November 2002

9th Street Open House ark your calendar, June 22-23, 2002. UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS MOur 9th Street crew will host an open house and 40th Birthday celebration for a May 16, 2002 The Official Newsletter of the young lady! Our GP30 No. 522 was delivered Regular Meeting Roanoke Chapter, National to the N&W in late June, 1962, while never Railway Historical Society, Inc. particularly noted at the time, she was the June 4, 2002 first of the next generation of higher horse- Board Meeting power units on the railroad. Volume 34, Number 5 May 2002 The 522 will be up and running, now June 20, 2002 freshly restored to as delivered paint and appearance and with any luck, we’ll have a Regular Meeting few surprises to show off as well. More details will be forthcoming at the next two July 2, 2002 Chapter meetings. Board Meeting

July 18, 2002 Regular Meeting

Turntable Times is published monthly as the newsletter of the Roanoke Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc. Opinions and points of view expressed herein are those of the staff members of the Turntable Times and not necessarily reflect those of the members, officers or directors of the Chapter. Items of interest should be sent to Editor Kenny Kirkman, 590 Murphy Road, Collinsville, VA 24078-2128.

Non-Profit Editor, Turntable Times Organization Roanoke Chapter NRHS U.S. Postage P.O. Box 13222 PAID Roanoke, VA Roanoke, VA 24032-1322 Permit No. 89 Dated Material Please do not delay Alexandria to Orange, VA (80.5 miles) and sorely missed. Meeting Notice thus used their E-8’s or streamline 4-6-4’s Two former members also passed away in The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for power. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON - 4 recent weeks, Mike Nunley and Ron will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2002 at Pullmans, 2 coaches, 1 diner, 1 tavern Basham. Both had not been members for 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian lounge and 1 baggage car to Charlottesville, some time, but had been involved in years Church on the corner of McClanahan and Crystal Spring Avenue VA (115 miles) where it was combined with past. Our thoughts to the families who in Roanoke. the Virginia section. This train went to remain. Our May program is Atlanta Convention 1994 provided by Chad Cincinnati and Louisville with thru Jordan. June’s program will be a video compilation of the best of Pullmans for Indianapolis, St. Louis and Salem Station Celebration Volume 34, Number 5 railroading, Hollywood style by Gary Ballard. Chicago. Cars were lightweight in silver, The Roanoke Chapter will be producing a May 2002 blue and yellow. display to commemorate the 111th anniver- From The Head End I have revisited Alexandria twice since sary of the N&W station at Salem on May EDITOR 1954 (excluding the times when I was a 24 and 25. The focus of this exhibit will be Kenney Kirkman Cards and Flowers crew member on Roanoke Chapter fan “Railroading in the Roanoke Valley” with a trips). On March 31,1969 I went there to If you know of a Chapter Member who is sick, lost a loved one strong emphasis on Salem and the steam MIXED FREIGHT see the 10 car President Eisenhower funer- or has a new birth in the family, please contact Bonnie Molinary. era. There will be large format photos dis- Robin R. Shavers al train. The president’s remains were in Bonnie is responsible for Chapter cards and flowers and can be played, and possibly some memorabilia. heavy weight C&O baggage car 314 whose reached at 362-0273. We need volunteers to help out both SMALL RAILS doors were covered with black bunting before and during the event, which will be Dave Meashey Deadline for Turntable Times while Mrs. Eisenhower had quarters in Friday evening the 24th, and 9-4 on ATSF business car Santa Fe which was on The deadline for the next issue of Turntable Times is Saturday, Saturday. This is scheduled to tie into SPLINTERS the rear. The routing was C&O to May 18, 2002. Please send articles, information and all exchange Salem’s Bicentennial Celebration that Bill Arnold Cincinnati, B&O to St. Louis, N&W (x newsletters to: Kenney Kirkman, Editor, Turntable Times, 590 weekend. To volunteer, contact Ken Miller Wabash) to St. Louis and UP to Abilene, Murphy Road, Collinsville, Va. 24078-2128. or Bill Arnold, or come to the Chapter HISTORIAN Kansas. While there during April 1999 Kenneth L. Miller meeting. Material For Turntable Times Amtrak’s Carolinian and Silver Star and a The Chapter did a display for the 100th Virginia Railway Express commuter train All materials should be We are always in need of articles, photos or news items for the birthday of the station in 1991 during Old arrived and departed. Can any of you read- Salem days and it was very well received! sent directly to the Editor: Turntable Times. Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot reprint ers name a better place to see such a vari- Kenney Kirkman Come on out and pitch in to make this an articles from many newspapers; a condensed or rewritten article ety of trains??????????? 590 Murphy Road crediting the source is acceptable. We still need material on an equally successful event! Collinsville, VA ongoing basis. Please contribute. 24078-2128 Our Condolences Mechanical Update Long time member (and Life Member of Turntable Times is published Cover Photo ork continues at our 9th Street monthly as the newsletter of Roanoke Chapter) Melba Overstreet passed Maintenance Facility as track work is the Roanoke Chapter, National away on April 22. Melba was the long time W Railway Historical Society, Inc. The Chapter’s Alco T6 is shown powering the Chapter outing ongoing, restoration work on our boxcars Opinions and points of view with four of our cars at Tygart Junction on the West Virginia coordinator of flowers and card for the has now commenced and many hands are expressed herein are those of Chapter, she had been slowed considerably the staff members of the Central on Saturday, April 27, 2002. The editor is hoping that needed for the multitude of jobs to be com- Turntable Times and not nec- someone who rode can provide us a story of the Chapter’s week- in recent years, but never lost her spirit! pleted, so come on down on a Saturday or essarily reflect those of the She totally enjoyed the fellowship of the members, officers or directors end outing! Brian Crosier photo. Sunday, be prepared to get a little dirty and of the Chapter. Chapter and meetings, and she will be have some fun!

1 6 I spent many Sunday afternoons at this often a mixture of lightweight and heavy- Mixed Freight - May Those of us whom enjoy photographing location during the years 1949-1954. Come weight cars, and video taping everyday train operations by Mr. Robin R. Shavers join me for a minds eye revisit on a sunny Seaboard Air Line - The two trains herein are always looking for new locations, props une 1st 2002 marks the 20th anniversary spring Sunday afternoon in 1949. Here are were stainless steel with the name and angles. There are two bridges spanning since the merger of the Southern Railway listed the trains we would have seen: SEABOARD in black on the car letterboards. J CSX tracks as part of an on going grade System and the Norfolk and Western They were powered by RF&P E units to crossing reduction program. One bridge car- Railway. Hard to believe it's been twenty While watching this passenger train Richmond on that railroad. THE SILVER ries state route 722 over the former RF&P years. Keep in mind that in the beginning parade there would have been four to eight METEOR - 6 Pullmans, 6 coaches, 1 diner, I tracks at Milford, Virginia. The bridge pro- the two railroads kept their separate identi- RF&P,C&O and Southern freight trains. All observation and 1 baggage-dormitory. vides a great view of north and southbound ties. They just worked together more close- ACL and SAL freights had RF&P power There were cars for Miami, St. Petersburg trains. There is ample parking on the east- ly. Think of all the changes the railroad while C&0 and Southern used their own and Venice. THE SILVER STAR - 6 Pullmans, side of the span. The view is not blocked industry and the world in general has expe- power. C&O had trackage rights on SOU 6 coaches, 1 diner, 1 observation and 1 bag- by a chain link fence. There is an aban- rienced since June 1st, 1982. Alexandria to Orange, Va. gage-dormitory car. Cars went to Miami, St. doned tower located here in good shape as Another 20 year anniversary to commem- Let us look at the consists and the desti- Petersburg and Boca Grande. SAL trains well as a two mast signal for southbound- orate is Washington D.C.'s Metro Rail. The nations of the cars in some of the trains split in Wildwood, FL. ers. A crossover is located here too and project began back in 1969. It is indeed a that have been passing. I also want to add Southern - Southern trains went on their trains often switched over from track two transportation marvel to behold and most that on some Sunday afternoons the crowd own rails one mile south of the Alexandria to track three and vice versa. of all, ENJOY. Whatever negatives you may of viewers was as large as those at sandlot station, thus their trains were powered by The second location is located at have about rapid transit, real or imagined, ball games. their E-6 units or beautiful Pacifics in green Petersburg, Virginia. The new bridge spans please don't apply them to Washington's Atlantic Coast Line - These trains were with gold letters. THE CRESCENT - 5 the former Seaboard Coast Line high iron Metrorail. I am by no means knocking the powered by RF&P units normally in A-B-A Pullmans. 1 diner, 1 observation-lounge just north of Collier Yard. It carries Halifax subway system of other cities. They func- sets from Washington to Richmond over and a baggage-dormitory. This train went to Road over the tracks and provides a great tion and pretty darn well at that. the RF&P. All cars on the East & West Coast New Orleans via Montgomery southwest of view of trains in both directions. Parking is Municipalities like New York, Philly and Champions were stainless steel with the Atlanta. Some coaches and Pullmans on best on the west side of the bridge. There Chicago would definitely be in dire straits purple letterboard with silver letters. There this train were added to THE SOUTHERN- is also a second span over the former N&W if their rapid transit systems were to cease were no head end cars other than a bag- ER in Atlanta. THE SOUTHERNER - 7 coach- as you proceed eastward then southward. functioning for whatever reason. The sub- gage-dormitory car. EAST COAST CHAMPI- es, 1 baggage car. Some coaches in this Like the bridge at Milford, this bridge is way systems of the above mentioned cities ON - 10 coaches, 2 diners, 1 tavern, 1 obser- train were added to THE CRESCENT in free of a chain link fence that would indeed laid the groundwork for vation-lounge and 1 baggage-dormitory all Atlanta as it operated via Tuscaloosa to obstruct great views. Washington's Metrorail. Something I really for Miami over the FEC south of New Orleans. BIRMINGHAM SPECIAL - 4 enjoy doing is spending an entire day rid- Jacksonville. WEST COAST CHAMPION - 5 Pullmans, 4 coaches, 1 diner and head end ing the entire system by color code. The Small Rails-May coaches, 7 Pullmans,1 diner, 1 tavern- cars with Pullmans and coaches for system is operated on what I call the pri- by Dave Meashey lounge and a baggage-dormitory. This train Knoxville, Memphis and Birmingham. This mary code system: Red Line, Blue Line, he Roanoke Valley Model Engineers are split in Jacksonville with one section going train operated Monroe-Bristol (202 miles) Yellow Line and Green Line. On a rail line planning to hold their fall train show to Tampa via Orlando with Sarasota cars over the Norfolk and Western behind T closer to home, the Blue Ridge Live on Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 a.m. while the other section went to St. steam. All cars were heavy weight often Steamers have their first run for the year to 4:00 p.m. The show features dealers in Petersburg via Ocala. FLORIDA SPECIAL with a mixture of Southern, N&W and REA on May 18th and 19th. The public is wel- both railroad memorabilia and model (New York Section) - 14 Pullmans (one had cars. come from 9:00 a.m. til 4:00 p.m., both trains. Operating model train layouts are an observation lounge), 2 diners, 1 baggage- Chesapeake & Ohio - C&O trains had days at our Burnt Chimney, Virginia proper- also featured for the show. dormitory. All cars went to Miami and were trackage rights over the Southern from ty. The Big Lick Big Train Operators held

5 2 their first 2002 meeting at my home on Hogan, their Chapter’s President. (now once again know as St Petersburg) from Washington’s Union Station and Saturday, April 27th at my house. My gar- During our discussions, I advised him ever since.] freight trains to and from RF&P’S Potomac den railroad was operational, and passen- that while working for Norfolk Southern, I Yard which lied between the station and ger and freight trains were run. Members had the opportunity to work as an advisor Train Watching-1949 the Potomac River bridge (when CSX took in attendance included a nice cross-section to the Russian Railways. Mr. Hogan asked if By Ray Myers over RF&? this yard was eliminated). Why of the club. I had hoped that some of my I had taken any pictures in Russia of their ost railfans have one or perhaps sever- was this an ideal location? Just south of the guests would bring trains of their own to railways. This conversation lead to having a Mal locations where they most like to station was a well maintained grass bank run, but only Geneva & New Bern Railroad photo of mine published in their fine watch or photograph trains. Teasing my about 440 long which was eye level with equipment operated for the meeting. newsletter “The Highball”. Also, I was the mind I began recalling the many places that the letterboard of a trains first four or five My Lord of the Rings "concept locomo- Old Dominion Chapter’s speaker for their seemed to be favorites in this most enjoy- cars of trains heading south and the mid tive" was on display. I'm planning to build April 2002 meeting. The subject of the pre- able pastime which has extended more section of trains going north. Then there some fantasy railroad equipment based on sentation to the group was on the Russian than 60 years. It was not hard to select my was the convenience of the stations rest the epic novels about Middle Earth. The railways. favorite location for viewing or taking pic- rooms and concessions facilities. Also, the railroad, built shortly after the War of the So what the answer to the question as to tures - it was the RF&P passenger station in afternoon sun was at your back. The two Ring, would be called the Brandywine and Richmond railroading's most famous Alexandria, Virginia where there was a closest tracks where the north and south Gondor Railroad. Instead of burning coal moment on the stage of world history?? passing parade of passenger trains to and passenger mains with the parallel tracks or wood, this locomotive has a small drag- The answer is engine #293, built by the freight tracks to the east. on riding where the tender's fuel bunker Richmond Locomotive Works in 1900 and Time Road Train No. No. Train Name Destination would be. The wee beastie spouts her fiery on display in a glass enclosed case in St 12:08PM C&O 5 The Sportsman Cleveland-Detroit breath into the locomotive's firebox to Petersburg, Russia. So how did it get there 12:15PM C&O A The Sportsman Washington maintain a full head of steam! and what's the event of importance? 1:52PM SAL 8 The Sunland Washington Members voted to have an operating dis- Vladimir Lenin took two famous trains 1:27PM SAL 22 The Silver Star New York City play at the Roanoke Valley Model trips to St. Petersburg, Russia. The first was 2:33PM SAL 21 The Silver Star Miami-St. Pete Engineers' September show, providing that the “sealed train” trip, when at the height 2:43PM SAL 7 The Sunland Miami-Tampa enough tables can be spared for our track. of World War I, the German government 4:18PM ACL 4 Everglades Washington Large scale trains do need a little more put him on a train to Russia in the hope 5:03PM SAL 33 The Silver Comet Birmingham room to "stretch their wheels" than some Lenin would destabilize the Russian gov- 5:05PM ACL 87 Florida Special Miami-St. Petersburg of the smaller scales. Fortunately, the big ernment. Lenin fled to Finland (then a 5:08PM SOU 17 Birmingham Special via Roanoke on N&W trains are usually quite a crowd pleaser as Russian fiefdom) to avoid the Kerensky 5:10PM SAL 5 Cotton Blossom Atlanta well. government. After the outbreak of the 5:43PM ACL 5 Florida Special Miami Bolshevik revolution in October 1917, 6:27PM SOU 36 Local Washington Richmond Railroad Heritage Lenin again rode the train to St Petersburg. 6:43PM SOU 37 The Crescent New Orleans The locomotive that pulled Lenin’s sec- What is Richmond, VA railroading’s 6:48PM C&O I The George Washington Cincinnati-Lousiville ond train, Finland State Railway was 4-6-0 most famous moment 6:53PM SOU 31 Aiken-Augusta Special Aiken-Augusta #293. It became a famous symbol of the on the stage of world history?? 6:58PM ACL 1 East Coast Champion Miami Communist Revolution. During a thaw in By David Helmer 7:23PM ACL 91 West Coast Champion Tampa-St. Petesburg Russian/Finnish relations in the 1950s, the uring June 2001, I had the opportunity 7:28PM SAL 57 The Silver Meteor Miami-St. Petersburg Finns gave the engine to the USSR. The to visit the Old Dominion NRHS 7:53PM SOU 46 The Tennessean Washington D small locomotive and tender has been on Chapter's museum on Hull Street in 8:08PM ACL 77 Palmetto Wilmington-Savannah display at the Finland Station in Leningrad Richmond, VA. My tour guide was Dick 9:08PM SOU 47 The Southerner New Orleans

3 4 their first 2002 meeting at my home on Hogan, their Chapter’s President. (now once again know as St Petersburg) from Washington’s Union Station and Saturday, April 27th at my house. My gar- During our discussions, I advised him ever since.] freight trains to and from RF&P’S Potomac den railroad was operational, and passen- that while working for Norfolk Southern, I Yard which lied between the station and ger and freight trains were run. Members had the opportunity to work as an advisor Train Watching-1949 the Potomac River bridge (when CSX took in attendance included a nice cross-section to the Russian Railways. Mr. Hogan asked if By Ray Myers over RF&? this yard was eliminated). Why of the club. I had hoped that some of my I had taken any pictures in Russia of their ost railfans have one or perhaps sever- was this an ideal location? Just south of the guests would bring trains of their own to railways. This conversation lead to having a Mal locations where they most like to station was a well maintained grass bank run, but only Geneva & New Bern Railroad photo of mine published in their fine watch or photograph trains. Teasing my about 440 long which was eye level with equipment operated for the meeting. newsletter “The Highball”. Also, I was the mind I began recalling the many places that the letterboard of a trains first four or five My Lord of the Rings "concept locomo- Old Dominion Chapter’s speaker for their seemed to be favorites in this most enjoy- cars of trains heading south and the mid tive" was on display. I'm planning to build April 2002 meeting. The subject of the pre- able pastime which has extended more section of trains going north. Then there some fantasy railroad equipment based on sentation to the group was on the Russian than 60 years. It was not hard to select my was the convenience of the stations rest the epic novels about Middle Earth. The railways. favorite location for viewing or taking pic- rooms and concessions facilities. Also, the railroad, built shortly after the War of the So what the answer to the question as to tures - it was the RF&P passenger station in afternoon sun was at your back. The two Ring, would be called the Brandywine and Richmond railroading's most famous Alexandria, Virginia where there was a closest tracks where the north and south Gondor Railroad. Instead of burning coal moment on the stage of world history?? passing parade of passenger trains to and passenger mains with the parallel tracks or wood, this locomotive has a small drag- The answer is engine #293, built by the freight tracks to the east. on riding where the tender's fuel bunker Richmond Locomotive Works in 1900 and Time Road Train No. No. Train Name Destination would be. The wee beastie spouts her fiery on display in a glass enclosed case in St 12:08PM C&O 5 The Sportsman Cleveland-Detroit breath into the locomotive's firebox to Petersburg, Russia. So how did it get there 12:15PM C&O A The Sportsman Washington maintain a full head of steam! and what's the event of importance? 1:52PM SAL 8 The Sunland Washington Members voted to have an operating dis- Vladimir Lenin took two famous trains 1:27PM SAL 22 The Silver Star New York City play at the Roanoke Valley Model trips to St. Petersburg, Russia. The first was 2:33PM SAL 21 The Silver Star Miami-St. Pete Engineers' September show, providing that the “sealed train” trip, when at the height 2:43PM SAL 7 The Sunland Miami-Tampa enough tables can be spared for our track. of World War I, the German government 4:18PM ACL 4 Everglades Washington Large scale trains do need a little more put him on a train to Russia in the hope 5:03PM SAL 33 The Silver Comet Birmingham room to "stretch their wheels" than some Lenin would destabilize the Russian gov- 5:05PM ACL 87 Florida Special Miami-St. Petersburg of the smaller scales. Fortunately, the big ernment. Lenin fled to Finland (then a 5:08PM SOU 17 Birmingham Special via Roanoke on N&W trains are usually quite a crowd pleaser as Russian fiefdom) to avoid the Kerensky 5:10PM SAL 5 Cotton Blossom Atlanta well. government. After the outbreak of the 5:43PM ACL 5 Florida Special Miami Bolshevik revolution in October 1917, 6:27PM SOU 36 Local Washington Richmond Railroad Heritage Lenin again rode the train to St Petersburg. 6:43PM SOU 37 The Crescent New Orleans The locomotive that pulled Lenin’s sec- What is Richmond, VA railroading’s 6:48PM C&O I The George Washington Cincinnati-Lousiville ond train, Finland State Railway was 4-6-0 most famous moment 6:53PM SOU 31 Aiken-Augusta Special Aiken-Augusta #293. It became a famous symbol of the on the stage of world history?? 6:58PM ACL 1 East Coast Champion Miami Communist Revolution. During a thaw in By David Helmer 7:23PM ACL 91 West Coast Champion Tampa-St. Petesburg Russian/Finnish relations in the 1950s, the uring June 2001, I had the opportunity 7:28PM SAL 57 The Silver Meteor Miami-St. Petersburg Finns gave the engine to the USSR. The to visit the Old Dominion NRHS 7:53PM SOU 46 The Tennessean Washington D small locomotive and tender has been on Chapter's museum on Hull Street in 8:08PM ACL 77 Palmetto Wilmington-Savannah display at the Finland Station in Leningrad Richmond, VA. My tour guide was Dick 9:08PM SOU 47 The Southerner New Orleans

3 4 I spent many Sunday afternoons at this often a mixture of lightweight and heavy- Mixed Freight - May Those of us whom enjoy photographing location during the years 1949-1954. Come weight cars, and video taping everyday train operations by Mr. Robin R. Shavers join me for a minds eye revisit on a sunny Seaboard Air Line - The two trains herein are always looking for new locations, props une 1st 2002 marks the 20th anniversary spring Sunday afternoon in 1949. Here are were stainless steel with the name and angles. There are two bridges spanning since the merger of the Southern Railway listed the trains we would have seen: SEABOARD in black on the car letterboards. J CSX tracks as part of an on going grade System and the Norfolk and Western They were powered by RF&P E units to crossing reduction program. One bridge car- Railway. Hard to believe it's been twenty While watching this passenger train Richmond on that railroad. THE SILVER ries state route 722 over the former RF&P years. Keep in mind that in the beginning parade there would have been four to eight METEOR - 6 Pullmans, 6 coaches, 1 diner, I tracks at Milford, Virginia. The bridge pro- the two railroads kept their separate identi- RF&P,C&O and Southern freight trains. All observation and 1 baggage-dormitory. vides a great view of north and southbound ties. They just worked together more close- ACL and SAL freights had RF&P power There were cars for Miami, St. Petersburg trains. There is ample parking on the east- ly. Think of all the changes the railroad while C&0 and Southern used their own and Venice. THE SILVER STAR - 6 Pullmans, side of the span. The view is not blocked industry and the world in general has expe- power. C&O had trackage rights on SOU 6 coaches, 1 diner, 1 observation and 1 bag- by a chain link fence. There is an aban- rienced since June 1st, 1982. Alexandria to Orange, Va. gage-dormitory car. Cars went to Miami, St. doned tower located here in good shape as Another 20 year anniversary to commem- Let us look at the consists and the desti- Petersburg and Boca Grande. SAL trains well as a two mast signal for southbound- orate is Washington D.C.'s Metro Rail. The nations of the cars in some of the trains split in Wildwood, FL. ers. A crossover is located here too and project began back in 1969. It is indeed a that have been passing. I also want to add Southern - Southern trains went on their trains often switched over from track two transportation marvel to behold and most that on some Sunday afternoons the crowd own rails one mile south of the Alexandria to track three and vice versa. of all, ENJOY. Whatever negatives you may of viewers was as large as those at sandlot station, thus their trains were powered by The second location is located at have about rapid transit, real or imagined, ball games. their E-6 units or beautiful Pacifics in green Petersburg, Virginia. The new bridge spans please don't apply them to Washington's Atlantic Coast Line - These trains were with gold letters. THE CRESCENT - 5 the former Seaboard Coast Line high iron Metrorail. I am by no means knocking the powered by RF&P units normally in A-B-A Pullmans. 1 diner, 1 observation-lounge just north of Collier Yard. It carries Halifax subway system of other cities. They func- sets from Washington to Richmond over and a baggage-dormitory. This train went to Road over the tracks and provides a great tion and pretty darn well at that. the RF&P. All cars on the East & West Coast New Orleans via Montgomery southwest of view of trains in both directions. Parking is Municipalities like New York, Philly and Champions were stainless steel with the Atlanta. Some coaches and Pullmans on best on the west side of the bridge. There Chicago would definitely be in dire straits purple letterboard with silver letters. There this train were added to THE SOUTHERN- is also a second span over the former N&W if their rapid transit systems were to cease were no head end cars other than a bag- ER in Atlanta. THE SOUTHERNER - 7 coach- as you proceed eastward then southward. functioning for whatever reason. The sub- gage-dormitory car. EAST COAST CHAMPI- es, 1 baggage car. Some coaches in this Like the bridge at Milford, this bridge is way systems of the above mentioned cities ON - 10 coaches, 2 diners, 1 tavern, 1 obser- train were added to THE CRESCENT in free of a chain link fence that would indeed laid the groundwork for vation-lounge and 1 baggage-dormitory all Atlanta as it operated via Tuscaloosa to obstruct great views. Washington's Metrorail. Something I really for Miami over the FEC south of New Orleans. BIRMINGHAM SPECIAL - 4 enjoy doing is spending an entire day rid- Jacksonville. WEST COAST CHAMPION - 5 Pullmans, 4 coaches, 1 diner and head end ing the entire system by color code. The Small Rails-May coaches, 7 Pullmans,1 diner, 1 tavern- cars with Pullmans and coaches for system is operated on what I call the pri- by Dave Meashey lounge and a baggage-dormitory. This train Knoxville, Memphis and Birmingham. This mary code system: Red Line, Blue Line, he Roanoke Valley Model Engineers are split in Jacksonville with one section going train operated Monroe-Bristol (202 miles) Yellow Line and Green Line. On a rail line planning to hold their fall train show to Tampa via Orlando with Sarasota cars over the Norfolk and Western behind T closer to home, the Blue Ridge Live on Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 a.m. while the other section went to St. steam. All cars were heavy weight often Steamers have their first run for the year to 4:00 p.m. The show features dealers in Petersburg via Ocala. FLORIDA SPECIAL with a mixture of Southern, N&W and REA on May 18th and 19th. The public is wel- both railroad memorabilia and model (New York Section) - 14 Pullmans (one had cars. come from 9:00 a.m. til 4:00 p.m., both trains. Operating model train layouts are an observation lounge), 2 diners, 1 baggage- Chesapeake & Ohio - C&O trains had days at our Burnt Chimney, Virginia proper- also featured for the show. dormitory. All cars went to Miami and were trackage rights over the Southern from ty. The Big Lick Big Train Operators held

5 2 Alexandria to Orange, VA (80.5 miles) and sorely missed. Meeting Notice thus used their E-8’s or streamline 4-6-4’s Two former members also passed away in The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for power. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON - 4 recent weeks, Mike Nunley and Ron will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2002 at Pullmans, 2 coaches, 1 diner, 1 tavern Basham. Both had not been members for 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian lounge and 1 baggage car to Charlottesville, some time, but had been involved in years Church on the corner of McClanahan and Crystal Spring Avenue VA (115 miles) where it was combined with past. Our thoughts to the families who in Roanoke. the Virginia section. This train went to remain. Our May program is Atlanta Convention 1994 provided by Chad Cincinnati and Louisville with thru Jordan. June’s program will be a video compilation of the best of Pullmans for Indianapolis, St. Louis and Salem Station Celebration Volume 34, Number 5 railroading, Hollywood style by Gary Ballard. Chicago. Cars were lightweight in silver, The Roanoke Chapter will be producing a May 2002 blue and yellow. display to commemorate the 111th anniver- From The Head End I have revisited Alexandria twice since sary of the N&W station at Salem on May EDITOR 1954 (excluding the times when I was a 24 and 25. The focus of this exhibit will be Kenney Kirkman Cards and Flowers crew member on Roanoke Chapter fan “Railroading in the Roanoke Valley” with a trips). On March 31,1969 I went there to If you know of a Chapter Member who is sick, lost a loved one strong emphasis on Salem and the steam MIXED FREIGHT see the 10 car President Eisenhower funer- or has a new birth in the family, please contact Bonnie Molinary. era. There will be large format photos dis- Robin R. Shavers al train. The president’s remains were in Bonnie is responsible for Chapter cards and flowers and can be played, and possibly some memorabilia. heavy weight C&O baggage car 314 whose reached at 362-0273. We need volunteers to help out both SMALL RAILS doors were covered with black bunting before and during the event, which will be Dave Meashey Deadline for Turntable Times while Mrs. Eisenhower had quarters in Friday evening the 24th, and 9-4 on ATSF business car Santa Fe which was on The deadline for the next issue of Turntable Times is Saturday, Saturday. This is scheduled to tie into SPLINTERS the rear. The routing was C&O to May 18, 2002. Please send articles, information and all exchange Salem’s Bicentennial Celebration that Bill Arnold Cincinnati, B&O to St. Louis, N&W (x newsletters to: Kenney Kirkman, Editor, Turntable Times, 590 weekend. To volunteer, contact Ken Miller Wabash) to St. Louis and UP to Abilene, Murphy Road, Collinsville, Va. 24078-2128. or Bill Arnold, or come to the Chapter HISTORIAN Kansas. While there during April 1999 Kenneth L. Miller meeting. Material For Turntable Times Amtrak’s Carolinian and Silver Star and a The Chapter did a display for the 100th Virginia Railway Express commuter train All materials should be We are always in need of articles, photos or news items for the birthday of the station in 1991 during Old arrived and departed. Can any of you read- Salem days and it was very well received! sent directly to the Editor: Turntable Times. Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot reprint ers name a better place to see such a vari- Kenney Kirkman Come on out and pitch in to make this an articles from many newspapers; a condensed or rewritten article ety of trains??????????? 590 Murphy Road crediting the source is acceptable. We still need material on an equally successful event! Collinsville, VA ongoing basis. Please contribute. 24078-2128 Our Condolences Mechanical Update Long time member (and Life Member of Turntable Times is published Cover Photo ork continues at our 9th Street monthly as the newsletter of Roanoke Chapter) Melba Overstreet passed Maintenance Facility as track work is the Roanoke Chapter, National away on April 22. Melba was the long time W Railway Historical Society, Inc. The Chapter’s Alco T6 is shown powering the Chapter outing ongoing, restoration work on our boxcars Opinions and points of view with four of our cars at Tygart Junction on the West Virginia coordinator of flowers and card for the has now commenced and many hands are expressed herein are those of Chapter, she had been slowed considerably the staff members of the Central on Saturday, April 27, 2002. The editor is hoping that needed for the multitude of jobs to be com- Turntable Times and not nec- someone who rode can provide us a story of the Chapter’s week- in recent years, but never lost her spirit! pleted, so come on down on a Saturday or essarily reflect those of the She totally enjoyed the fellowship of the members, officers or directors end outing! Brian Crosier photo. Sunday, be prepared to get a little dirty and of the Chapter. Chapter and meetings, and she will be have some fun!

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July 18, 2002 Regular Meeting

Non-Profit Editor, Turntable Times Organization Roanoke Chapter NRHS U.S. Postage P.O. Box 13222 PAID Roanoke, VA Roanoke, VA 24032-1322 Permit No. 89 Dated Material Please do not delay