Chapter Officers and Staff

Vol. 22 February 2015 Vol. 2

Dale Diacont inspects a passing train of empties at Moss Run, VA. Photo by retired RF&P train dispatcher Stanley W. Short.

Retired CSX locomotive operator, formerly called "engineers", Dale Diacont brings us his rail review of 2014. He will present "An Awful Lot of CSX Stuff in Virginia". Besides Old Dominion locations, he'll take a swing down south to include the Pickens, Sandersville and a couple other short lines in Georgia; Philadelphia with SEPTA trolleys, and action in the corridor; two outings on NJ Transit's line into Atlantic City; two trips to the MMID, before G&W motive power and after; the NRHS convention in Springdale, AR; two visits to my first love affair with a train, Fort Eustis; and, of course, my favorite Amtrak train which runs three days a week in my backyard. What's unusual about this year's show: there is absolutely NO steam! What's not so unusual: it's all Fuji Velvia slides, NO DIGITAL, although he hates to admit that he was captured digitally on the cover shot. Something for everyone. Come and see for yourself.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015. 6:00 p.m. Charley's Restaurant. 707 Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA

Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. Minutes of Meeting. January 14, 2015

President Rick Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at Charley’s Restaurant and welcomed 24 members and 5 guests, including new members Jerry and Rosie Hampton, Denise Mays, Freda Johnson, Tex Carter, Roy Evans and Dona Duval. He also welcomed back long-time member Ed Fielding after his surgery, and noted that John Tanner’s sister is in the hospital. Rick congratulated member Wayland Moore for having his photos included in the 2015 Buckingham Branch Railroad calendar. Minutes of the December meeting were approved as corrected, and John Tanner then reported.

Under Old Business, Rick reported that the gathering at Kemper Street Station was well attended and the Norfolk Southern office train made a guest appearance after the Crescent departed. A card received from Galen Wright in response to the chapter’s Christmas card was read. The announced officers’ meeting is to be scheduled. Annual dues are due now. Under New Business: the 2015 Christmas banquet has been scheduled for Saturday December 5, 2015 in Altavista. Regional Railway Heritage Director Norris Deyerle announced that thank you letters had been received from the recipients of the chapter’s 2014 Rail Day grants. He also noted that Rail Day 2015 and 2016 had been arranged with the Ruritan Club. National Representative Bob Leslie reported on the recent NRHS director’s meeting in Roanoke. Newly elected president, Al Weber is guardedly optimistic about the future of National and announced that membership cards will be issued in some form this year. There will be two Rail Camps this summer, one in the East and one in the West. The 2014 national convention made $16,000, tickets are now on sale for the 2015 convention in Rutland, Vermont, and he announced that the 2016 convention will be held in Denver. An invitation to hold the 2017 convention in Orlando is being considered. There were no reports from the web master or the editor.

The January 28 fun meeting will be set up for slides. The program for the February 11, regular meeting will be given by Dale Diacont. Gerald Duval won the 50/50 and the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. for the program given by Rick Johnson, Jr. about his recent visit to Oregon and the Columbia River region.

Thomas G. Ledford, Acting Secretary

Groundhog's Where-is-it query results - Last month I neglected to report the results of the December Groundhog geography quiz. Nine individuals correctly identified the mystery location as Altavista. The intersecting rail lines and river made it fairly obvious. The Hurt connection visible in the lower right corner was the clincher. Those submitting correct answers were: Ricky Johnson, Lee Hawkins, Norris Deyerle, Ed Fielding, Dale Diacont, Wayland Moore, Charlie Long, Jim Overholser, and Ralph Hawkins (he admitted he had an unfair advantage). The names of those present were placed in a bowl and the winner of a free dinner was Charlie Long. Rest assured the Groundhog is gleaning through his photos for another mystery location in an upcoming newsletter.

And now... Lee Hawkins trivia challenge Name this famous Lynchburg native? - He was the major speaker at a Norfolk and Western Better Service Convention in the early fifties at the Hotel Roanoke. - Was on the Board of Directors for Southern Railway for a long time. - And was born next door to the Texas Inn on Main Street.

2 Long-time NRHS member Dr. Carl Stern dies - It is with sadness that we report that our most-senior NRHS member has died. Dr. Carl Stern, the Carl Stern Professor of Economics, Emeritus at Randolph College, formerly Randolph-Macon Woman's College, died on January 17, 2015, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Daniels Stern. Born November 22, 1921, in New York City, Dr. Stern graduated from Colby College in 1943 and worked for a time as a civilian for the Army. He earned his MBA degree and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Stern taught economics at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College from 1952 through 1992. During that time, more than 800 students majored or minored in economics. Needless to say, Dr. Stern won the respect of his students and his colleagues. He will be remembered for his wit and his sense of humor. When he retired, he wrote to the College's then- president Lorimer, “If one can get this much attention when he retires, I think I shall retire again next year and the year after.” Dr. Stern was a train enthusiast and was a member and supporter of several railroad historical organizations in New England and Virginia. He enjoyed traveling by rail and in recent years took at least one cross- country train trip annually. Your Editor booked many, many of these trips for him and will be missed personally! Norris Deyerle had the honor of presenting Dr. Stern with his 60-year NRHS pin at the March 2008 meeting of the Blue Ridge Chapter. The minutes from that meeting read as follows. "Norris then read a proclamation celebrating Carl Stern's 60 years of membership dating back to 1947 before presenting him with a sterling silver pin commemorating that milestone. The members present joined Norris in applauding [his] accomplishment. Dr. Stern then addressed a few remarks about his experiences on the old Southern Railway passenger trains, noting humorously that link and pin couplers were still in daily use." What did his obituary say about his wit and humor? A memorial service to be held in Lynchburg is being planned for later this year.

Norfolk Southern to close Roanoke office building, relocate employees ROANOKE, Va., January 27, 2015 – Norfolk Southern today announced that it will close its Roanoke office building at 110 Franklin Road SE later this year and relocate the functions currently housed there to Atlanta or Norfolk. Approximately 500 people currently work in the building in marketing, accounting, information technology, and other departments. Affected employees will have the option of relocating with their positions. The action is being taken to foster departmental synergies and to make better use of the company’s real estate assets and support the company’s goal of streamlining its management workforce. Norfolk Southern is in the final process of evaluating which positions will be relocated to its corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Va., or its operational headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Some regionally oriented positions will remain in Roanoke but will move to other work locations in the area. “This will not involve any involuntary force reductions, and we will provide substantial relocation packages for those who choose to relocate,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern president. “Norfolk Southern has been a proud corporate citizen of Roanoke for more than 130 years, and that will not change. While our profile may be reduced, Roanoke will remain a key location in our network, and we will remain engaged in the community.” Roanoke will remain the headquarters for Norfolk Southern’s Virginia Division, and the company will continue operating a local switching yard and locomotive and car maintenance facilities at Shaffer’s Crossing, and a locomotive overhaul and rebuilding facility in its East End Shops. In total, about 1,700 people currently work for Norfolk Southern in Roanoke.

Norfolk Southern performance summary for 2014 -Railway operating revenues reached a record $11.6 billion, 3 percent higher compared with 2013, driven by a 5 percent increase in traffic volume. -General merchandise revenues rose 6 percent to $6.7 billion, and traffic volume increased 5 percent compared with the prior year. -Intermodal revenues increased to $2.6 billion, up 7 percent compared with 2013. Traffic volume was 8 percent higher for 2014 compared with 2013. -Coal revenues were $2.4 billion, down 6 percent, due to a 5 percent decline in traffic volume compared with 2013. -Railway operating expenses were $8 billion, up 1 percent compared with 2013. -Income from railway operations was a record $3.6 billion, 10 percent higher compared with 2013. -The operating ratio for the year was a record 69.2 percent, a 3 percent improvement compared with 71.0 percent in 2013.

3 Amherst station. Below: c. 1973. Above: January 2015

After almost seven years, Phases I and II of the restoration of the Amherst station have been completed. It was moved from trackside to its current U.S. 60 location in January of 2008. The Phase II renovation of the exterior has just been finished. Phase III, the interior work, will have to wait for bids and grants to be initiated. It is estimated that by the time the project has ended it will cost between one and a half and two million dollars. Ouch! At approximately $600 per square foot it comes in at least double the cost of a new structure. Plans call for it to eventually be used as a visitors center/community meeting venue. - Skip Hansberry

4 Piney River News - In Piney River the rails are now in place for the homecoming of the VBR’s wooden caboose. Originally built for the Southern Railway in the 20’s, the Virginia Blue Ridge acquired it for service in 1948. It served faithfully for over a decade before it was retired and relegated to a spur track in Piney River where it became overgrown with weeds and was allowed to deteriorate. In the late 70’s it was acquired by a Mr. Aston who moved it to Rapidan for display and eventual restoration. The display happened, but, like so many railroad stories, the restoration never came to fruition. After Mr. Aston died last year, the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Committee approached his widow, Mary Aston, about acquiring it. She graciously agreed to this if someone were willing to move it. Late in 2014 the materials to display the caboose were gathered together. The ground was leveled by Ted Hughes, a local restoration expert; CSX donated a number of ties. Mr. Tommy Harvey, who owns the land where the railroad once ran at Buffalo Mines, donated the rails. Ted Hughes and Steve Martin went “treasure hunting” one day at Buffalo Mines with a metal detector and were able to locate twenty-seven tie plates. On a Saturday in December a crew of Steve Martin, Ted Hughes, James Napier, John Sparrow, Richard Gentry and others spent the day spiking down the rails and laying the ballast. Now all that remains to be done before the caboose is moved is the completion of the paperwork needed to transfer the deed of ownership. Like many of us, VBR #2 will be moving back to spend its final days not far from where it toiled for years. - Skip Hansberry

Happy Belated Birthday, Lee Hawkins!

One of the highlights of the annual Christmas get- together at Kemper Street Station last December was a little ceremony recognizing Lee Hawkins' 65th birthday. Pictured here are Chapter President Rick Johnson-I, John Tanner, Tom Ledford, and Lee's help-meet Jan Hawkins presenting Lee with the Chapter's traditional "over-the-hill" mementos. See you at 70!

5 Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS 2015 Calendar of Events 57th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Chapter, A Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region Partner Compiled by Norris Deyerle, BRC, NRHS Chairman of Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region Partners Newly updated or added events since last month printed in “Bold Italics”. Notice: I urge our friends with the other railway historical groups and museums to take advantage of www.trainfinder.com or www.trains.com. There is no cost to promote your train show on these websites. It’s simple to add your event to their websites and your event approval is fast and efficient. These are websites that will help us all get the word out about our events! Are you interested in learning more about the historic Norfolk & Western Railway “High Bridge” in Farmville, Va.? Please check out the following links for more info: Friends of High Bridge Trail: https://sites.google.com/site/friendsofhighbridgetrail/ High Bridge Trail State Park: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hig.shtml http://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/HighBridgeTrailStatePark/ Historical USGS Topographical Maps: A great research tool for locating abandoned railroad lines, etc. http://nationalmap.gov/historical/ Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation – Free Official State of Virginia Railroad Map, 600 East Main Street, Richmond, Va. 23219 Phone: 804-786-4440 www.drpt.virginia.gov Tennessee Valley Railroad/Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam Train Excursion Schedule Info: http://www.tvrail.com/pages/21st-century-steam Note: Find more railroad related info on other websites at the end of this Calendar Of Events.

FEBRUARY 2015 2-11-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Dale Diacont’s Rail Review of 2014 titled “An Awful Lot of CSX Stuff in Virginia”, An All-Fuji-Velvia Slide Presentation 2-14-15: {Saturday} Train Lover’s Day, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Roanoke, Va. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Info: www.vmt.org 2-17-15: {Tuesday} Rivanna Chapter, NRHS Membership Meeting, Hibachi Grill, 1185 Seminole Trial, Charlottesville, Va. 22901, Complete buffet is $12.00 plus tax. Dine/Social Hour, 6:00 pm, meeting and program at 7:00 pm. Program: Nathaniel C. Guest, Pres. Of the Colebrookdale Railroad, will present a silent movie titled “Chicago’s Metra”. Visitors are welcome. Info: http://nrhsrivanna.blogspot.com 2-19-15: {Thursday} Roanoke Chapter, NRHS Membership Meeting, O. Winston Link Museum Auditorium, Roanoke, Va. Meeting starts at 7:30 pm. Visitors are welcome. Info: www.roanokenrhs.org MARCH 2015 3-1-15: {Sunday} Virginia Train Collectors, “VTC”, Richmond Spring Train & Toy Show, Bishop Ireton Center, Knights Of Columbus Lodge, 3300 Old Courthouse Road off Tabor Lane across from Rockwood Park, Chesterfield County, Va. 23236, Show Times: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Admission: $6.00 Info: Russell Youens, 2019 Floyd Ave. Richmond, Va. 23220, {804}342-6023, [email protected] 3-11-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Jean Raas Presentation 3-14-15: {Saturday} WB&A Chapter TCA Toy Train Show, Annapolis Armory, 18 Willow Street, Annapolis, Md. 21401, Show Times: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Admission: $5.00, Children Under 12, Military, Scouts in Uniform, and WB&A Members Admitted Free. Info: http://wbachapter.org 3-25-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting”, Special guest Bernard Haxel of the Rivanna Chapter, NRHS will present a program about the replacement, going on right now, of Amtrak’s venerable AEM7 electric locomotives on the Northeast Corridor with a new model from Siemens. Bernard’s presentation will take around thirty minutes so attendees are asked to bring their railroad images to share with the others. APRIL 2015 4-08-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Charles S. “Dutch” Tubman, Train Trip Across Canada Presentation, digital MAY 2015 5-13-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber Presentation 5-27-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting” JUNE 2015 6-10-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Derek Wimberly Presentation 6-14-21-15: {Sunday - Sunday} NRHS 2015 National Convention, On Sunday June 21, 2015 there’s a public rail excursion scheduled. Reservations required. Location: Rutland, Vermont, Info: www.nrhs.com 6-18-21-15: {Thursday - Sunday} N&WHS 2015 Convention, Marion, Ohio, Info: www.nwhs.org.

6 JULY 2015 7-08-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Wayland Moore Presentation, Dick Myers’ slides 7-22-15: {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting”, Michael E. Jones Presentation, Author of “Lost At Thaxton”, Michael will present a program/talk about the 1889 wreck of N&W passenger train #2 at Thaxton, Va. and discuss his book which he will have on hand for purchase and signing. For more info, see http://lostatthaxton.com AUGUST 2015 8-08-15 {Saturday} Lynchburg Rail Day 2015! 8-12-15 {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Dale Diacont Presentation SEPTEMBER 2015 9-09-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Norris Deyerle Presentation, slides 9-23-15 {Wednesday} BRC “Fun Meeting” OCTOBER 2015 10-14-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber Presentation NOVEMBER 2015 11-11-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Wayland Moore Presentation 11-25-15: NO NOVEMBER “FUN MEETING” DUE TO THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY! DECEMBER 2015 12-05-15: {Saturday} Annual BRC Christmas Banquet, Altavista, Va. Former Southern Railway Station, Prior reservations required. 12-09-15: {Wednesday} BRC Monthly Meeting, Open Program Slot 12-19-15: {Saturday} Annual BRC Kemper Street Station “Holiday Gathering”

“Lynchburg Rail Day 2015”. Saturday, August 8, 2015.

Check Out This New Addition! High Bridge Railroad Club, Farmville, Va. Info: www.sites.google.com/site/hbrrclub Modern Day Railroading: Locomotive Rosters – The Diesel Shop, NS and CSX Loco roster with professional quality photographs. NS Heritage Locos included. www.thedieselshop.us/NS.HTML http://www.thedieselshop.us/CSX.HTML “Fallen Flag” railroad of local interest: Franklin & Pittsylvania Railroad, “The old fast and perfect” railroad that ran between Gretna and Rocky Mount, Va.: www.fandprailroad.org Locomotive Search Tool And Railroad Photos Link: www.railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net Railroad Related Events Information: Visit: www.varailheritage.org, www.vmt.org, www.linkmuseum.org, www.nctrans.org, www.roanokenrhs.org, www.dcnrhs.org, www.odcnrhs.org www.nwhs.org, www.cohs.org, www.csxthsociety.org, www.thecrhs.org, www.theruralretreatdepot.com, www.srha.org, www.rfandp.org www.vatraincollectors.com, www.traincollectors.org, www.railroadcollectors.org, www.nhvry.org, www.norfolksouthernhs.org, www.RailServe.com, www.gsmr.com, www.trains.com, www.TrainFinder.com, www.gserr.com, www.wghshow.com, www.drpt.virginia.gov, www.crewerailroadmuseum.org Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS Website: www.blueridgenrhs.org Norfolk Southern/TVRM Steam Excursion Website: http://www.21stcenturysteam.com OR http://www.tvrail.com/pages/21st-century-steam Steam Train Events in the United States and Canada: www.diary.svsfilm.com Steam Locomotive Locations: www.steamlocomotive.com Railroad Historical Information and Related Photos: www.hawkinsrails.net Railroad Photos: www.railsinvirginia.com, www.railfirephotography.com Key Lock & Lantern Railroad History and Preservation Organization, www.klnl.org Danville & Western Ry. Website: Railway operated in Southwestern Virginia between Danville and Stuart. http://southern-railway.railfan.net/dw/ Trains & Travel International: www.traintrips.biz Additional links to other NRHS Chapters, Railroad Historical Societies and Museums available at www.blueridgenrhs.org Virginia Museum Of Transportation Rail Cam: http://www.nwhs.org/cam/vmt Roanoke, Va. Rail Cam: http://128.173.197.94:443/RRCmov

7 Senate bill to heighten penalty for trespassing on railroad structures gets pulled by Alicia Petska. Lynchburg News and Advance

The Virginia Senate bill seeking to heighten the penalty for trespassing on rail trestles was pulled Feb. 4 at the request of the patron. Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, said after consulting with stakeholders and legal counsel it was agreed the bill was moot because a tougher charge already is available under the state’s general trespassing statue. Marsden’s Senate Bill 1416 aimed to ramp up the punishment for trespassing on train trestles, bridges, tunnels or railway yards. Supporters said a history of fatal incidents on Virginia train trestles pointed to the need for a stronger deterrent — citing in part the recent deaths of college students on the Norfolk Southern trestle spanning the James River between Lynchburg and Amherst County. Currently, trespassing on train tracks is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $250. Marsden’s bill sought to escalate that to a Class 2 misdemeanor or possibly a Class 1, both of which carry stiffer fines and the possibility of jail time. Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Doucette advocated for a Class 1 charge, noting the state’s general trespass statue already allows prosecutors to pursue that when a trespass happens on a site marked with no trespassing signs. Doucette’s office is filing Class 1 misdemeanor charges against the survivors of the last trestle fatality in Lynchburg, a November 2014 incident that left a Liberty University student dead. He hoped Marsden’s bill would give prosecutors the flexibility to pursue the higher charge regardless of whether a trestle was posted with signs, but the General Assembly’s legal counsel advised creating the threat of jail time would require the protected sites be posted with warning signs. Under those circumstances, stakeholders said, a new law would be redundant. Instead, the rail companies have agreed to review their trestles and bridges to ensure they’re signed. “Apparently, almost all of them are already,” Marsden said. “But I think what’s going to happen is the rail companies are going to check and make sure that these dangerous sites are posted if they weren’t before.”

See also http://www.wset.com/story/28027296/track-trespassing-bill-killed-in-senate But please don't imitate the reporter's bad behavior. A little too close for comfort

A notable person's death you may have missed - NEW YORK — Many never knew his name, but that didn’t change the mark he left on the rail industry. Literally. The designer of the famous Conrail “can opener” logo, Tony Palladino, died at age 84 on May 14, 2014, the New York Times reported. Conrail operated from 1976-1999. “People don’t want to look at advertising,” Palladino is quoted in the Times. “People want to get entertained intellectually.” Palladino grew up in East Harlem in the 1930s and ‘40s. His parents, Italian immigrants, did not speak English and he chose to not speak Italian. Because of this, he used drawings to communicate with his family. He later attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, which provided his basic formal training in art. He later taught at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. In spite of Conrail’s popularity, Palladino is best known for his work designing the typeface used on the original “Psycho” novel by Robert Bloch, which was later made into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock.

Conrail Units. December, 1995, passing under Charlottesville, VA West Main Street bridge construction. (G. Harper)

8 SIGHTINGS

Jan. 12 - CSXT 6060 seen with track geometry train at Reusens.

Jan. 18 - Amtrak's Veterans Unit seen on a late Train #20 departing Kemper Street Station. It was paired with B32 519 making for a rather odd combination. The Lynchburg Regional, Train #156, sits in storage track awaiting its 9:50 a.m. departure

Jan. 21 - Amtrak delivered two Department of Transportation cars to Norfolk Southern. Seen at Carroll Ave. (left) After delivery of the cars to Kinney Yd. the Amtrak unit was taken lite back to Kemper Street for pick-up that evening by the Lynchburg Regional. (right)

Feb. 9 - The Ringling Bros. Red Unit train passed through town on its way from Greensboro, NC to Philadelphia. Included below is a shot of the same Red Unit train taken in April 2010. While the trains are pretty much the same, note the difference in the background. What a change! The construction of the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company's transfer station on Kemper Street gets credit.

April, 2010 February, 2015

9 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND STAFF

President Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-660-1113 [email protected] Vice President Gale McKinley, 1186 James View Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434-907-1886 [email protected] Secretary Dale Diacont, 220 Chantilly Dr. Waynesboro, VA 22980 540-941-2451 [email protected] Treasurer John Tanner, 209 Pocahontas Dr., Forest, VA 24551-1235 434-525-1318 [email protected] National Representative Bob Leslie 3844 Peakland Pl. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434-384-9062 [email protected] Editor Garland R. Harper, 3920 Harbor St. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434-384-7210 [email protected] Historian Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-660-1113 [email protected] Webmaster John Siegle 1225 Krise Cir. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434-384-6951 [email protected] BRC Chairman. VA Rail E. Norris Deyerle, Jr. 744 Chinook Pl., Lynchburg, VA 24502 Heritage Region Partners 434-237-4912 [email protected] Rail Day Chairman Barry Moorefield [email protected] 434-821-2174

Lynchburg Rail Day. Saturday, August 8, 2015. 10