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5/21/2025
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Viewing Album:  The Johnny Ray Files-- Southern Railway in the early 80s
 
By:Hank Stephens
Dates:1/1/1980 - 1/1/1986
Album Info: The Johnny Ray was just another Southern Railway branch making a living providing pulpwood and woodchips from two woodyards on the lineV and sawmill and an occasional load of lumber for a local building supply distributor. In the 80s Southern Railway worked the line with its Opelika switcher. Cars were brought up from Columbus or Down from Chilfersburg, stored in the west side siding at Opelika until the Lafayette Turn needed them for the trip north.
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Southern GP38-2 holds down Opelika Switcher job and sits in the Lake Yard side of the WofA-CofGA diamond.
Title:  Southern GP38-2 holds down Opelika Switcher job and sits in the Lake Yard side of the WofA-CofGA diamond.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:31 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 5065(GP38-2)
Views:  371   Comments: 1
Both units assigned to Opelika pitch in to marshal empty woodracks in the siding at Opelika on the west side of the diamond. The siding was used to store long strings of empties, which the Opelika and Roanoke jobs pulled as needed for their trains.
Title:  Both units assigned to Opelika pitch in to marshal empty woodracks in the siding at Opelika on the west side of the diamond. The siding was used to store long strings of empties, which the Opelika and Roanoke jobs pulled as needed for their trains.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:23 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2614(GP30) SOU 2822(GP38)
Views:  859   Comments: 1
A Southern unit runs around the transfer at Opelika under the old wooden bridge. This was replaced with a steel and concrete structure a few years later, located just east of the depot and diamond.
Title:  A Southern unit runs around the transfer at Opelika under the old wooden bridge. This was replaced with a steel and concrete structure a few years later, located just east of the depot and diamond.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:25 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2822(GP38)
Views:  438   Comments: 2
Opelika Switcher works the WofA end of Lake Yard in Opelika. The AWP-WofA main is behind the train.
Title:  Opelika Switcher works the WofA end of Lake Yard in Opelika. The AWP-WofA main is behind the train.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:26 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2822(GP38)
Views:  473   Comments: 1
The Opelika Swticher setting up cars to run the Johnny Ray line to Lafayette in the evening hours. During this time there were two jobs assigned to Opelika, the day Opelika Switcher and the nocturnal Roanoke Rocket branch swticher.
Title:  The Opelika Swticher setting up cars to run the Johnny Ray line to Lafayette in the evening hours. During this time there were two jobs assigned to Opelika, the day Opelika Switcher and the nocturnal Roanoke Rocket branch swticher.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:26 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2822(GP38)
Views:  425   Comments: 1
Opelika switcher travels the Uniroyal Tire lead with loads of tires for Ford and Chevrolet assembly plants. The train will soon reach the switch into Royal City siding where it tied into the CofGA "P" line main
Title:  Opelika switcher travels the Uniroyal Tire lead with loads of tires for Ford and Chevrolet assembly plants. The train will soon reach the switch into Royal City siding where it tied into the CofGA "P" line main
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:27 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2841(GP38AC)
Views:  639   Comments: 3
The Opelika Switcher job heads from the Uniroyal Tire plant back to the main on the lead in the early 1980s. The plant finally closed in 2010 leaving the branch idle with no other industry.
Title:  The Opelika Switcher job heads from the Uniroyal Tire plant back to the main on the lead in the early 1980s. The plant finally closed in 2010 leaving the branch idle with no other industry.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:27 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2841(GP38AC)
Views:  736   Comments: 2
Engineer Billy Belk holds the throttle as he takes the Opelika Switcher back to the main after picking up loads of tires at Uniroyal Opelika.
Title:  Engineer Billy Belk holds the throttle as he takes the Opelika Switcher back to the main after picking up loads of tires at Uniroyal Opelika.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:29 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2841(GP38AC)
Views:  734   Comments: 1
Going away shot of Opelika Switcher as it leave Uniroyal Tire plant and heads back to Royal City siding and the main line.
Title:  Going away shot of Opelika Switcher as it leave Uniroyal Tire plant and heads back to Royal City siding and the main line.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:30 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2841(GP38AC)
Views:  450   Comments: 1
Various shots of the Opelika Switcher in the early 1980s
Title:  Various shots of the Opelika Switcher in the early 1980s
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:32 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  179   Comments: 0
The Opelika Switch Engine glistens in a high glare clear winter day in the lake yard tie up track.
Title:  The Opelika Switch Engine glistens in a high glare clear winter day in the lake yard tie up track.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:37:15 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 5068(GP38-2)
Views:  423   Comments: 1
The Roanoke Rocket using Western Railway of Alabama trackage rights to access Southern Railway tracks at Roanoke Junction
Title:  The Roanoke Rocket using Western Railway of Alabama trackage rights to access Southern Railway tracks at Roanoke Junction
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:37:23 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 5068(GP38-2)
Views:  430   Comments: 1
The Lafayette Branch train charges out of Opelika on trackage rights to Roanoke Jct. on WofA rails with empty racks in tow.
Title:  The Lafayette Branch train charges out of Opelika on trackage rights to Roanoke Jct. on WofA rails with empty racks in tow.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:37:24 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 5068(GP38-2)
Views:  455   Comments: 1
Various shots of the Opelika Switcher in the early 1980s
Title:  Various shots of the Opelika Switcher in the early 1980s
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:37:43 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  173   Comments: 0
A roster shot of the Opelika Switcher siting in the tie up track in the lake yard side of Opelika Yard.
Title:  A roster shot of the Opelika Switcher siting in the tie up track in the lake yard side of Opelika Yard.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:05 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 5065(GP38-2)
Views:  364   Comments: 1
Nose shot of the Southern Geep as it rests in the lake yard loco track. The Lee County courthouse clocktower can be seen in the distance,
Title:  Nose shot of the Southern Geep as it rests in the lake yard loco track. The Lee County courthouse clocktower can be seen in the distance,
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:08 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 5065(GP38-2)
Views:  368   Comments: 1
2657 works as the Opelika Switcher, working emprty racks in the transfer yard in downtown. Boxcars are for the Uniroyal plant.
Title:  2657 works as the Opelika Switcher, working emprty racks in the transfer yard in downtown. Boxcars are for the Uniroyal plant.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  4/1/1980  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:16 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2657(GP35)
Views:  712   Comments: 1
Untitled
Title:  Untitled
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  1/1/1981  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:38:30 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  331   Comments: 1
SOU 2683 works the yard on the east of Opelika Depot behind the Light & Power complex
Title:  SOU 2683 works the yard on the east of Opelika Depot behind the Light & Power complex
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  1/1/1981  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:59:35 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2683(GP35)
Views:  392   Comments: 1
SOU 7050 works a through freight by Opelika with a classic Southern consist in the Deep South
Title:  SOU 7050 works a through freight by Opelika with a classic Southern consist in the Deep South
Description:  at Opelika Depot looking east towards Columbus. The crane in background was for the construction of the new concrete over pass at Opelika FD on Avenue "B". The spur beside the depot is about to be laid which now is home to the display caboose beside the depot.
Photo Date:  1/1/1981  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:59:41 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 7050(GP50)
Views:  434   Comments: 1
Picture two of two--Radio Control Car SOU 905942 leads a SD45 and SD40 on a PRIDE coal train through Birmingham in the early 1980s
Title:  Picture two of two--Radio Control Car SOU 905942 leads a SD45 and SD40 on a PRIDE coal train through Birmingham in the early 1980s
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  1/1/1981  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:59:43 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories:  RollingStock
Locomotives: 
Views:  613   Comments: 2
Picture One of Two--Southern PRIDE coal train rumbles through Birmingham proper with two SDs up front and a radio control car and two more SDs in the middle.
Title:  Picture One of Two--Southern PRIDE coal train rumbles through Birmingham proper with two SDs up front and a radio control car and two more SDs in the middle.
Description:  Pictures by Glenn Marsh and from his collection
Photo Date:  1/1/1981  Upload Date: 12/1/2010 12:59:44 AM
Location:  Birmingham, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories:  Yard
Locomotives:  SOU 3063(SD35)
Views:  645   Comments: 1
Johnny Ray local at Opelika on Lake Track yard area
Title:  Johnny Ray local at Opelika on Lake Track yard area
Description:  the AWP-WofA passenger cover is still in place at the joint passenger depot to the left.
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 1:50:51 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2717(GP38)
Views:  667   Comments: 3
Close up of the Johnny Ray power in the Lake Track are yard in Opelika
Title:  Close up of the Johnny Ray power in the Lake Track are yard in Opelika
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 1:51:28 AM
Location:  Opelika, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 2717(GP38)
Views:  539   Comments: 1
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:27 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  310   Comments: 1
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:35 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  330   Comments: 1
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:24 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  264   Comments: 1
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:24 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  256   Comments: 1
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:25 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  255   Comments: 1
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:26 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  203   Comments: 1
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:57 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  325   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:58 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  347   Comments: 2
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:59 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  145   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:59 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  151   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:54:00 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  151   Comments: 0
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:27 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  229   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:54:01 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  191   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:54:02 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  156   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:47 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  165   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:48 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  159   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:49 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  144   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:49 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  158   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:50 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  266   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:51 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  181   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:52 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  229   Comments: 1
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:54 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  233   Comments: 0
Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Title:  Lafayette Branch during the Southern Railway years
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:52:29 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Hank Stephens
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  157   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:55 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  277   Comments: 1
SOU SD40-2 3317 leads a P-Line freight as it approaches Royal City southbound toward Columbus, GA
Title:  SOU SD40-2 3317 leads a P-Line freight as it approaches Royal City southbound toward Columbus, GA
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:55 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives:  SOU 3317(SD40-2)
Views:  657   Comments: 0
Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Title:  Lafayette Turn during the Southern Railway in the 80s
Description: 
Photo Date:  1/1/1986  Upload Date: 7/6/2010 12:53:56 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  250   Comments: 1

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