In the history of the steam locomotive Roanoke Machine Works played a key part. Take a look at this important economic center of the New South. Roanoke Shops has been an indispensable part of the Roanoke Valley and the Magic City for more than 125 years. Founded in 1881 as an independent company, Roanoke Machine Works built new locomotives and cars for the Shenandoah Valley and Norfolk & Western Railroads. Situated between the picturesque Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, the facility caused an economic boom in the nearby village of Big Lick and the surrounding area. By 1891, Big Lick had become Roanoke and had emerged as one of the most important economic centers in the New South. Today, Roanoke Shops employs skilled craftsmen who provide the highest-quality overhauls and repairs to diesel locomotives. This book takes a look into its history, particularly at production during that exciting and enchanting era of the steam locomotive.

Because Norfolk & Western's existence was predicated on coal, its coal-hauling cars represented its most important rolling stock. In fact, with the exception of the Chesapeake & Ohio, no other railway concentrated its business on coal mining as heavily as N&W.This fully illustrated history of N&W's hoppers and high-side gondolas begins in 1881 and continues through the present Norfolk & Southern operations. Not only is this study a superb technological history, it's also an ideal data file for modellers. The drawings are taken from a number of trade publications and company archives. Photographs from all eras show the cars being both built and used.

A nostalgic look at the last major railroad to use steam locomotives. Dramatic photos follow the remarkable history of N&W steam engines as they hauled coal through the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia in the 1930's, 40's, and 50's.

With a quarter of a century behind it, Norfolk Southern is one of the oldest Class 1 railroads operating in North America. This illustrated history tells how Norfolk Southern came to be what it is today, from the merger of two of American railroadings most legendary roads-- Southern Railway and Norfolk and Western--through its rise to the heights of the worlds leading transportation companies. After a concise history of the roads that became Norfolk Southern, author Richard Borkowski explores the railroads corporate history and operating structure and details the specific operations that go into the lines customer-oriented approach, including its vast intermodal network. Along with each of Norfolk Southerns 11 operating divisions, this book offers a close look at NS motive power, a wealth of color photographs, and a specially commissioned system map.

The story of Norfolk and Western Class J, Number 611. The most modern steam locomotive built in North America. Background on the design, construction and operation of these famous streamlined locomotives, from 1941 to the present day. 611 has lived three lives, her original service from 1950-1959, excursion service from 1982-1994 and again in 2015. Revised and expanded edition