***On the morning of October 23, 1994, we're on CSX's Huntington Subdivision outside of Hurricane WV to chase Milwaukee Road S-3 4-8-4*** [***#261***](https://www.deviantart.com/tag/261) ***on the Annual New River Train from Huntington to Hinton WV & return. Soon, we caught the 261 & her 30 car train racing along at track speed, past a Kentucky Power Bound Loaded Coal Train, heading for Hinton. The Big Northern was only a year into her 2nd life as an excursion locomotive & was making a killing out of it, with her trips on the Wisconsin Central, Twin Cities & Western, & many other Regionals & short lines. That year's New River Trips to Hinton was 261's first time on CSX Tracks & the former C&O, & would be one of 2 times the Northern would ever travel CSX Tracks. The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, who own NKP S-2 Berkshire*** [***#765***](https://www.deviantart.com/tag/765)***, borrowed the 261 from North Star Rail for the New River Trips because the 765 was out of service, needing an overhaul, & wouldn't be ready in time. Unbeknownst to us, this was the last time that Steam would ever be allowed, not just on the former C&O, but on CSX Tracks anywhere. The train would arrive in Hinton, that afternoon, while the 261 is cut off at Meadow Creek for servicing & to be turned for the return trip. The New River Train last ran in 2018, & was renamed the Autumn Colors Express, which last ran in 2022, ending a 60 year tradition of Excursions through the New River Gorge.***

Outside of Hurricane WV - October 23, 1994