A Visit to the Beech Mountain

Today I paid a visit to Alexander, WV. A small community nestled deep in the mountains and valleys of West Virginia in southern Upshur County.

In Alexander there once was a railroad, the Beech Mountain Railroad . The last time I checkout the area, there was a lone coal hopper and a flatcar resting on a siding in only yard on the small shortline. There was also the Beech Mountain's #113, an ALCO S2. The doors were open to the shop and Carter-Roag #115 was resting inside. My, have times changed.......

The yard was buried under weedy undergrowth, small poplar trees and heavy rust, the two cars were still at rest in the exact positions as before and one of the ALCO's had been scrapped. Two two truck 100% complete, but unattached were sitting in weeds partially covered by old tarps. The engine shop had fallen into disrepair but I have no knowledge if C-R 115 was hibernating inside.

About a year ago there was a lot of talk about attempting to get a scenic line started on the old Beech line but that faded away. The rails are in decent shape but there are no suitable cars (the flat car could be converted) and no motive power unless the 115 is in the shed. After talking to a local gentleman, who happened to work for the B&O (CSX) said that the line hasn't seen anything on it since 1999 when the last 50 cars left the local coal mine. The line from south of Alexander thru Selbyville had been taken up around 1995.

As I strolled through the weeds and inspected the hopper and flatcar I found an old glove and a 2x4 stuck in the brakewheel of the hopper. They reminded me of what had once been a relatively busy rail center and small town.

At the end of the yard was a switch which was aligned for the siding where the hopper and flat car at. I stomped on the small switch bar latch and threw the arm over and locked into position. What a beautful sound "Dink-Clink", then I returned it to it's original position.

Finally it was time to leave and I took a few pictures of the small yard, hopefully I will be able to scan them and post them soon.

[ 09. June 2004, 13:19: Message edited by: A&A 6183 ]

 

WONDERFUL NEWS: The Carter-Roag mine in Star Bridge will reopen at the first of the year ans hire 75-100 miners. I have been informed that some people from the West Virginia Central were inspecting the bridges for immediate reopening of the Beech Mountain Railroad. No word on if the WVC is actually going to be responsible for operation of the line.


I still do not know if BMRR #113 or Carter-Roag #115 are on site or in running order.

Everything looks good, but I do not know if the rails can withstand the weight of coal hoppers after years and years of neglect.

 

first train on the Beech Mountain Railroad since Spring of '98 ran last Sunday, February 13. An 82-car coal train was pulled through Alexander with CSX 366 and 466, marking the first time 6 axle locomotives were ever operated on the branch, thanks to modern AC Radial trucks.

Beech Mountain #113 in fresh paint towed hopper back an forth between Alexander and Star bridge for loading and assembled the train.

The Carter-Roag mine near Star bridge is expected to produce 750,000 tons of coal annually.

I cannot claim the photos as they are by Matt Reese. Here's a shot.

More photos HERE

 

Hi guys, I just wanted to say that It really amazed me to see pictures of this train on the internet. My father has been driving this train for nearly 20 years, and at this point in time still does so! I had the opportunity to work for Amtrac Railroad Contractors for a while, and it was more than a treat b/c most of our work was done on this track, and it truly gave me a better understanding of what kinda of work goes into a railroad!

The pictures are amazing...glad you made it out to our little part of the world

 

Hi Dubvpunk, Wecome to the Trainboard, we're happy to have you aboard.

Glad to hear you have a connection with the Beech Mountain. Perhaps you and/or your father would care to share stories, photos, and other information about the railroad and your lives with it. Would also be interested to hear about the restoration and your involvement. Is road maintenance still being contracted, or is it now being done in house?

 

My apologies for not replying sooner. To be completely honest I had forgotten about this website. Anyhow, we have several pictures I would be more than happy to share with you all. As far as stories go, I'm sure my dad has told me some through the years, but I can't recall any right now. I'll see what I can get out of him. The trains and coal plant are still running in Alexander, and #113 (my dad's train) is still running strong!! I will do my best to get some pictures posted asap! Until then, take care!

~Corey