Vol. 15 June 2008 No. 6

June Program: The Montour Railroad presented by Bob Ciminel

The Montour Railroad was a 42-mile-long coal-hauling railroad that operated for over a century in the coal fields southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Using a stable of SW -9 switchers, the Montour moved tons of black diamonds from the world-famous Pittsburgh coal seam to interchanges with the P&LE, PRR, P&W V, B&O, and Union railroads. During W orld W ar II, Montour 2-8-2 Mikado serviced 27 mines along the railroad’s main track and three branches. Abandoned and scrapped in 1983, the Montour right-of-way survives as the Montour Trail, a popular hiking and biking venue for Pittsburgh’s growing suburban population. Come to the June meeting of the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS, and learn more about this fallen short line.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008. 6:00 p.m. Charley’s Restaurant. 707 Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA. Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society Minutes of Meeting - May 14, 2008

President Rick Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. at Charley’s Restaurant and welcomed 19 members and 7 guests. The minutes of the April meeting were approved as corrected. Treasurer John Tanner then reported on the financial health of the Chapter.

Warren Middleton announced that member Gene Campbell has suffered a mild heart attack but is recovering and hopes to attend the next meeting. Norris Deyerle’s daughter Jacky had a little girl named Victoria Grace who weighed 7 pounds and is 20 inches long with coal black hair. Congratulations were offered to Victoria and her family. It was announced the member Tom Ledford had been named Interim Director of the Historical Society of Western Virginia in Roanoke, which includes the O. Winston Link Museum. It was also noted that former member Wayne Kendrick had passed away.

There was no old business. Under new business Dr. Earl Guthrow sought assistance for Jim Wright who is dispersing his father’s Norfolk and Western collection. Member Lee Hawkins offered to coordinate a field trip to the East Broad Top Railroad this summer.

There was no Vice-president’s report nor was there a National Director’s report, but Norris thanked Kim Parker of the O. Winston Link Museum for providing a table for the chapter at their annual “Celebration” event and thanked Charlie Long and Tom Ledford for their help. He thanked member Gary Quale and his wife Kathy who also participated with an operating display of antique Lionel Standard Gauge electric trains. Norris noted the Rail Day announcement in the Roanoke Chapter’s “Time Table News” and on the N&W Historical Society’s webpage.

Rick thanked newsletter editor Garland Harper for another fine edition of the Blue Ridge Dispatcher and Webmaster John Siegle reported that everything had transitioned smoothly and hits were about what they were in 2007. Rick also announced that Lloyd Lipscomb would serve as secretary while Tom Ledford is away. The Fun Meeting on May 28 will be video.

Member Charles Saunders reported on the new NS hoppers equipped with electric brakes and Rick reminded members about the June 11th meeting with Bob Ciminel’s program on the Montour Railroad. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Rick Johnson Dash- 2 presented a comprehensive survey of the CSX Alleghany Sub-division with shots taken over the last 10 years.

Tom Ledford, Secretary

2 THE BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS

The 30th Annual LYNCHBURG RAIL DAY 2008

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2008 BOONSBORO RURITAN CLUB, LYNCHBURG, VA. 9 am – 4 pm Admission: $5.00, children 12 and under free with paying adult

Special Guest: Jim Revell, Founder of Trains Unlimited Rail Day Bargain Train Mart with Vendors from around the Region Tables available for rent to the general public. Advance Registration and payment required. Contact us for details.

Exhibits and Operating Model Railroad Layouts on Display Model & Photography Contest/Awards, entries open to everyone Model Railroad Clinics by NMRA Master Model Railroaders Door Prizes, Raffle, Freshly Prepared Food/Beverages White Elephant Table Train Slide Shows Presented by Steve Hutchison, Photographer of “Welch by N&W” Kurt Reisweber, “Virginian Rails” author

For more info, please contact the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS, P.O. Box 11731, Lynchburg, Va. 24506-1731 www.blueridgenrhs.org Norris Deyerle {434-237-4912}, [email protected] John Tanner{434-525-1318}, [email protected] Model & Photography Contest Information: Fred Mayer {434-384-2773} or {434-384-4684} Thanks to our sponsor George Riley of Carstens Publications! 3 Sightings

May 14 - BNSF #’s 4924 & 5489, Train #203, southbound double stack at Kemper Street Station, Lynchburg. (Norris Deyerle and Charlie Long) May 14 - NS #9673, NS #9428, UP #4206 & Conrail #6770, Train #233, westbound intermodal at Phoebe. (Norris Deyerle and Charlie Long) May 15 – Brookville Equipment Corp Locomotive No 259 spotted on the NS Forest to Halsey Line. This is a Genset type loco being tested by NS. The loco is a GP38, EX-Maine Central NO. 259. (Fred Mayer, Chris Schieck) May 28 – Large CSX coal train derailment just east of Walkerford resulted in two CSX grain trains being detoured over the NS between Lynchburg and Petersburg. (G. Harper, Rick Johnson, Roy Evans) Jun. 5 – CSX office car train seen eastbound through Lynchburg. Consist CSX 9999, CSX 9993, Kentucky, Youngstown, Mississippi, Florida, Waycross, North Carolina, Baltimore, New York, Alabama. (G. Harper, Rick Johnson, Roy Evans)

What we were doing 50 years ago This month!

4 Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS 50th Anniversary “Blue Ridge Dispatcher” Special Issue

The September 2008 issue of the “Blue Ridge Dispatcher” newsletter will be dedicated to the past 50 years of the Blue Ridge Chapter. I would like to include chapter historical happenings as well as individual’s recollections of their favorite times in the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. The issue will be the biggest ever published with YOUR help. I chose September for several reasons. It will give everyone a chance to write up something special for the issue. It will be after the 30th . Anniversary of Lynchburg Rail Day train show. It will also be after the 50th. Anniversary NRHS award presentation to our chapter from our National President Greg Malloy. Please send any articles in W ORD format to our editor Garland Harper. Garland will keep everything in a file marked for the special September 2008 issue. More than one submission is fine. I really want everyone to participate that would like to. This offer is also extended to former BRC members and friends of the chapter. After all you were part of our history. Photos are encouraged. Email Garland and let him know what you have. If there’s too many for the September BRD then W ebmaster John Siegle will put them on the BRC website if there’s enough room. Thanks, Norris Deyerle, National Director, Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS BRC, NRHS Officers and Editor of the BRD contact info: www.blueridgenrhs.org

National Director’s Page By Norris Deyerle

May 11, 2008 was a unique Mother’s Day for my family as well as other families across the country. As families were celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day, my wife Peggy and I welcomed our second grandchild into the world. Victoria “Grace” Johnson was born at 7:35 pm. at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was 7 lbs. and 20 inches long. She’s a cute little girl with blue eyes and lots of black hair. Her Mom and Dad, our daughter Jacky and her husband Patrick Johnson are very proud parents. Her little brother “Little Pat” will have a new playmate when she gets a little older. When she was twelve days old we all had a huge scare. Grace developed MRSA. For those of you that are not familiar with MRSA, it’s a form of staph infection. She was rushed to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville where she had two drainage tubes inserted in her chest. She stayed in the hospital for seven days. I’m happy to report that Grace and her parents are back safe at home in Lynchburg. All of us owe a great deal of praise and a big thanks to the UVA doctors. Peggy and I would like to thank all of you for your kind words and prayers. In the past month I’m glad to report that I didn’t hear of any Blue Ridge Chapter members that are ill. Every month I try to keep everyone informed about any members or their family members that are ill. Please continue to contact me if you hear of anyone that is ill so I can get the word out. I would like to thank the following BRC members that are helping me distribute 1000 Lynchburg Rail Day 2008 fliers: Tom Ledford, Robin Shavers, John Tanner, Rick Johnson and Fred Mayer. I owe a big thanks to our Webmaster John Siegle for getting the fliers printed and for John Tanner arranging the “Hot Tip Deal” on the printing costs. In the May 2008 issue of the “NRHS News” there’s a very nice write up on Lynchburg Rail Day 2008. I would like to thank “NRHS News” Editor Charles Williams for getting the announcement that I sent him in that issue. Every NRHS member gets a copy! 5 Several other railroad historical societies are also promoting our train show. Thanks! And last but not least, I want to thank George Riley of Carstens Publications for getting the LRD 2008 Train Show announcements in “Model Railroad Craftsman” and “Railfan & Railroad”. I hope to see many of you at this Wednesday night’s regular monthly meeting. We may have a rare sighting to report. Our Editor Garland Harper may join us! Please thank him for the great job that he does! One of our newest members, Bob Ciminel will be presenting his show on the Montour Railway. Till then………… Mooooooo

Tales of the Groundhog

by H. L. “Skip” Hansberry, III

One of the great advantages of retirement is the ability to time railroad excursions based on weather prognostications. Or so I thought. Among my projects for 2008 was to assemble a contemporary program spanning the length of the RF&P. I have many examples of operations in RF&P, Chessie, and Bright Future days, but have very limited experience there with the new era of SD70Ace’s and ES44’s which are quickly taking over on CSX. I had made a trip to Ashland in March…I decided to move north to the W oodford/Guinea area this time, as the track runs northwest/southeast, ideal for late afternoon shooting as we approach the solstice. Another goal was to witness the Cardinal passing under the old C&O cantilever signal before entering NS trackage in Orange. W ith signals and wayside structures disappearing and with periodic rumors the Cardinal may divert to the NS from Orange to Charlottesville, I decided now was the time to act. If Amtrak #50 would oblige by being a couple of hours tardy, the evening summer sun should be at just the right angle.

The W eather Channel forecast for Thurs/Fri May 22-23 looked good, but closer examination online of the “forecast discussion” raised the possibility of a few pop-up cumulus clouds in late afternoon. Nonetheless I decided to leave about midday Thursday for the RF&P, spend the night along I-95, shoot Friday morning at Guinea, then meet George Hamlin at Orange on Friday afternoon.

I departed Amherst under beautiful blue skies at noon on the 21’st and motored up 29 to Charlottesville with Garland a half hour behind as a second section. Down I-64 to the Ferncliff Exit, Louisa, Mineral, and the back roads to Thornburg, exit 118 on I-95. I witnessed the jointed rail of the C&O Rivanna Sub at Fredericks Hall and Bumpass, but kept the scanner off to preserve battery power. On I-64 clouds began to appear, then increased noticeably as I progressed eastward.

Over the years I have visited Guinea and W oodford with a number of fellow BRC members, but for those who have not been privileged to visit there I will provide a brief description. Guinea (sometimes Guinea Station) is located at MP 47.8 on the RF&P and is really not a town at all…actually only a grade crossing. In the northeast quadrant is a driveway leading to the nearby Stonewall Jackson Shrine, aka the Chandler Farm where the hero succumbed to his wounds suffered at Chancellorsville. This area is open to the public and provides an elevated, manicured venue (complete with water and restroom facilities) from which to view the railroad. The southwest quadrant has a south-facing rail spur with a concrete ramp, occasionally used for unloading tanks destined for Fort A. P. Hill.

W oodford is 2.6 miles south of Guinea and is essentially a ghost town, except for an operating post office which is missing its “W ”. The main attraction is the old station, moved back some from the rails, but still photogenic. Over the years it has been in various states of repair, or disrepair, but locals are currently starting to paint the exterior and reclaim it from the wasps and barn swallows. There are three structures

6 across the road, only one of which is occupied. The building closest to the tracks was once known as Farmer’s Store and has a faded Pepsi sign on the west wall.

From just north of Bowling Green to just north of Guinea, a distance of about six miles, there is no appreciable curvature or gradient, so the trains really “roll” through these spots. Speed limit for Amtrak is seventy; intermodals sixty, and merchandise trains fifty-five.

I arrived at Guinea about 2:30 – both NB signals were clear, but not a peep from the scanner. I drove south to W oodford where the sky was about 60% overcast, but an extremely large dark cloud was stubbornly parked over the sun. I was startled as the silence as broken by Amtrak 92, the Silver Star, over an hour behind schedule. No shot.

A distant horn to the north, then “Q171, clear Guinea”. Almost no hope for sun as the gates drop, then suddenly a shaft of light appears as ES44 5275 leads an older GE past the station, then retreats within ten car lengths. It’s a miracle.

Almost twenty minutes later Q741, the Juice Train, appears, but I’m not so fortunate this time. However, all is not lost, as the sun does appear near the end as a long string of white reefers pass the station.

W hen Q173 called Guinea on the scanner the sun was approaching the trailing edge of the big dark cloud. I lined up a shot to frame the power with a large overhanging limb of a mature tree, hoping for the best. Again, it miraculously appeared, illuminating the yellow CSX on the flanks of AC60000’s 604-612. As usual Q173 was a train of monstrous proportions.

Next up was Amtrak 95, the Newport News train with P42 #147 and eight cars, in the dark at 4:09, about twenty minutes late. I worked the aforementioned Pepsi sign into a broadside shot of #91, the Silver Star with units 125-185, on time at 4:23. Five minutes later Q139 chuffed north with lone GE 583 and only twenty-one containers. This is the Portsmouth-Chicago container train via W eldon, perhaps showing signs of the weak economy as well as six hours off the schedule. The clean repainted unit looked particularly nice heading into the afternoon sun, but I could already see cloud reinforcements marching in from the northwest.

Ordinarily #80 the Carolinian should’ve been here by now, but Garland and Julie let me know it was over two hours late, not expected here until after six. I surmised the next move would be the Auto-Train, so I decided to move up to Guinea to better capture the entire train in the shot. W hen I got there I was pleased to see a red signal on track 2, providing a slightly better angle for the long lens shot. At just before five the headlight appeared and with the side-lighting it was magnificent, a silver apparition almost 4000 feet long pounding along at 70 mph. By the time it had passed I was truly exhilarated. It should be my best shot of the two-day trip. W e’ll see.

Now back to W oodford to wait for the tardy Carolinian. I have long felt that the greatest experiences in life involve all five senses. Here I was hearing five chimes, watching GE’s, feeling the tonnage pound through on the RF&P. I walked around looking for a potential shot and was treated to the intoxicating fragrance of a bank of honeysuckle. The scanner was totally quiet so I grabbed a Coke from the cooler and munched some peanut butter crackers to bolster me until dinner. Life really doesn’t get much better than this.

By now the commuters had gotten home, the P.O. was closed for the night, and W oodford was truly deserted. I set up a shot across the road to frame the Amtrak unit between the station and the post office with its flag flapping in the breeze. I waited patiently until I heard 80 call the signal to the south. As I began to hear the roar of steel wheels, here came a vehicle moseying along. As P42’s 152-62 appeared in my view finder, so did a dark hood. Dead heat! Click…should be an interesting frame.

I decided to drive back to Guinea, expecting the NB Juice Train soon. As I headed down Guinea Station Road I heard an unintelligible crackle from the scanner and saw southbound gons, tanks, and covered hoppers. I had just missed Q439, a merchandise train. My luck clearly appeared to be changing for the worse. After a brief wait the sun burst forth. However, trees on the west side of the track have grown to

7 the point they were still casting shadows on the rails at 6:30. So it was back to W oodford for 66 (Newport News-Boston) and 90, the Palmetto.

W hen I reached W oodford I figured the clouds in question would soon clear. W rong. The leading edge was clearly moving in the right direction, but the trailing edge seemed to be propagating just as rapidly in an obvious attempt to aggravate me. This scenario continued for close to forty-five minutes with no apparent progress. If the bank of clouds had merely remained stationary I was certain the rotation of the earth would’ve brought forth the sun by now.

Then the scanner came to life to tell a story unlike any I’ve ever witnessed. “Amtrak 66, engine 74, has a clear signal Holly Hill, north on three”. Then, almost in reply, “CSX U871-22, engine 811, has a clear signal Holly Hill, north on two”. A couple of minutes later this was repeated at Rixey. A quick glance revealed the sun was nearing the edge of the big dark cloud. W hen 66 passed at 7:21, the station was basking in golden late day sunshine. Then “Amtrak 90, engine 9, has a clear signal Holly Hill, north on three”. At 7:24 U871 was struggling to keep up with 811 (a shiny new ES44AH) and 4834, an SD70Ace, and the only EMD seen all day! The coal dust was visibly blowing off as he passed the station. At 7:27 #90 whipped past at 70 mph. I had witnessed three trains at speed on double track within a six minute span.

I was curious about the coal train, as the RF&P is one of those quirky places (as is the Shenandoah) where you can see coal trains or empties in either direction. Later research revealed this to be a Clifton Forge-Baltimore train, likely export coal.

Back to Guinea to end the day. Shot Amtrak 93 with a 135 lens in the fading light at 7:52. W ould’ve helped if he hadn’t been :40 late. The NB Tropicana, Q740, finally showed after 8:00. I shot a distant 300 at a quarter second, a shot in the dark, so to speak. Finally, the last Richmond train #85 with Amtrak #1 on the point…my initial sighting. My first thought was “W hich train will #1 be on out of Richmond in the morning?”

I drove the four miles back to Thornburg. Angela’s Restaurant provided a nice dinner of salad, lasagna, and garlic bread. I could’ve driven a few miles to save a few dollars, but I was tired and selected a motel right there so I could be close to my quarry in the morning.

The first Amtrak, #84, is scheduled to depart Richmond at 6:00. To catch that I’d have to be up before six, not part of my repertoire anymore. I did set the alarm for 6:30, threw on clothes, threw down cereal and a danish, and was off just after 6:45. The morning was cool and cloudless, just as predicted.

As I neared Guinea, I could see the horizontal gates, then unit 1 as #84 scooted through. Not a good start.

I was the first “customer” at the Jackson Shrine. Soon the scanner announced the approach of G331, an empty grain train. Later research revealed this train originated at Rocky Mount en route to Flint, Michigan. I set up for a broadside with a majestic tree. There was really only room for a couple of units in the shot, but unfortunately there were four, 209-6-122-212. The G331 crawled along, then stopped and called to “the train ahead at Summit Crossing”. Then a reply from the Q438. Soon the dispatcher came on and told the W 086 he could go after the 310 a VRE out of Fredericksburg), then everybody else could go. Evidently I had narrowly missed two northbounds. Then a report that the Q438 had a large roll of paper sticking out the door of a boxcar about thirty cars deep. I never did hear the resolution of this problem…I assume he limped north until the offending car could be set out.

There was a considerable hiatus in activity while the sun was at its early morning mellowest. At 8:47 the second Richmond Amtrak, #86, zipped north with engine 98. Then the Silver Meteor sneaked up on me and passed at 8:55, more than a little off his scheduled 5:04 Richmond departure.

I got a nice shot of #67, almost on time at 9:06 with P42 74. The dispatcher alluded to the problem at Fredericksburg when he spoke to #52 and hotshot Q174. He was basically trying to run a double track railroad with one track out of service. I moved down closer to the track to capture all of the Auto-Train. He thundered by at 10:02 with units 182-94, sixteen passenger cars, twenty-nine auto carriers. Even though

8 the sun angle was far less than ideal the passage still provided an adrenaline rush. Those new auto carriers are really quite impressive. Then a long Q174 with 5448-817 at 10:14.

I waited until about 11:00, then decided to go check out of the motel and head for Orange. I thought of the Shirelles song “Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This”. I had seen seven trains, photographed, five, and three of those were Amtrak. Even worse the only southbound was #67, the overnight Boston-Newport News one-unit wonder. I have since decided this scenario is oft-repeated, with the northbounds piling up south of Fredericksburg, waiting for the VRE’s to go north. In DC the southbounds are halted until the last VRE clears the RF&P on its way to Union Station. I have concluded that on this part of the railroad mornings may be better on the weekend.

I drove west on Rt 606 to Mine Run, one of my favorite town names. Then Rt 621 to Rt 20 into Orange. I believe this was “new mileage” for me from Post Oak to Mine Run.

As I pulled into Orange the gates were falling as a pair of GE’s slowly trundled south followed by a rainbow of containers, leading me to correctly surmise this was #228.

A number of changes have taken place in downtown Orange since my last visit there several years ago. An attractive small park now lies on the east side of the tracks complete with fountain and kiddies. I couldn’t help but think the potential exists for an O. W inston Link-type shot. There are also a number of benches to relax upon while awaiting the next train. On the down side, there is a fence on either side of the tracks in this central block. “The station has been restored to good condition and contains an information center.

I awaited the westbound Cardinal and despite the midday sun got a nice shot of GE 142 crossing a main thoroughfare with a “new vintage” Coca-Cola sign in the background. My stomach said I should sample Jean’s Place, a restaurant directly across the tracks from the station. This was my best move of the day. I sat in a booth with view of tracks and enjoyed “special” of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, roll, iced tea, and small piece of cake for $5.95. Best meal I’ve had for the money in years and the view was free!

After lunch I turned on scanner and reconnoitered the town for photo locations, not knowing what train to expect first. Finally a horn as 11R rumbled through with an SD60 and a pair of GE’s. Most trains seem to hold speed to about 25 mph through town; it’s a good thing because there is virtually no warning. Orange seems to be in a poor location with respect to radio transmissions.

Shortly George arrived with the news that 204 would have a KCS unit in the lead. The builder and paint scheme were unknown, but at least it was something to anticipate. As we waited for 214 we periodically checked with Garland and Julie regarding the progress of #50. A rare on-time performance would put him in Orange about 3:45, far too early to take advantage of the late sun angle. And by some quirk the train had been about on time the previous Sunday and W ednesday. The official report was “approximately one hour late”, but Garland said #50 was going to meet a trainload of empties at Massie and that may serve to delay him further.

Even though we were anticipating 214 we were again caught by surprise as our first clue to its presence was when he called the “Orange” signal no more than a quarter mile away. Just before 5:00

#211 appeared, again with little warning. I shot a 300 of him passing the station with SD70 2620 and GEVO 7606. It looked good in the viewfinder, but one never knows for certain.

At 5:30 the dispatcher told 11R he was going to meet 204 at Tye River. W e figured that would put 204 in Orange by 7:30 with plenty of light to flatter the KCS unit. As clouds began to appear we wondered where the Cardinal was. He finally appeared at 5:37 in brilliant sunshine, passing slowly under the old cantilever, past signs announcing “Buckingham Branch Railroad”, “W ashington Subdivison”, and “Channel 23”. Unit 160 looked mighty nice rocking along in this unusual setting. How many Amtraks operate over short line or regional trackage?

W e were fairly certain nothing else was close, and after all my accolades, George was ready to sample Jean’s Place. Prices were a bit higher in the evening, but the barbecue platter was quite satisfying. The

9 weather was distinctly iffy when we came out after dinner. W e weren’t certain whether 203 or 204 would appear first, so we elected to walk to the signal bridge north of the station. Until the rationalization program of the early 90’s this was double track through Orange to May, a couple of miles to the south. Now the #1 main has become the passing track, ending here in Orange for NS, but continuing south as the connection to the Buckingham Branch. There are three signals on this #1 track, but I must confess I don’t know what aspect a train going to the Buckingham Branch would receive. This track north of the station is on a nice fill and with no trees on the west side, receives some of the last sun on this line.

By now it was obvious the weather was not going to be favorable. At 7:26 204 appeared with Dash 9- 44AC 4554 in the gray scheme leading catfish 9424 and SD60 6568. The crewman gave an inspired wave…I wondered how many fans he had seen along the way in this age of digital railfanning. W e watched the signal for a while until it flicked up green southbound, hoping the clouds might provide a momentary pink background. No such luck.

It was getting too dark for all but the most low percentage photos, so we walked back to the station and hung around long enough to watch 19 pass. There is something intriguing about watching passenger trains at twilight with the silhouettes of patrons in the diner. It makes you want to be there.

On the way home I had time to reflect on the previous thirty plus hours of railfanning. As in most of these trips there were highs and lows, often out of our control. However, I had experienced some unforgettable moments on the RF&P the previous day and had finally captured the Cardinal coming off the “C&O” in Orange. If photos turn out as hoped this should be part of a program to be presented in 2009.

Obituary - Tuesday, May 20, our community lost an old friend, Jack Picklesimer. Jack had been C&O General Agent here starting about the mid 1960's and he and his predecessor, Mike Cater, were very railfan friendly. They not only permitted chapter- member visits to C&O property in the area but actually facilitated the pursuit of our hobby! I remember a Sunday tour of facilities at Sandy Hook, including a climb up the coal tower and their arranging the yard diesel, a GP-9, for pictures near the signal. Mike and Jack arranged for us to meet on the second floor of the C&O freight house on Commerce Street for a time. - Aubrey Wiley

10 2008 BRC, NRHS Calendar Of Events “50th Anniversary Of The Blue Ridge Chapter” By Norris Deyerle

JUNE 06-11-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Program by Bob Ciminel, Montour Railway 06-11-15-08: N&W Historical Society 2008 Convention, Marion, Ohio, Info: www.nrhs.org 06-16-22-08: NRHS National Convention, North Texas Chapter, Fort Worth, TX. Info: www.nrhs.com 06-28-08: 5th Annual North Carolina Railfair: Model Train & Railroad Artifact Show and Sale, Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00pm. Early admission available Friday P.M. {27th}, Over 300 tables, thousands of railroad items for sale. Metrolina Expo Trade Center, Building No.1, 7100 Statesville Road, Charlotte, NC, Info: Charles Miller, 703-536-2954, email [email protected], Visit their website at www.gserr.com for discount coupons! 06-28-29-08: The Great Scale Model Train Show, Timonium, Md. Info: www.gsmts.com JULY 07-02-06-08: Reading Railroad Days, Also The Railroad Art Of Ted Rose: A Retrospective, Through December 31, 2008. Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania, Route 741, Strasburg, Pa. Info: 717-687-8628, www.rrmuseumpa.org, Courtesy of the “Lancaster Dispatcher”. 07-09-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Brad Dobbins, slides 07-16-20-08: 2008 C&O Historical Society Annual Conference, Stonewall Jackson Hotel, Staunton, Va., Info: www.cohs.org 07-23-08: BRC “Fun Meeting” AUGUST 08-02-03-08: Greenberg’s Toy Train & hobby Show, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm each day, Admission: $7.00 adults, kids 11 and under free. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md. Info: 630- 279-4087 or at www.greenbergshows.com. 08-02-08: The Southeastern Division Of The Train Collectors Association {TCA} Train Show, 9:00 am, Holshouser Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC, Info: www.se- tca.org, Charles Alford, Secretary, 252-756-7842 08-09-08: Lynchburg Rail Day 2008 30th Anniversary Train Show! Jim Revell, Founder of Rail Day and the original owner of Train’s Unlimited will be our guest of honor! For train show information or table rental please contact Norris Deyerle, LRD 2008 Train Show Coordinator at 434-237-4912 or at [email protected]. 08-13-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Guests Greg Molloy, National President, NRHS and Carl Jensen, Appalachian Region Vice President join us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the BRC, NRHS. SEPTEMBER 09-07-08: Marklin Enthusiasts Of America Summer Train Meet, co-hosted with the ETE Keystone Chapter Marietta, PA during their EuroEast 2008, Sept. 6 & 7, 2008, Farm & Home Center, Lancaster, PA. Info: Steve Seyer, 610-398-3021 or at [email protected]. 09-10-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Fred Mayer, slides? 09-13-14-08: Great Train Expo, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm each day, Admission: $7.00, kids under 12 free. Info: 630-279-4048 or at www.greatttrainexpo.com., Expo Center, North Carolina 1State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC.

11 09-20-21-08: Tidewater Division Model Railroaders 2008 Model Train Show & Sale, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., Va. Beach, Va. Info: Call 757-426- 2811 email: [email protected] 09-21-08: BRC Annual Summer Picnic 09-24-08: BRC “Fun Meeting” OCTOBER 10-08-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Rick-2 Johnson, slides 10-12-08: Marklin Enthusiasts Of America Fall Train Meet, Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel, Bethlehem, PA. Info: Steve Seyer, 610-398-3021 or at [email protected]. 10-11-12-08: The Great Scale Model Train Show, Timonium, Md., Info: www.gsmts.com 10-16-18-08: Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association {TCA} Fall Train Meet, York Fairgrounds, York, Pa. NOVEMBER 11-02-08: 31st Gaithersburg Railroadiana Show, Sunday, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, Md., Info: www.gserr.com 11-12-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber, slides 11-26-08: BRC “Fun Meeting” 11-30-08: The Southeastern Division Of The Train Collectors Association {TCA} Train Show, 10:00 am, Kerr Scott Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC, Info: www.se- tca.org. Charles Alford, Secretary, 252-756-7842 DECEMBER 12-06-08: BRC Annual Christmas Banquet, 6:00 pm, former Southern Railway Depot, Altavista, Va. Buffet includes dessert and refreshments. Reservations and paid admission for this annual event are required to attend the banquet or the “50th Anniversary Of The Blue Ridge Chapter” slide show”. Reservations are $18.00 per person for BRC members and their guests. Guests are always welcome. I would like to have a slide show highlighting the 50 Years of the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. In recognition of Rick Johnson’s many years of service to our chapter I asked Rick to present this special slide show. Rick agreed to present this special slide show with your help. After you let our Webmaster John Siegle copy your slides for the “50th Anniversary Of The Blue Ridge Chapter” section on our BRC website, Rick would like to borrow them from you to insert into the slide show. Please include as much information about the slide or slides as possible. 12-10-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Rick Johnson, slides 12-20-08: BRC “Christmas Gathering”, 9:00 pm till Amtrak Train 19 arrival? Kemper Street Station, Lynchburg, Va. Please bring your favorite holiday treat, snacks, sweets or non-alcoholic beverages to share with your friends as well as the Amtrak passengers.

N&WHS Calendar of Events: For N&W and Virginian Railway Related Events log onto www.nwhs.org/events.html

12 TRAIN SHOW VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM LYNCHBURG RAIL DAY 2008, SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2008 LYNCHBURG RAIL DAY 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER, NRHS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society would like to invite you to join us for the 30th Annual Lynchburg Rail Day to be held on Saturday August 9, 2008, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. This model train show is always well attended by veteran modelers as well as newcomers to our hobby. It definitely has a family atmosphere. Children 12 and under are always admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Vendors are encouraged to bring items that appeal to children. Many small children attend our show with their parents. Last year’s attendance was approximately 500 adults and children. We have numerous door prizes and a raffle. Our very popular “White Elephant Table”, where our Chapter sells individual’s train-related items on a consignment basis, always attracts sellers and buyers to our show. Model layouts with operating trains are a real treat for everyone young and old. Since we’re holding Lynchburg Rail Day 2008 in the LARGER facility that we have used for the last two years, we will still have clinics on building models and also slide or video presentations by our Chapter members and friends. Joining us for this year’s 30th anniversary celebration will be Jim Revell, the founder of “Rail Day” and the original owner of Trains Unlimited. Our Model Railroad and Railroad Photography Exposition will continue this year. This gives railroad modelers and photographers a competitive environment to show off their work. Prizes are given to the winners of the numerous categories. Our Chapter also operates the onsite concession stand with freshly prepared lunch items and snacks at very affordable prices. It will be held at the air-conditioned Boonsboro Ruritan Club on Coffee Road just off of Rt. 501 North in Lynchburg, Virginia. Our Blue Ridge Chapter website will have a map showing you how to get there from all directions. Log on www.blueridgenrhs.org for the directions and Lynchburg Rail Day 2008 updates. There will be an ample amount of signs directing vendors and the public to the Boonsboro Ruritan Club on the day of the show. Plenty of free parking is available in our expanded parking area. Vendors can easily unload their goods next to the building. The building is handicapped accessible. Vendor Registration: 6ft. tables are $25.00 each. The postmark date on your letter that you send your registration payment in will determine who gets the available tables. We expect increased attendance this year due to our “30th Anniversary of Lynchburg Rail Day” celebration. Table space will be limited. Reserved table space must be paid for in full no later than Wednesday, July 9, 2008. Tables not completely paid for by this date will be made available to other vendors. No refunds for tables will be given on or after July9, 2008. Prior to July 9, 2008 table refunds will be given for personal hardships. To help boost your sales we will post your name and any contact information that you supply to us on our Chapter website when your table reservations are paid in full. This will allow your customers the option of pre-ordering from you if they desire and pick then up their items at the show. Vendor Set Up: The Boonsboro Ruritan Club will be open for vendor set up on Friday, August 8, 2008from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm and on Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 7:30 am – 8:30 am. We would like to have all vendors have their table setup finished by 8:30 am the day of the show. This will allow the public to have free movement through the aisles when the show begins. We ask that no vendor sales transactions occur until after 9:00 am on the day of the show. Vendors will be asked to park in specially designated areas to allow for customer parking in front of the building. We also request that no one begins breaking down your sales table until 4:00 pm the day of the show. Door admission will be charged till the close of the show at 4:00 pm.

13 Please return this portion with your payment.

30th Annual Lynchburg Rail Day Vendor Registration Form Your Name or Your Business Name: ______Name Of Person To Contact w/ Business: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Daytime Phone Number w/ Area Code: ______Evening Phone Number w/Area Code: ______Cell Phone Number w/ Area Code: ______Business Phone Number w/ Area Code: ______Fax Number w/ Area Code: ______E-mail Address: ______Website address: ______Number of Tables: _____ x $25.00 = ______Total amount of your check or money order made payable to the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. Electricity: Yes/No, No extra charge if available. First come, first serve basis. Special Needs or Requests: ______Please make checks payable to the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. Mail your payment to the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS, P.O. Box 11731, Lynchburg, Virginia 24506-1731. If you have any questions please call our Table Registrar John Tanner at 434-316-9500 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday or email John at [email protected] . If you need extra assistance you can email our Train Show Coordinator Norris Deyerle at [email protected] or call 434-455-7421 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday-Saturday. Call 434-237-4912 between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm nightly. Please join the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS and help us celebrate the “30th Anniversary of Lynchburg Rail Day”. Thanks in advance for making Lynchburg Rail Day 2008 a huge success!

14 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND STAFF

President Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-239-6159 [email protected] Vice President Charlie Long, 106 Pacos St., Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-239-3521 [email protected] Secretary Tom Ledford, 18 W. Princeton Cir. #18, Lynchburg, VA 24503 434-847-4025 [email protected] Treasurer John Tanner, 209 Pocahontas Dr., Forest, VA 24551-1235 434-525-1318 flytrains@ verizon.net National Director E. Norris Deyerle, Jr. 744 Chinook Pl., Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-237-4912 [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 434-239-6159 [email protected] Webmaster John Siegle 1225 Krise Cir. Lynchburg, VA 24503 434-384-6951 [email protected]

The BLUE RIDGE DISPATCHER is published by the Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society. Opinions expressed are those of the editor and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blue Ridge Chapter or the National Railway Historical Society unless otherwise stated.

Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS P. O. Box 11731 Lynchburg, VA 24506-1731 www.blueridgenrhs.org [email protected]

LYNCHBURG RAIL DAY 2008! Saturday, August 9. Boonsboro Ruritan Club. Lynchburg, VA.

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