Those of us fortunate enough to wander down to St. Charles, KY, on the old IC main between Dawson Springs and Nortonville, in the last few years got a treat of which many railfans only dream.  We were granted permission to operate an EMD SW9 on the Charolais Coal Prep Plant yard tracks which paralleled the afore mentioned IC line.  Owner Don Bowles allowed us access as long as we took care of the property.  But time, land-locked trackage, and high scrap prices have won the battle and sent the three units into our memories.  Doyle Massey and Keith Kittinger (pictured) got some night shots of these beasts of burden as scrappers removed usable engine parts before being cut up.

I personally thank Don, Keith, Ricky, and others who made it possible for us to “play” with the real thing for a while.  I have photos of my son Liam and friends operating the machines on a mile of real track.  It was fun while it lasted!   Bill Thomas, editor