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The L&C's Maiden Trip To Kershaw
photos and text by Joseph C. Hinson
On March 25, 2001, I was part of a small group of people shadowing the L&C on their first trip to Kershaw. It started out grey and dreary but ended up blue and sunny. My mood was somewhat dampened a week and a half later when I realized I had inexplicably lost some of the shots I knew I took. These shots include the first time they crossed Market Street as well as the shots of their first time across the trestle over Hwy. 521.
The acquisition of the former SB line by the L&C somehow became a personal issue for me. On the day that they began operation of the line, the Lancaster News ran a front page story written by me -- complete with a picture! It was the first time I had been paid for either my writing or my photography.
But that's not why you're here.
The Shots:
We begin our tour in Elgin as the first train to Kershaw deadheads the way down. Good shots are readily available in many spots on the line.
Now we're in Heath Springs as a photo op is taking place at the old Southern station. The flags on the lead engine were there to commemorate the first time the L&C has added route mileage.
Here with ADM behind them and four crew members riding on the front, the L&C prepares to stop for more photo ops in Kershaw.
Here the dignitaries who have rode down from Lancaster are ushered off the train.
Here the dignitaries pose for shots taken by Ed Sharpe of the L&C. I'll move in for my Lancaster News shots. Which the Lancaster News didn't use.
And now it's time to go to work.
After making a few switching moves, the L&C came back out on the main line and prepared to leave for Lancaster.
The sun was becoming a little more friendly as the L&C crossed the Kerhsaw-Camden Hwy. for only the second time in 105 years.
After making a test run out to AmeriSteel, the crew heads back into Lancaster with Springs Mills Lancaster Complex in the background.
With the crossing arms down, the L&C crosses Market Street at the old interchange. Behind me is the depot and home rails for the L&C. Thus, this slide show is over. I hope you enjoyed it.
Lancaster
and Chester: The Original 29 Miles
Lancaster
and Chester: The Kershaw District
Lancaster
and Chester Railway System Map
Railfanning
the Lancaster and Chester
Carolina
Rails
The
Lancaster and Chester Railway Home Page
The
Blue Blazes: A Brief History of the Lancaster and Chester
Outlook:
A Look Ahead for the Lancaster and Chester
Hinson's
Railroad Photography: Shortlines of the Carolinas
Hinson's
Railroad Photography: Class 1 Carriers
An
All-Time Diesel Roster
Other
Railroads in Lancaster and Chester
Carolina
Shortlines Guide
Bibliography
and Acknowledgment Page
Hinson's
Interchange Page
