I think you will like this! I know I did! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezfq7MvE95k&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Cool video! I really like hearing those side rods clanking away! Question- During the video it mentioned Virigian running a larger electrification than N&W. Somehow, I was not aware of N&W having electrics? Was this after they took in the Virginian? Or what did I miss?
N&W started up their electric operations from Iager to Bluefield,W.VA, in 1913 and ended it in 1950 when the New Elckhorn Tunnel was built. The Virginan started their electric operation in the 20's to combat the slow steam engines, tonnage, and hazards to crew's health, and it was based on the N&W's. The Virginian wires went from Roanoke,VA to Mullens,W.VA. When the merger came in 1959 N&W became electric again, and cut the power off in 1962. The Virginian ran classes EL-3A, EL1A,EL-2B, and EL-C. EL-1 are the squareheads, 2B the streamliners, EL-C the bricks.
Brings back a lot of memories. Growing up in Danville on the Southern, it was always a treat for my brother Joe and I to visit relatives up in Roanoke and see the big electrics on the Virginian. I can still remember seeing the N&W electrics while visiting my mother's family in Bluefield, West Virginia. I don't think they went any farther east than that.
