When L&N and Western Railway of Alabama established Cincinnati-NOLA trains 213/214 in 1973 (early Family Lines days...), I do not think the trains worked anywhere between the endpoints. Within a few months, there was a new twist. Between Atlanta and Montgomery (in both directions) a cut would often be added to the rear of the run-through, with a second cab and an added diesel or two. That was SOP when I left the area in 1976, but when I moved back in 1980, 213/214 were often working Opelika and perhaps other towns along the Cincy-NOLA route. Not quite as hot a train as when it started in '73...
Photos taken in the Deep South--primarily Alabama and Georgia--from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Featured railroads include the ICG, the West Point Route, SCL, Southern, Frisco, and even KCS.