Convergence, Harpers Ferry

Convergence, Harpers Ferry

The historic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia marks the confluence of two great rivers of the eastern United States, the Shenandoah and the Potomac. It is also the point where the states of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet.

Of interest to railroad enthusiasts, the town also sees the convergence of two CSX (former Baltimore & Ohio) lines, the high speed east-west mainline connecting Baltimore and Washington with Cumberland, Pittsburgh, and points west, and the freight only Winchester Branch. (*)

The two lines converge, above the Potomac, into the Maryland Heights tunnel in Maryland via these two bridges.

On this late spring afternoon, two CSX diesel-electric locomotives are powering an eastbound
mixed freight on the mainline bridge. Naturally, one hopes for another train on the Winchester
Branch’s bridge, but that belongs in the elusive domain of timing.

It also spurs the wishful photographer to return to this aerie for more chances at the “jackpot.”

This CSX Harpers Ferry moment was captured on Fujichrome Provia 400
slide film in my Nikon FE2 through a Nikon E-Series 135/2.8 lens.

The photograph is available in gallery prints and as a custom printed photo note card.

©2015 Steve Ember
(*)