A Tribute to Jim Wrinn and the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Photo Story

Remembering Jim Wrinn: A Tribute and a Story Untold

In late December 2020, while I was living in North Carolina, I heard from Jim Wrinn, who was the editor of Trains Magazine at the time. Jim was more than just an editor to me. He was a close friend, a mentor, and one of my biggest supporters. He believed in my work even when I had doubts, and he was always quick to offer advice or encouragement, whether I asked for it or not.

Me photographing Jim in 2015 during a N&W J611 photo charter after the steam locomotive’s completed restoration. (Photo by T.J. Mahan)

Jim reached out with a special project idea. He wanted me to document a short-line railroad somewhere in North Carolina and tell the story of what a typical day looks like for a train crew. It was a unique chance to capture the life behind the scenes on a railroad that often goes unnoticed but plays a critical role in the industry.

I contacted several short-line railroads in the state. Jennifer White, President of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, responded and gave me complete access to ride along with their train crews. Over two days, I spent time on board with the crews and followed their routes by vehicle to capture the landscape the railroad passes through.

Jim asked me to write a short piece to go with the photos he planned to publish. He hoped to run the story in early 2022. Sadly, Jim passed away in March 2022, and with his passing, the story did not move forward. This was the last project I had the honor of working on with Jim before he passed, which makes finally sharing this photo project even more special to me. I have reached out to the new editors at Trains Magazine about publishing the photos, but they were unsure of where Jim intended to take the story, so it has been passed over.

Today I want to share that piece here as a tribute to Jim. He believed in me and supported my work throughout my career. Whether it was career advice or trusting me with big projects like the Norfolk & Western J611 restoration coverage, Jim was always there. I hope this post honors him and also highlights the hardworking crews of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway.

A Day with the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is North Carolina’s largest short-line railroad. It runs tracks between Charlotte and Star, where it splits with one line heading toward Raleigh through Gulf, and the other going to Pinehurst and ending in Aberdeen. The railroad even passes through the famous Pinehurst Golf Course, which was the site of the 2024 U.S. Open.

The railroad’s headquarters is in Candor, North Carolina. This is where train crews begin their 12-hour shifts. The ACWR connects with two major Class 1 railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX, which helps move freight through the region.

Crew members start their day by filling out paperwork and getting the necessary permissions for the routes they will run. Their work can vary from moving empty freight cars to connection points for Norfolk Southern or CSX, switching local industries, or operating unit trains that cross the line daily.

Depending on the job, crews operate locomotives painted in ACWR’s distinctive purple and green colors. Unit trains might be powered by engines from CSX or Norfolk Southern, depending on where they came from.

Crews work 12-hour shifts in a schedule of five days on and two days off. Both day and night shifts run daily. Riding with the crew, you quickly notice how the track has a roller coaster-like feel, with rises and dips that keep the crew alert.

ACWR runs about 20 locomotives, mostly wide-nosed GP40-2s and SD40-3s. The crews usually operate the SD40-3s. Even though it is a short-line, the Aberdeen Carolina & Western runs like a major railroad and its crews work with the heart and dedication that shows.

Remembering Jim Wrinn

Jim was always willing to listen to my ideas, whether they were about railroading or something else. He gave me advice on my career, sometimes before I even asked for it. Some of my favorite memories with Jim come from the Trains Magazine events we attended together, especially helping him finish the live coverage of the Norfolk & Western J611 restoration. I can still hear his voice and laugh when we talked.

Jim Wrinn photographed in 2015 doing a livestream for Trains Magazine.

Losing Jim was a huge personal and professional loss. Finally sharing the last images from the last project we worked on together in this post is my way of honoring the friendship we had and the trust he placed in my work.

- Ben.

Photographing the Speedway Classic '25 Media Day at Bristol Motor Speedway

Photographing the Speedway Classic '25 Media Day at Bristol Motor Speedway

On a hot and humid Tuesday, June 24, I had the chance to photograph for Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) at a media day open house for their upcoming Major League Baseball game.

The event was for the upcoming Speedway Classic '25, where the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will face off on August 2, 2025 inside the infield at Bristol Motor Speedway. I’ve been covering races here since 2010 and led the track photography team for Nigel Kinrade Photography from 2021 through 2024 but had been a part of the track photo team since 2015. I’ve seen this place from every angle, but watching it turn into a ballpark is something completely different.

Bristol Builds a Ballfield

To make room for a full MLB field, the speedway had to remove half of the frontstretch and backstretch pit walls, along with part of the Goodyear building. That’s not a small adjustment. It shows just how big this moment really is for both baseball and Bristol.

We weren’t allowed to step onto the construction site, but even from pit road, you could see how much work had gone into the build already. Bulldozers were running, gravel was being leveled, and the shape of the future field was starting to take form right in the middle of a NASCAR short track.

Props, Personality, and a Sword

Bristol Motor Speedway provided me with a few custom props: a branded helmet, baseball, and bats made specifically for the Speedway Classic '25. I used them throughout the track, pairing them with the gladiator sword that drivers receive in Victory Lane. It was a fun way to blend the energy of Bristol racing with the tradition of Major League Baseball.

The mascots from both teams showed up and brought some humor to the day. They weren’t allowed into the construction zone either, but they climbed on nearby equipment and played around on a gravel pile like they were part of the crew. It made for some great images that captured the spirit of the event.

Why This Game Matters

The Speedway Classic '25 is more than a baseball game. It’s part of Major League Baseball’s effort to bring the game to meaningful venues with history and heart. Events like the Field of Dreams game in Iowa or the tribute at Rickwood Field are proof that the setting matters. And Bristol is about as iconic as it gets.

I’ve been lucky to spend years photographing motorsports in this place, and this project was a reminder that storytelling can take a lot of forms.

Looking for a photographer who knows how to capture big moments with personality and purpose? Whether you're hosting a corporate event, launching a brand campaign, or need professional photography in Southwest Virginia, I’d love to help you tell your story. You can see more of my work and get in touch with me through my contact page.

Capturing Conservation: My Experience Photographing the ATC’s Hardcore Trail Work at Trail Days 2025

Trail Days weekend in Damascus, VA is always a whirlwind—and this year was no exception.

Over Friday and Saturday, I worked with a brand to provide event photography coverage of their vendor booth setup, helping them create engaging content for their social media marketing. As a photographer based in Southwest Virginia, I always enjoy opportunities to document events that bring people together—especially something as iconic as Trail Days, which draws thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to town each year.

But Sunday was where the heart of the weekend really hit home.

I was hired by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to photograph their annual Hardcore Trail Work Day, a long-standing tradition held the Sunday after Trail Days. I arrived early at the Appalachian Trail Center in downtown Damascus, where volunteers were gathering for breakfast, receiving custom event shirts, and getting signed up for a day of trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail.

Two crews formed that morning—one headed across the state line into Tennessee, and the other made the 45-minute drive to Elk Garden Trailhead, where I tagged along to document their efforts. Before we left, I captured a group photo of all the volunteers—a moment of camaraderie before everyone set out for a hard day's work.

Once we arrived, the ATC staff led a quick safety briefing, thanked the volunteers, and the crew hit the trail. The group split into three teams. One focused on rerouting drainage to prevent erosion, while the others tackled blowdown cleanup from Hurricane Helene, which had damaged parts of the trail in late September 2024. Volunteers also built new steps to help hikers navigate washed-out and altered sections of the trail.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for trail work photography—cool, clear skies and ideal lighting for documenting the teamwork, effort, and passion of everyone involved. I spent the day hiking alongside the crew, capturing authentic moments in the forest and connecting with people who truly care about protecting the Appalachian Trail.

And the view from the trailhead? Absolutely stunning. One of those classic Southwest Virginia landscapes that makes you stop in your tracks and remember why these mountains mean so much to so many.

iPhone panorama image of where I parked my vehicle.

Looking for authentic, professional photography coverage in Southwest Virginia?
Whether you're planning an event, running a nonprofit initiative, or need brand storytelling for your social media, I’d love to help tell your story through impactful imagery. Check out more of my work on Instagram, Facebook or reach out here to book a session or start a conversation. Let’s create something meaningful together.

- Ben Earp

Kings Mountain vs. Crest Volleyball - 12-8-2020

High School Volleyball Action: Kings Mountain vs. Crest

I had the opportunity to capture some exciting high school volleyball action after being contracted by TPS Photography in Morganton, North Carolina. This match featured Kings Mountain High School (Kings Mountain, NC) taking on Crest High School (Shelby, NC) at Kings Mountain’s home court. Both the JV and Varsity teams were packed with talent, so it was set to be a night of competitive and high-energy matches.

Capturing Volleyball in the Era of Covid-19

With Covid-19 restrictions still in place, everyone inside the gym—players, coaches, and spectators—was required to wear masks. Photographing athletes mid-game while wearing masks created a unique visual element that will serve as a reminder of how different life was during this time. Years from now, looking back at these images will be a testament to the resilience of student-athletes who played through unprecedented challenges.

A Night of Intensity and Energy

From the first serve to the final point, both teams played their hearts out, making for some incredible moments to capture through my lens. The fast-paced action, powerful spikes, and intense rallies kept the energy high throughout the night. These photos will be featured in both schools’ yearbooks, preserving the memories of an unforgettable season for the players, coaches, and fans.

A huge thank you to TPS Photography for bringing me on board to photograph this match. It’s always a privilege to document student-athletes giving their all on the court.