NS 8175 with 9254 Operation Lifesaver sit tied down at the original Chesapeake Western Depot. The depot, built in 1913 has been completely resorted and now houses several business. In its hay day, the first floor was the passenger station, second floor housed CW's offices and the long portion handle all the freight. The red framed windows and door (I believe is still original) is where passengers exited the depot onto the concrete platform to board the train.The long wooden pole attached to the side of the depot is the original base for the 2 way radio antenna that CW used to communicate with its train crews. The antenna is still operable to this day. The new black fence sits atop of the original foundation walls to the engine and maintenance house. The engine house structure above the concrete foundation was made of wood and ultimately was destroyed by fire. If my memory serves correct, the fire started from one of the steams engines ashes/hot cinders. The tracks in the foreground was once the mainline for the B&O railroad who ran passenger service originating in Manassas through Harrisonburg and eventually ending near Lexington Va. After B&O lost its trackage rights over portions North of Harrisonburg, they sold the cut off portion (beginning just a few hundred yards behind me at Union Station, which is now the sally port for the county jail) in 1943 to the CW. Freight is all that rolls over these rails even though there is still several passengers stations still standing along the way. Thanks to Steve Wilt for heads up on the OLS loco coming to Harrisonburg.
The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia boasts some impressive scenery and trains, some of the best in the state. This album is for all photos taken in the Shenandoah Valley.
Solely the CW Past and Present.
July 5, 1895 CW moved its first load of freight and although its existence is merely on paper today, its roots run deep. 128 years and still moving freight. The CW operates as a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern.
