A friend and myself ventured out the morning of February 3rd, 2017 with the goal of catching the once a week Loyall to Eastman coal train on the ex L&N Cumberland Valley. After arriving at Hagans Switchback, we waited for roughly an hour before the tunnel block signal dropped from green to red. We jumped out of the truck and set up. As the engines came around the curve, we noticed it was only lite engines. We were sure this was our train since we were told it had left Loyall! What could have happened? Standing puzzled, the conductor got down and informed us that one of the engines went "belly up" on the Eastman train and that crew went home. They were taking the pusher engines to Pennington Gap to leave because a train was loading at St. Charles that would need pushed later. Hopeful, we headed towards St. Charles to check the status of the train loading. Upon arrived, we discover that half the train was loaded while the other half was being spotted under the tipple to be loaded. Knowing that train wouldn't leave for several hours, we weren't sure what to do next. So we did what most people would do at a time like this, eat. While at lunch, we discover that a 386 was called out of Andover for 1:40p, so we turned and burned for Big Stone Gap. On the way we were informed that 750, which was called for 8:05a out of Carbo, just hit the Clinchfield at St. Paul. At 2:20p, a short, 17 car 386 departed Appalachia and the chase was on. In the back of our minds were thinking of a possible over/under at Copper Creek. As the chase ensued, it became apparent that an over/under could very well happen. Setting up at the gooseneck, we starred through the trees looking for headlights. Soon, the sound of an EMD motor could be heard and soon afterwards, 386 popped around the curve. At the same time, 750's headlight could be seen starting onto the trestle. As 386 passed out of frame, 750 entered the frame. We came within a mere 20 seconds of having a perfect over/under at Copper Creek in 2017. As the saying goes, "close, but no cigar."
