washout zone looks very much like the pictures of Saluda Grade. If the Kentucky Steam Heritage corporation is able to restore at least a fraction of this for excursion service it could be a blessing in disguise.

As someone who lives in Hazard, its been tough seeing the decline of the EK. Thankfully to Typo, Yellow Creek and Leatherwood we still can see daily trains near the Hazard Area. I didnt know the damage eas to that extent on the old main. Its honestly devastating. Maybe one day we will hear the roar of 2716 along Elkatoah hill. Who knows. Great job on this video. Cant wait to see more.

If the government is so concerned about people burning fossil fuels in their motors then why don’t they promote railroads over trucking? It’s a known fact shipping by train is more efficient. Instead of building charging stations they should be building railroads.

Thank you for posting this video. I grew up in Hazard(Wabaco) and my dad spent all 40 years of his railroad career as an enginner on the EK Sub. He hired on the L&N in 1960 in Hazard and retired in 2000 with CSX. He worked mine runs in Hazard loading trains and ran trains out of Ravenna to Hazard loading unit trains along the way. The Kragen Turn was his description of "Hell on Earth" lol...He wouldve loved to seen this video. Oh and Chavies is pronounced Chav-ease...lol..Thank you for the memories.

I love this new style of video Drayton! Very laid back and informative, I feel like I’m just sitting on a pouch with you talking about trains lol. This video is awesome it’s one of my new favorites from you

I'm always amazed at how quick mother nature can reclaim an area.

Now, I live in Virginia, Kentucky is within throwing distance from my home. Seeing all the flooding and the aftermath broke my heart, because I love Kentucky. Seeing the EK sub in such a state of disrepair is devastating. Sending love from Big Stone Gap VA to my Kentucky neighbors ❤️

Hiya Drayton, that was a very informative video. One of the best I have seen in a long time. Lots of great information and history. You did good.

Great video, crazy to see how quickly things can fall from grace. The EK sub provided a lot of inspiration for my "Coal Country" route on Trainz simulator

This document was so well put together, I can't wait to watch it again! You're very talented Drayton!! Thank You for all of your efforts!!

Thank you for this informative video on the current shape of the CSX EK Subdivision in eastern Kentucky, Drayton! I liked the way you worked in the videos from prior visits to this area and the CSX "training" VHS tape from the late 1990s. It is amazing to see the damage that ragging water can do to a railroad bed. I look forward to seeing additional videos that you produce on abandoned segments of railroads.

Great video can't wait to see the new videos on abandoned lines. Mainly if you go in deep on the Saluda grade again.

So excited to see this video here. I've been driving past the yard in irvine/ravenna for several years now. I've seen the severed track and always been curious about what CSX was up to with their operation. Excited to watch and learn!

Drayton all the years I have been a subscriber to your channel you have up your game awesome job on this and great work on your research

Thank you for the history lesson. I love it. You're right, the abandoned tracks...there is something spiritual about it ❤❤❤❤

Speaking of L&N, I found out recently that STL’s MetroLink (specifically the East STL-Belleville portion) operates on the former L&N’s St. Louis Division. The line from Belleville to Okawville has long since been severed, and the Okawville-Evansville section is currently served by the EVWR. Also an interesting fact I found out, the MetroLink LRV yard off of St. Clair Avenue was once home to the L&N’s Rankin depot.

At 32min. you show a washout with a square concrete culvert. The culvert was put in by the railroad sometime in the past so they could eliminate a trestle (length unknown) that had to be maintained. The concrete forms were placed in-between bents of the trestle, after the concrete cured, the forms were removed and fill dirt put in and then the track was ballasted. The video shows one of legs of a bent still not deteriorated. I figured this out from a washout here in Fayetteville, NC., after major flooding washed out Cross Creek just north of the station. Loving this video of yours. Thanks a bunch.

Thank you for making this excellent documentary of the EK subdivision. Very well done!