CSX's Cowen Subdivision - The B&O's Coal Fields

CSX's Cowen Subdivision is a coal hauling branchline subdivision between Grafton, West Virginia and Cowen, West Virginia in the Western District of the Allegheny Division - Central Region. By far the majority of the traffic on this line is coal hoppers, with empties headed west (geographically south) out of Grafton and drags with loaded cars going back east.

A total of five active mines are served directly by the subdivision, along with several additional mines reached by other lines which connect with the G&B. Three short line railroad also interchange with CSX on the Cowen Subdivision, although the only active interchange as of 2000 was at Tygart Junction with the West Virginia Central Railroad. The Cowen Subdivision passes through some of West Virginia's most scenic and rugged terrain along its right of way with the line often following meandering valley bottomlands or climbing mountains along its 119 miles of rail to the central section of the state. Several major grades are located on the G&B with the eastbound descent off the Mountain from Cowen having a reputation among railroaders that surpasses even the famous 17 Mile Grade to the northeast. As a result of the subdivision's size, the line has been broken down into two seperate pages on this website. "The Funnel" covers the fifty mile section between Grafton and Hampton Junction where several coal branchlines converge with the mainline increasing the tonnage moved in succession. This segment of the G&B also serves the majority of the coal mines along with having one of the last nearly intact CPL signal systems on CSX. "The End of the World" section covers the line south of Hampton Junction to the small yard at Cowen, known by the old heads as going to the end of the B&O's world. Although the number of trains west of Hampton Junction can often be counted on one hand, the line's scenery makes up for its traffics shortfall.

[The Upper Cowen Coal Fields]

[The Lower Cowen Coal Fields]