Picture of the day: Reflections in Steel

Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.

1. Scott on August 07, 2012 8:45 AM said:

   Cool photo.

   Still wish it was a passenger train instead of a coal train.
2. Denny R. on August 07, 2012 1:08 PM said:

   A passenger train from Norfolk and Richmond to West Virginia? How many people would ride that route? Not many.
3. Scott on August 07, 2012 1:32 PM said:

   From Norfolk to Richmond, on to other points west?
   More than you think.

   Richmond reached its zenith as a cultural/economic center right before the Civil War when it was the passenger rail hub for the South. I say do it again.
4. Denny R. on August 07, 2012 4:15 PM said:

   If there were a market for rail travel to destinations west of Richmond using those rails that run parallel to the James River, a private investor or even Amtrak would most certainly be taking advantage of that now. But we all know Amtrak bleeds money just like the USPS.

   Further, much of that coal is being shipped to emerging economies like China and India where the quality of life in those places is gradually improving. Coal provides an inexpensive way to produce electricity and create a better quality of life for the citizens of those countries.
5. Scott on August 07, 2012 5:48 PM said:

   Denny, there is a market for passenger rail and the true costs of coal need to be accounted for.

   http://www.wric.com/story/16548326/amtrak-service-to-norfolk-to-begin-in-2012

   http://www.globalsiteplans.com/environmental-design/engineering-environmental-design/the-death-of-high-speed-rail-in-richmond-virginia/

   http://wtvr.com/2012/08/07/gas-prices-climb-30-cents-a-gallon/

   http://ecowatch.org/2012/true-costs-exports/
6. Paul Hammond on August 08, 2012 1:46 PM said:

   “Richmond reached its zenith as a cultural/economic center right before the Civil War”

   Really?
7. Paul Hammond on August 08, 2012 1:47 PM said:

   BTW, Awesome photo!