C&OHS Conference at Cass - Bald Knob trip
The conference had officially ended, but we took this Sunday ride on our own.
1. Shay 11 takes on water prior to the Bald Knob run. It will also have to take a drink at Oats Run both ways. The original tank was replaced in 2005 (see Track Guide notes). 08-20-2023. Cass.
2. Shay 11. Takin on water. View 2. Cass.
3. Shay 11. The tank is overflowing now. View 3. Cass.
4. Shay 11. View 4. Cass.
5. Shay 11. View 5. Cass.
6. Shay 11. View 6. Cass.
7. Cass track guide part 1. Bald Knob.
8. Pulling upgrade to the Lower Switchback. We will continue to the Upper Switchback on the track on the left. Shay 11. Cass.
9. Shay 11. Lower Switchback. View 2. Cass.
10. Cass track guide part 2. Bald Knob.
11. Gum curve. This used to be a good spot for photo run-byes on the Cass Railfan Weekends of the past. Shay 11. Cass.
12. Meeting the earlier Whittaker train with Shay 11 at the Upper Switchback. The tail track was long enough for our train to pull forward enough for this short train to ease by. Shay 2 passing 11. Cass.
13. Cass track map image.
14. Climbing Cheat Mt. near MP 6 an open spot in the trees offers a view of Allegheny Mtns. View looking east. Cass.
15. View of Bald Knob. Cass.
16. View to the southeast near MP 6. Cass.
17. Taking water at Oats Run. One tank appears to be an old tender. Cass.
18. Oats Run. Taking on water. Cass.
19. Oats Run taking water. Tank full. Cass.
20. Cass track guide part 3. Bald Knob.
21. Cass track guide part 4. Bald Knob.
22. Shay 11. Lunch time at Bald Knob. Cass.
23. Shay 11. Bald Knob. Cass.
24. Shay 11. Builder's Plate. Bald Knob. Cass.
25. Bald Knob viewing stand. Cass.
26. Bald Knob plaque. Part 1. Cass.
27. Bald Knob plaque. Part 2. Cass.
28. Looking toward Cass which is about 2,300 feet lower in elevation. Bald Knob. Cass.
29. Looking toward Green Bank with the radio telescope at the observatory. Cass.
30. Heading back down the mountain, we pass this former logging spur near MP 9 that has been converted to a wye. Cass.
31. Shay 11. We paused at Whittaker Station for riders to eat a snack and tour the logging equipment (more on that later). Cass.
32. Elizabeth and Sue enjoying the ride as we leave Whittaker. Cass.
33. Pulling into the tail track at the Upper Switchback. Cass.
34. Passing Shay 5 at the shop. Cass.
35. Shays 5 and 4 at the shop. Cass.
36. Remains of Mower lumber mill that was damaged by fire in the 1970s. Cass.
We visited the store, and I toured the museum before heading south to Lewisburg for the night.
Train images used by permission of Everett N Young