Frisco local extra freight train leaves Boligee, Alabama, on run from Amory, Mississippi, to Demopolis, Alabama, in August 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-001-05
Memphis-bound Frisco Lines freight train rolls past Mississippian Railway 2-8-0 at yard of Amory, Mississippi, in September 1954. Steamer no. 77 was former Frisco engine as suggested by smokebox emblem. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-001-06
Memphis-bound Frisco Lines freight train weaves through S-curve near New Albany, Mississippi, in October 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-001-07
Birmingham, Alabama, to Memphis, Tennessee, freight train (green flags) departs Winfield, Alabama, in February 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-001-08
Memphis-bound Frisco freight train passes yard office at Carbon Hill, Alabama, in February 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-001-09
Train time at Winfield, Alabama, where Birmingham-bound Kansas City-Florida Special passenger train (right) meets Memphis-bound counterpart in May 1955. (Note: Frisco's E8s carried names of famous horses; in this case race horse Gallant Fox on right.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-002-01
Tulsa-bound Frisco train crosses Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad main line at Vinita, Oklahoma, in June 1959. Southbound local is headed by leased Wabash unit. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-002-03
Westbound Frisco Lines Kansas City-Florida Special passenger train races along main line west of Amory, Mississippi, in late afternoon of August 1958. (Note: Frisco's E8s were named for famous horses, such as race horse Ponder.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-002-05
Memphis-bound Frisco caboose east of Amory, Mississippi, in late afternoon of August 1968. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-002-07
Birmingham-bound Frisco freight train at Cordova, Alabama, siding in August 1975. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-002-09
Westbound Frisco local freight train ducks under remnants of massive coaling tower at Sulligent, Alabama, in August 1973. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-002-11
Birmingham freight train departs yard at Amory, Mississippi, in late afternoon behind GP35s with top-mounted air tanks in August 1973. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-003-01
Birmingham-bound freight train a few miles east of Amory, Mississippi, in August 1974. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-003-04
Seaboard Coast Line Railroad run-through freight train (extra) from Memphis, Tennessee, to Florida, passes Frisco local at Sulligent, Alabama, in August 1974. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-003-08
Memphis-bound Frisco freight train eases through a meet at Cordova, Alabama, siding in August 1974. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-003-12
Frisco SD45 and freight train wait for Memphis run to pass siding at Sulligent, Alabama, in August 1974. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-004-02
Birmingham-bound Frisco freight train departs from yard at Amory, Mississippi, early on a foggy morning in December 1975. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-004-03
Memphis freight train ready to depart yard at Amory, Mississippi, in December 1975. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-004-04
Birmingham-bound Frisco freight train leaves yard at Amory, Mississippi, in December 1975. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-004-05
Memphis-bound Frisco freight train in cut near Carbon Hill, Alabama, in August 1975. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-004-08
Memphis-bound Frisco freight train passes siding at Cordova, Alabama, in late afternoon of December 1976. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-004-10
Birmingham-bound Frisco freight train at siding in Cordova, Alabama, in December 1976. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-005-02
Power for Memphis train backs toward consist at Thomas Yard of Birmingham, Alabama, in August 1966. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-005-06
Memphis freight train speeds through hilly region west of Jasper, Alabama, in August 1966. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-005-08
Frisco switcher at work in Thomas Yard at Birmingham, Alabama, as Memphis train waits for clearance in August 1969. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-006-03
Memphis-bound Frisco freight train prepares to depart Thomas Yard of Birmingham, Alabama, in August 1969. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-006-06
Memphis-bound freight train leaves Amory, Mississippi, in December 1980 after Burlington Northern Railroad had absorbed Frisco. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-007-02
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 29 slices through a cut south of Opelika, Alabama, in March 1954. Absence of leading F-unit was unusual during this period. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-007-04
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 29 passes north end of siding at Opelika, Alabama, in March 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-007-05
Southbound Central of Georgia Railway freight train, running as first no. 29, approaches Phenix City, Alabama, behind mix of EMD and Alco units in March 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-007-08
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway local no. 3 pulls into Opelika, Alabama, behind 4-8-2, passing diesels on freight no. 38 in July 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-008-01
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway local leaves yard at Opelika, Alabama, after completing switching duties in August 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-008-03
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 29 crosses tracks of West Point Route at station in Opelika, Alabama, in July 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-008-04
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia freight Railway train no. 29 (left) switches in yard at Opelika, Alabama, as Alco switcher tends to branch line local in July 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-009-01
Southbound Central of Georgia Railway freight train pulls into Opelika, Alabama, for brief switching duty in August 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-009-04
F-unit no. 904 passes no. 903 as Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 pulls into Smith's siding in March 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-010-03
Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 has cleared switch, which has been realigned. The meet is over, allowing no. 29's engineer to start loading the air for departure to Columbus, Georgia, in March 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-010-04
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway Seminole passenger train accelerates on main line north of Opelika, Alabama, in July 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-010-06
Southbound Central of Georgia Railway Seminole passenger train dives through cut north of Opelika, Alabama, in August 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-010-07
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 crawls past track crew near Goodwater, Alabama, (north of Opelika) in August 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-010-08
Southbound Central of Georgia Railway local approaches Opelika, Alabama, with more empties than loads in late afternoon of December 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-010-09
Florida-bound Central of Georgia Railway Seminole passenger train races across high fill north of Opelika, Alabama, in February 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-02
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 29 accelerates to mainline speed a few miles north of Opelika, Alabama, in April 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-06
Atlanta-bound, vest-pocket streamliner Central of Georgia Railway Man O' War passenger train departs Columbus, Georgia, in March 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-07
Central of Georgia Railway Alco RS-2 gets a wash at Columbus, Georgia, in May 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-08
Northbound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 approaches Opelika, Alabama, behind dark green units in June 1960. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-09
Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 approaches the crossovers at Weems, Alabama, about 15 miles from downtown Birmingham in July 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-10
Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 fights a stiff grade surrounded by clouds from heavy sanding and wide-open throttles in July 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-012-02
Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 has arrived at Thomas Yard of Birmingham, Alabama, and its motive power is pulling away from train in May 1955. It will now head to the road's diesel shop (out of frame to left). Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-012-03
Central of Georgia Railway E7 no. 806 leads Birmingham-bound local passenger train no. 3 away from station in Opelika, Alabama, in July 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-012-05
Chattanooga-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train passes through Newnan, Georgia, in June 1957. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-012-07
Birmingham-bound Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 31 approaches Opelika, Alabama, in April 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-012-09
Illinois Central Railroad 2-8-2 steam locomotive ready for work at terminal in Jackson, Mississippi, in July 1953. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-04
Illinois Central Railroad 0-6-0 no. 266 eases off turntable at Jackson, Mississippi, in December 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-07
Illinois Central Railroad 0-6-0 no. 266 heads into roundhouse at Jackson, Mississippi, in December 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-08
Lineup of stored steamers at Memphis, Tennessee, includes two 0-8-0s and a pair of 4-8-2s in June 1957. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-10
The sun is setting on two sets of road power at joint Illinois Central Railroad-Southern Railway yard in Meridian, Mississippi, in August 1952. With IC's switch to diesels, the ash pit conveyer (right) will soon come down. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-11
Southbound Illinois Central Railroad Seminole passenger train crosses main line of West Point Route at station in Opelika, Alabama, in August 1955. Absence of interlocker required crew member to flag crossing. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-015-05
Chicago-Jacksonville Illinois Central Railroad Seminole passenger train used IC power on alternate days. Southward train approaching Opelika, Alabama, in May 1955 (units turned back at Columbus, Georgia). Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-015-06
Illinois Central Railroad passenger train no. 206 departs station in Shreveport, Louisiana, in August 1964 near sunset behind the road's first GP7 equipped for passenger service (steam generator, large fuel tank and roof air tanks). This local traversed 313 miles each night, arriving in Meridian, Mississippi, at 1:30am and returning at 2:50am. ("That is why," the photographer writes, "I had never seen the train until I took this image at age 31!") Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-015-07
Westbound Illinois Central Railroad freight train leaving Meridian, Mississippi, behind mixture of original and rebuilt Geeps in August 1970. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-015-11
Engineer on northbound Illinois Central Railroad City of New Orleans passenger train grabs orders at yard office in north Jackson, Mississippi, in August 1970. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-015-12
Atlanta-bound West Point Route local leaves station at Auburn, Alabama, in October 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-017-02
Smokebox view of West Point Route Lima-built (1923) 2-8-2 steam locomotive at Opelika, Alabama, in August 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-018-01
Lanky ex-FEC 4-8-2 awaits highball for West Point Route westbound local no. 31 at station in Auburn, Alabama, in October 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-018-02
Eastbound West Point Route freight heads past station at Auburn, Alabama, behind 2-8-2 steam locomotive no. 425 in July 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-018-03
Atlanta-bound West Point Route Crescent passenger train slows for crossing at Opelika, Alabama, in September 1951. Fireman will walk ahead of train at Central of Georgia Railway crossing. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-019-01
Baggage handlers at station in Auburn, Alabama, are busy getting Montgomery-bound local no. 31 ready for departure in August 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-019-04
Atlanta-bound West Point Route Crescent passenger train gets up to speed a few miles east of Auburn, Alabama, in October 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-020-02
This sunset scene in July 1954 portrays the past and present of U.S. railroading, and offers a glimpse of its near future. Coaling tower and water column were staples of the steam era, while diesel power became dominant after World War II. Disappearing soon would be the artistic semaphore signals, to be replaced by beams of colored light and later centralized traffic control. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-020-03
Local freight waits for Montgomery-bound West Point Route passenger train no. 31 to clear station at Opelika, Alabama, in February 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-020-06
Operator at village of Loachapoka, Alabama (near Auburn), watches eastbound West Point Route Crescent passenger train as it races past station in March 1955. (Note: that falling mail bag was recorded only inches from the ground.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-020-07
Illinois Central Railroad's speedster, City of New Orleans, passenger train departs station at Jackson, Mississippi, as switchman waits to resume yard work in August 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-020-10
Northbound Seaboard Air Line Railroad Silver Comet passenger train in cut ten miles east of Birmingham, Alabama, in July 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-04
Birmingham-bound Seaboard Air Line Railroad Comet passenger train curves through wooded area 15 miles east of its destination in July 1957. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-05
Georgia-bound Seaboard Air Line Railroad freight train departs yard at Montgomery, Alabama, behind a quartet of smoking Alco diesels in June 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-07
Running with green flags, Baldwin Locomotive Works Centipedes lead a Georgia-bound train a few miles east of Montgomery, Alabama, in June 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-09
West Point Route Geeps roll westward from Auburn, Alabama, near sunset with a Montgomery freight in March 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-10
Jackson-bound Illinois Central Railroad freight train meets Meridian-bound local at siding in Meehan, Mississippi, in August 1970. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-11
Southern Pacific Railroad switcher in downtown yard at Sacramento, California, in June 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-022-01
Southern Pacific Railroad shop scene at Sacramento, California, in June 1950. Mechanic seems to be draining air from 0-6-0, while Pacific no. 2484 awaits a call. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-022-03
Southbound train heads toward Central Valley on double track south of Elvas Junction, east of Sacramento, California, in June 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-022-08
Westbound California Zephyr passes 2-8-2 steam locomotive getting water in Western Pacific Railroad's yard at Sacramento, California, in June 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-022-21
Late afternoon view of Tennessee Central Railway's yard at Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-01
Tennessee Central Railway locomotives at work in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-02
Pair of Tennessee Central Railway RS2 locomotives s prepare to leave yard at Nashville, Tennessee, with local in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-03
Morning view in June 1965 shows Alco-led Tennessee Central Railway freight train at Nashville, Tennessee, ready to depart eastward. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-04
Morning view in June 1965 shows Alco-led Tennessee Central Railway freight train at Nashville, Tennessee, ready to depart eastward. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-05
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway train departs Nashville, Tennessee, in early morning of June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-07
Tennessee Central Railway FA locomotive leads eastbound train out of Nashville, Tennessee, on foggy morning of June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-08
Alco locomotives of two eras lead Tennessee Central Railway transfer cut toward Louisville and Nashville Railroad yard in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-09
Tennessee Central Railway FA gets sand the old-fashioned way—one can at a time—in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-11
Lead truck of Tennessee Central Railway RS2 no. 258 is repaired at roundhouse in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-023-12
Tennessee Central Railway hostler uses flashlight to see fuel gauge on Alco switcher in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-024-06
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway freight train climbs grade at Silver Point, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-024-10
Tennessee Central Railway freight train negotiates deep cut near top of hill at Silver Point, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-024-12
Tennessee Central Railway operator at depot in Silver Point, Tennessee, has signaled OK to conductor of eastbound train in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-025-02
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway freight train pulls into yard at Baxter, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-025-03
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway freight train (right) meets counterpart at Cookeville, Tennessee, in April 1963. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-025-05
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway freight train labors up Algood hill west of Cookeville, Tennessee, in April 1963. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-025-06
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway freight train labors up Algood hill west of Cookeville, Tennessee, in April 1963. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-025-08
Broken switch lamp frames Tennessee Central Railway FA in yard at Monterey, Tennessee, in April 1962. (The photographer notes that he used this sort of framing only twice, both FA locomotives.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-02
Tennessee Central Railway engineer leans out of cab window to see switchman's signals in yard at Monterey, Tennessee, in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-03
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway races along flat terrain as it approaches Cookeville, Tennessee, in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-04
Tennessee Central Railway Alco locomotives pull long cut of loaded coal cars (for power plant) over Tennessee River at Harriman, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-05
Tennessee Central Railway coal train passes Southern Railway main line at Harriman, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-06
Tennessee Central Railway delivers coal cut to TVA power plant south of Harriman, Tennessee, in June 1965. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-07
Southbound Southern Railway train passes Tennessee Central Railway units at Emory Gap, Tennessee, in June 1962. This was end point for TC's Nashville trains, although switching and interchange operations extended a few miles east of Harriman. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-08
Tennessee Central Railway RS2 locomotive pulls westbound local over trestle at Clarksville, Tennessee, in September 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-027-01
View from 3rd unit of Tennessee Central Railway freight train headed on 160-mile run to Emory Gap, Tennessee, in April 1962. After leaving yard in Nashville, train climbs grade on narrow shelf blasted out of mountain side. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-027-03
Meet at Donaldson, Tennessee (eight miles west of yard). Overnight Tennessee Central Railway freight train from Emory Gap, led by FA, is in siding in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-027-04
Tennessee Central Railway freight train moves along another narrow shelf, this one above Cumberland River near Stone River, Tennessee, in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-027-05
Tennessee Central Railway freight train ready to cross Rocky River bridge near Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-027-08
Tennessee Central Railway freight train stops briefly at Baxter, Tennessee, so crew can pick up boxcar in background in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-01
With rain falling and darkness approaching, the photographer made one last shot of his trip in the cab of a Tennessee Central Railway freight train as it passed a local at Campbell Junction, east of Monterey, Tennessee, in April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-04
2-8-0 steam locomotive backs into roundhouse at Amory, Mississippi, after completion of daily run to Fulton in August 1957. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-05
Frank Carlisle uses boiler water to clean running gear of his engine after daily run in August 1957. His brother, James, called no. 76 by the same name since they alternated useage monthly. Each would usually serve as fireman when the other was at the throttle. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-06
Its work done, Mississippian Railway no. 77 slides slowly into enginehouse where it will be checked out and lubed for tomorrow's run in August 1955. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-07
After telling Frank Carlisle of my photo interests (and my relation by marriage to a prominent local family), I was allowed to join the crew for their daily roundtrip in August 1957. By this time they had bought an ex-Frisco caboose. I grabbed a shot from the rear platform as the 2-8-0 accelerated its train. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-09
In late afternoon, inbound Mississippian Railway freight train rolls through weed covered rails as it nears yard at Amory, Mississippi, in June 1957. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-11
Mississippian Railway no. 77 charges through wooded area en route to Amory, Mississippi, in August 1960. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-028-12
Amory-bound Mississippian Railway freight train rambles through woods north of Amory, Mississippi, in August 1960. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-029-03
Amory-bound Mississippian Railway freight train carries but two cars as it leaves Fulton, Mississippi, in August 1960. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-029-04
Crewman heads out to flag crossing before southbound Mississippian Railway freight train leaves station in Fulton, Mississippi, in May 1956. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-029-07
Inbound Mississippian Railway freight train crests a short grade en route to Amory, Mississippi, in August 1956. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-01
Mississippian Railway no. 76 is dwarfed by 1st two cars of inbound train passing a plowed field in May 1956. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-02
Inbound Mississippian Railway freight train crosses highway on north side of Amory, Mississippi, a few miles from shop in August 1960. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-03
Even while standing still, the Mississippian Railway 2-8-0 steam locomotives were nice to record. The fireman seems to be bored with the wait for Frisco to set out interchange cars in Amory, Mississippi, in May 1956. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-05
The photographer wrote, "I often tried to memorialize steamers with smokebox portraits, such as this Mississippian Railway form in 1955." Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-06
Mississippian Railway's steam era ended around 1964, when the road bought a used Alco switcher, which replaced the 2-8-0s at much less cost. This is Lamb's only shot of the diesel at work (in Fulton, Mississippi). The steamers quickly became active at historical rail operations in the U.S. and Canada. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-07
Lamb's final shot of Mississippian Railway enginehouse shows a modern caboose as well as ditching equipment in December 1964. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-08
Northbound Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad 2-6-2 approaches Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in late afternoon of March 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-12
Mississippi Central switcher meets Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad 2-6-2 at South Hattiesburg to transfer cut of tree sumps (background) in March 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-031-01
Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad no. 250 rests at shop after its run, as engine mechanic works on repairs to 2-8-2 "Mike" no. 300 in March 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-031-02
Northbound Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad freight train slows for water tank in August 1958. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-031-04
Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad 2-8-2 "Mike" no. 300 leads southbound freight train away from water tank in August 1958. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-031-07
Southbound Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad no. 300 at speed in March 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-032-04
Southbound Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad freight train pulls into Beaumont, Mississippi, with cars for Hattiesburg in August 1958. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-032-07
Northbound Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad freight train passes station at New Augusta, Mississippi, in August 1958. (The photographer noted that parking his car in the shot was "a mistake in haste," but we're glad it's there.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-02
Smokebox portrait of Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad Baldwin Locomotive Works no. 300 in July 1956. (Note: eagle at top.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-03
Inbound Meridian and Bigbee River Railroad train, led by a pair of ex-Illinois Central Railroad locomotives, leaves main line and heads toward downtown interchange yard in July 1950. Lead locomotive, a 4-6-2 Pacific, was bought in 1946, while 2-6-0 Mogul no. 3729 arrived in 1941. Both were scrapped in 1953 during dieselization. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-06
Inbound Meridian and Bigbee River Railroad freight train, led by 2-6-0 no. 3729 and 2-8-0 no. 116, heads toward interchange yard in Meridian, Mississippi, in July 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-07
Meridian and Bigbee River Railroad company was reorganized in 1952 as Meridian and Bigbee as it was dieselizing. Here is the first Geep, naturally numbered 1, heading east to Myrtlewood, Alabama, in 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-08
Inbound Meridian and Bigbee Railroad freight train passes large stacks of sawed lumber en route to downtown in July 1958. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-10
Meridian and Bigbee Railroad freight train pulls past Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad's large freight house en route to interchange yard in downtown Meridian, Mississippi, in August 1958. Note horse-drawn wagon beside streamlined autos. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-12
In late afternoon Meridian and Bigbee Railroad Geeps shove their freight train through Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad yard in Meridian, Mississippi, en route to interchange yard in August 1958. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-034-01
Westbound Meridian and Bigbee Railroad freight train plows through thick forests east of Meridian, Mississippi, behind road's first chopped-nose Geep in August 1983. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-034-03
Inbound Meridian and Bigbee Railroad freight train heads for interchange yard in Meridian, Mississippi, in August 1983. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-034-05
Meridian and Bigbee Railroad units pass caboose as the crew heads for shop at end of work day in March 1985. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-034-06
Meridian and Bigbee Railroad Geep and re-built caboose in July 1957 illustrate modernization of road after re-organization 1952. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-034-11
Illinois Central Railroad 2-8-2 no. 1258 leads westbound troop train away from station in Meridian, Mississippi, in December 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-035-03
Only Twin Seams Mining Company Shay no. 5 was active during Lamb's brief photography coverage of TSMC in 1959. This shot was in September and there was no operation. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-02
Many tasks were done by hand on Twin Seams Mining Company, such as sanding at Kellerman, Alabama, in September 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-03
Long shot of tipple at Kellerman, Alabama, showing cuts of Twin Seams Mining Company cars being loaded in September 1960. Sanding platform at right. (Note: locomotive number is inverted.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-05
Shay no. 5 pulls loaded cars away from Twin Seams Mining Company tipple at Kellerman, Alabama, passing inactive Shay and a pair of discarded stacks in September 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-08
Shay no. 5 cut passes Twin Seams Mining Company's shop area of Kellerman, Alabama, and line's second, but inactive, engine in September 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-09
Twin Seams Mining Company Shay no. 5 climbs away from tipple at Kellerman, Alabama, in January 1959. Brakeman rides on footboard with sand. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-11
Wide view of seven-car Twin Seams Mining Company train climbing grade south of tipple at Kellerman, Alabama, in December 1959. Crew made two trips on a good day (no derailments). Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-036-12
Side view of Twin Seams Mining Company Shay no. 5 and train nearing summit tunnel at Kellerman, Alabama, in December 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-037-01
Outbound Twin Seams Mining Company train emerges from summit tunnel of Kellerman, Alabama, in December 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-037-03
Twin Seams Mining Company Shay no. 5 and train pass track crew south of summit tunnel at Kellerman, Alabama, in December 1959. (The photographer did not venture beyond here because of the lack of auto access due to the line's winding route.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-037-04
Outbound Twin Seams Mining Company train leaves summit area of Kellerman, Alabama, in September 1960. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-037-06
4-8-2 steam locomotive owned by the West Point Route sits in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in September 1961. Lamb said, "While viewing a dismantled steam locomotive that I once photographed in operation is not a happy event, I realized that such photos also provide a significant amount of detail about parts of an engine that are seldom seen, except during building and repair. I had photographed these engines in operation between Montgomery, Alabama, and Atlanta during my college years." Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-037-07
Southern Railway switcher passes waiting Seaboard Air Line Railroad eastbound Silver Comet passenger train at Atlanta, Georgia, in October 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-038-02
Seaboard Air Line Railroad's Silver Comet passenger train awaits departure beside tower at Atlanta Terminal Station in October 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-038-03
Northward view of Atlanta Terminal Station shows lineup of motive power from three major users in October 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-038-04
Northbound Seaboard Air Line Railroad mail-express local leaves Atlanta Terminal Station on overnight run to Richmond, Virginia, in October 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-038-05
Frisco Lines' Kansas City-Florida Special passenger train pulls into the station at Tupelo, Mississippi. Train is en route from Memphis, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama, in March 1954. Crossing line is Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad to Jackson, Tennessee (to right). Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-001-03
Frisco freight train for Memphis, Tennessee, departs Thomas Yard at Birmingham, Alabama, in August 1975. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-006-01
A setting sun highlights Central of Georgia Railway freight train no. 38 as it crosses a timber trestle at Leeds, Alabama (near Birmingham) in July 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-011-12
Illinois Central Railroad local arrives at yard in Meridian, Mississippi, after a long day of work en route from Jackson in August 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-01
Northbound Illinois Central Railroad local pulls away from water stop at Ackerman, Mississippi. Train is working between Jackson and Aberdeen in December 1954. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-014-06
Atlanta-bound West Point Route Crescent passenger train pulls into station at Auburn, Alabama, in July 1952, under watchful eyes of curious youngster, as well as an older resident (left) who seems to like watching trains come and go. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-020-01
A lull in Seaboard Air Line Railroad activity beneath the classic towers of the terminal at Birmingham, Alabama, on a July afternoon in 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-021-06
Variety of Tennessee Central Railway diesel are on display at roundhouse in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-024-02
Eastbound Tennessee Central Railway train passes station in Monterey, Tennessee, April 1962. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-026-01
Northbound Louisville and Nashville Railroad train approaches caboose of westbound Tennessee Central Railway local at Clarksville, Tennessee, in September 1959. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-027-02
Northbound Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern Railroad no. 250 blows for crossing on afternoon in August 1956. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-030-11
Meridian and Bigbee Railroad Geep no. 102 at shop in Meridian, Mississippi, after daily run in August 1958. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-033-11
Twin Seams Mining Company Shay no. 5 and train approach short, summit tunnel at Kellerman, Alabama, in December 1959. (Lamb notes that the "slow speed of locomotive allowed me to exit tunnel by running in front of train." Such practices would not be condoned today.) Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-037-02
Engineer of Oakland-bound Santa Fe local no. 7 eases forward to line up train with baggage carts at Wasco, California, in June 1950. Photograph by J. Parker Lamb, © 2016, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Lamb-02-039-03
