From A to Shay DVD

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From Giant "A" and Y-6 types to diminutive Shays, the twilight of steam in the Pocahontas Region offered great diversity.

First half of the program is devoted to the Norfolk & Western: Heavy coal on Blue Ridge, NRHS special including tripleheaded 4-8-0s (405,449, 475), Mountains, Pacific #578 wheeling mail and passenger along the Norton Branch, plus switchers and an elderly Y-3. See a "mixed" coal and passenger run, along with service facilities at Roanoke and Bluefield.

Next, study the wonderful Buffalo Creek & Gauley where small 2-8-0s hauled coal 18 miles out to a connection with the B&O. A railbus offered double daily service. Both winter and summer views are offered up through 1963.

...and SHAYS! Ely Thomas Lumber (later W.M. Ritter and Georgia Pacific) 3-truck Shay #2 switches the mill. Watch #19 ford Lilly Fork - without benefit of a bridge! Take a ride into the timber aboard #12 of the Elk River Coal & Lumber Co. Also viewed is Middle Fork #6, a Climax type. Actual sounds of most locos shown are heard during this Pocahontas Steam remembrance.