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6/10/2025
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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:  379   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:  873   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:  461   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:  490   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:  435   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:  646   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:  746   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:  747   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:  462   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:  185   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:  443   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:  439   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:  486   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:  192   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:  378   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:  380   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:  731   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:  342   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:  401   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:  447   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:  620   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:  655   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:  695   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:  547   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:  346   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:  338   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:  280   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:  274   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:  275   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:  236   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:  346   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:  365   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:  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 12:53:59 AM
Location:  Lafayette, AL
Author:  Glenn Marsh
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  166   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:  175   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:  237   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:  244   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:  176   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:  174   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:  171   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:  155   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:  172   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:  278   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:  204   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:  242   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:  248   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:  170   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:  295   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:  662   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:  279   Comments: 1

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