Been thinking about taking a railfan trip on the old N&W (NS) from about Kenova to Princeton/Bluefield. I've got a few points of interest listed, but was wondering if anybody else, who had made this trip, could point out some areas/sites that they found interesting. Also want to include a side trip to Matewan, check out the Sid Hatfield history there, then over to the courthouse steps where he was shot to death. Anybody else ever make that journey? Thanks in advance, Bill
Before you head into WVA follow the line along Rt 23 From Columbus to Portsmouth, Ohio. You might get lucky and be able to get a few shots. The town of Lucasville has a couple of grade crossings where you can get some pictures. Be careful though the trains really move through here. As you drive south into Portsmouth you will cross the tracks on a highway bridge. Look to your left and you should see the old passenger station, now ex-former offices. The NS just sold the station to the county and the local politicians are going to tear it down in favor of a jail. The station is a pretty good size brick and cement building. Don't dawdle there too long. It is not in the best neighborhood. Also do not be tempted to check out the NS yard at Portsmouth. There are no tresspassing signs everywhere, and the NS police are hardcore. I was checked out, but not approached, by NS Police while parked on a public street that had a good view of the yard and this was before 9/11. Take 52 East and as you go through the village of Sciotoville, just east of Portsmouth you can't miss the CSX bridge that crosses the river, NS tracks and US Rt 52. Take the next exit, St Rt 140 and at the bottom of the ramp turn right, go across the NS tracks then turn left. About 1/4 mile up on your right there used to be a good Pizza place with outside dining. You can check the towboats going up and down the river, hear trains coming blowing for the grade crossing you just crossed, and maybe spot a train on the bridge (that would be almost a telephoto shot). The food is good and the outside eating area is nice and large. Don't be disappointed if you don't see the CSX crossing the bridge. The last time I was there the traffic was light. Another stop about 10 miles further up the road is the Greenup Dam rest area and bridge. On the Ohio side of the river there is an ok rest area and there is an NS detector not far away to give you just enough warning to set up for a shot. There is a highway that crosses the dam and on the other side is the US Army Corps Of Engineers Locks, and a better rest area/picnic ground. To get to this area turn left right as you are coming off the bridge into Kentucky. CSX has a detector, that will give you plenty of time to set-up. The last time I was there the CSX detector announced the train hitting detector then announced its inspection results when the whole train went through. If no action you might get lucky and watch them put some barges through the Ohio River Locks. If you want to be in the best position to catch trains, stay on the Ohio side, because if you are on the Kentucky side of the dam and the NS detector goes off, you will get back across the bridge in time to see the FRED. CSX gives you more warning where you might just catch the whole train. I hope that helps. I know you wanted WVA, but I figured that Portsmouth is about one hour from Kenova and you should check it out. [ 29. June 2003, 05:45: Message edited by: ajy6b ]
Many thanks for that comprehensive write-up, A.J, I certainly appreciate it! Heading up to Portsmouth and Columbus, wouldn't be a problem. Could even start the trip in Columbus (visit with an old friend) then to Portsmouth, then Kenova and south. Seems from what you've said, the extra time would be worth it. Plus I'd be able to see a different transition from "table top" flatland to mountains which I love so much, than the usual one from Wheeling to Columbus. Appreciate the heads-up on the Portsmouth yard and surrounding area too. That was a great reply...thanks again! Bill
Glad to have helped. I just want to edit one thing concerning the Greenup Dam. I meant to say that if you are on the Kentucky side and hear the NS detector go off, you will NOT, be able to make it across to the Ohio side in time. My brain was going to fast for my fingers One other item, and you may have to get a local map or a Delorme Gazetter or even mapquest may help. One of the scenic areas on the Columbus line is in the town of Waverly, Ohio. As you are heading north on 23 one of the last traffic lights out of town is next to a shopping plaza and maybe a Tim Hortons Donut shop. There is a road there that goes off to the right, called School House Road? (I am sorry about not recalling the name) but the road goes back and eventually parallels the track for a bit. I believe it is single track there still and there is a thru truss RR bridge over the Scioto River. That might be worth checking out. Also on the Columbus line, when I was there two years ago NS called out the signals on the radio. As for WVA, go to www.nwhs.org That is the Norfolk and Western Historical Society. They have a mailing list, (but it is on vacation for the next week, or so) and someone there may be able to give you the ins and out of the area. Also pick up a copy of the January 2003 Railfan and Railroad Magazine. They did an extensive article on the old Pocahontas District from Williamson to Bluefield, with driving directions and what to expect. Enjoy your trip, I would love to have the time to do the trip you are doing. One other thought if you need to place to stay try the Super 8 on US 23 just North of Portsmouth. Ask for a room on the highway side, on an upper floor because on the other side of the highway is the NS Columbus Mainline. If I remember correctly the windows used to open and had screens in them. Also you are in range of a detector that should give you some warning. [ 30. June 2003, 01:36: Message edited by: ajy6b ]
A.J, thanks once again for more great info. Consider this an open invitation to join us when we get this trip put together. We could all meet at some common location, and go from there. Sounds like fun to me! Bill
