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.