Southbound RF&P manifest No. 109, led by GP40 No. 123, was being overtaken by Amtrak No. 89, the "Palmetto," led by P30CH No. 714, at Franconia, VA on Nov. 27, 1977.

As a rule, RF&P tried pretty hard to keep its power clean, especially during the 1970's and 1980's. They didn't have a wash rack and washing was done with a scrub brush when the unit was in for m... (more)

At less than 1%, as far as railroad grades are concerned, RF&P's Rutherglen Hill was pretty lame. That said, it could still take the wind out of the sails of a freight train as is passed over the... (more)

It didn't take long for Auto Train's fleet of U36Bs to look tired. White is simply not an ideal color for a locomotive pilot. Southbound No. 3 was departing Auto Train's northern terminus at Lor... (more)

TOFC business on the RF&P really started to mushroom in the early 1970s, much in part because of UPS. The piggyback ramp at Potomac Yard became increasingly important, with most of the southbound... (more)

Southbound Amtrak No. 81, the "Silver Star," had already made its stop at Broad Street Station, exited the loop, and was running north on the RF&P before heading back south on the SCL at South AY ... (more)

Southbound Amtrak No. 81, the "Silver Star," was exiting the long sweeping curve at Penola, VA in Sept., 1973, led by E8A No. 241. Penola was once a bustling little community, with industries bas... (more)

Southbound RF&P manifest No. 227 was slowing to enter Acca Yard on Jan. 8, 1972 with a dogs breakfast of motive power. GP7 No. 103 leads E8As No's. 1001 and 1008, and GP40 No. 122.

RF&P 250 ton derrick No. 1 was busying itself with clearing an eight car derailment between Greendale and North Acca as southbound Amtrak No. 81, the "Silver Star," passed. Former SCL E8A No. 582... (more)

N&W RS-11 #374 on the NF&D at Danville, VA in June 1972

Three Geeps, led by GP9 No. 653, get the swing on an eastbound coal drag as it passes through Nottoway Court House, VA on Feb. 28, 1977.

Amtrak's experiment at running a passenger train on the N&W through Virginia was relatively short lived. On Feb. 28, 1977, westbound No. 55, the "Mountaineer," was passing through Nottoway Court ... (more)

Because of the prohibition of riding on the top of cars, telltales were disappearing at a rapid pace. This set still remained on the N&W near Nottoway Court House, VA on April 3, 1976, as a pair ... (more)

Westbound Amtrak No. 55, the "Mountaineer," hustles through Burkeville, VA on April 3, 1976 with E9A No. 330.

The bridge over the east end of the N&W yard at Crewe, Va was an interesting place to watch trains. Back in 1977, it still had a lot of "personality" about it. Switch tenders were still employed... (more)