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Vol. 15 September 2008 No. 9
When looking through book and calendars from the 1950’s through the 1980’s there’s a good
chance you’ll see photographs by Henry Griffiths, Jr. “Hank” Griffiths, a native of Idaho, was a
prolific railroad photographer in the west and northwest, his favorite railroad being the Union
Pacific.
At the September meeting Fred Mayer will present a tape of “Hank’s” movies taken during the
50’s and 60’s. Railroading covered will be northwest logging, California Zephyr on the D&RGW,
Colorado & Southern and Union Pacific steam, diesels and turbines.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008. 6:00 p.m.
Charley’s Restaurant 707 Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA.
Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society
Minutes of Meeting - August 13, 2008
Vice-president Charlie Long called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Charley’s Restaurant and welcomed 36
members and guests, including Greg Malloy, President of the National Railway Historical Society; Carl Jensen,
NRHS Appalachian Regional Vice-president and Joe Maloney, NRHS Director of Membership Awards
attending to celebrate the Blue Ridge Chapter’s 50th Anniversary. He also introduced member Brian Crosier,
President of the Roanoke Chapter and guests Mary Guthrow, Jean Fielding, Rita Moorefield, Jazmyne
Anderson and Taylor Shores. A warm welcome was extended to our new member John Gardner; members
Warren Middleton and Bob Carpenter, both recovering recent accidents, and to Dr. Pete Echols, past National
Director for the chapter now living in Richmond. The minutes of the July meeting were approved as distributed.
Treasurer John Tanner then reported.
Under old business John Tanner briefly reported on Rail Day results: 451 guests attended the event, we sold
58 vendor tables (42 last year) and he estimated we would clear approximately $2,700. Charlie Long thanked
Norris Deyerle for his leadership in coordinating the event and was joined by the members in a round of
applause. He thanked everyone for helping noting especially the work of Ed and Jean Fielding with the
children’s activity, Barry and Rita Moorefield for a variety of tasks, John Siegle for the PA system and
announcing, Mollie Mayhew and Peggy Deyerle for manning the entrance and ticket sales, Fred Mayer for the
model contests, Rick Johnson for leading the kitchen effort, Garland Harper and Barry Moorefield for handling
the extra tables, Gary Quale for planning table layout and assignments and Tom Ledford for helping him with
the White Elephant table. Gene Campbell thanked the chapter on behalf of the Kiwanis Club for the free table,
Brian Crosier thanked the chapter on behalf of the Roanoke Chapter and Tom Ledford thanked them on behalf
of the O. Winston Link Museum for their table. There will be a more detailed report at the next meeting. On a
motion by Norris Deyerle, seconded by Earl Guthrow the amount of $1,000 was appropriated from the
proceeds from Rail Day to support the restoration of the Virginian Railway Station in Roanoke, Va. Motion
carried without dissent, Brian Crosier abstaining.
There was no national Director’s report, Garland Harper gave the editor’s report and thanked Charles
Saunders for his continuing assistance in mailing the printed newsletters out. Carl Jensen spoke about the
newsletter, complimenting the chapter for having one of the best publications in the region. Charlie Long
returned the compliment sta0ting how much the membership enjoyed the new “Bulletin” format and
appreciated the efforts at National to catch up on back issues.
The highlight of the evening was National President Greg Malloy’s presentation of a certificate recognizing the
Blue Ridge Chapter’s 50th Anniversary, and the attendance of Gene Campbell, founding member and Vice-
president of the chapter in 1958. Original member Herman Ginther of Altavista, now 100 years old, was also
acknowledged. President Malloy noted how much the organization had changed in the past 50 years but
stressed that the society’s core mission to preserve railway history remained the same and was needed now
more than ever. He noted that there were only 40 to 50 chapters who had achieved our 50-year benchmark
and he encouraged the chapter to continue our efforts on behalf of railway preservation. Applause filled the
room and abundant photographs were taken of the presentation.
Member Bob Carpenter won the 50/50 and donated the cash back to the chapter and Dr. Guthrow won a
souvenir Norfolk Southern cap. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. National President Greg Malloy presented
the program, a tour of the historic White Pass and Yukon Railroad, “Gateway to the Yukon” covering two visits
spanning 30 years of change on the railroad.
Tom Ledford, Secretary
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National Director’s Page
by Norris Deyerle
Carl Stern, a “50 year” member of the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS, lost his wife of 55 years, Charlotte Daniels Stern, on
Sunday, August 24, 2008. She was 78 years old. Please keep Carl and his family in your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of
flowers, a donation in honor of Charlotte will be made by the Blue Ridge Chapter to the First Unitarian Church of Lynchburg.
October is our BRC election month. Please consider running for the position of a chapter officer. All positions are open. I
would like to see more members involved in the governing of our chapter. A nominating committee will be selected at our
regular monthly meeting in September. Your help with selecting the BRC officers for 2009 is needed.
I would like to thank BRC member Mr. Robin Shavers for sending me the Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS information that I
have included in this month’s Calendar of Events. They have several very interesting events planned.
At our regular BRC monthly meeting on August 13, 2008, our chapter was awarded a framed document from our National
President Mr. Greg Molloy recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. Vice President Charlie Long and
I accepted the award on behalf of our chapter. Afterwards Greg presented an awesome slide show on the three-foot gauge
“White Pass and Yukon Railroad”. Greg showed our members just how striking Fuji slides are when taken by a professional
photographer! Thanks Greg for the award and a great slide show!! The write-up that will appear in the NRHS national
publication is reproduced below.
On Thursday, August 21, 2008, Charlie Long, Lee Hawkins and I went to the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS, monthly meeting
at the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke. Charlie Long and I presented the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS a check for $1,000
from the BRC. The check was for the preservation of the Virginian Railway Station in Roanoke. Skip Salmon wanted me to
pass on a sincere “thank you” to all of you from the Roanoke Chapter members. This money will be put in a separate Virginian
Station Fund account along with the past donations that the BRC and other groups have made until the restoration begins. The
money that our chapter donated was part of the money that we made at Lynchburg Rail Day 2008. Thank you again for making
LRD another successful event. We even had a newspaper article about this year’s train show. I still keep hearing nice
comments about Jean and Ed Fielding’s Lionel ”hands on” kid’s floor layout. It was the hit of the train show again this year! I
would like to thank our hall layout engineer Gary Quale for coming up with such a great idea to attract kids to our model railroad
hobby.
Every year after LRD our chapter has a picnic. This year is no exception. On Sunday September 21, 2008 we are
having our annual picnic in the same location as last year. The location is English Park, formerly know as Staunton Riverfront
Park in Altavista, Va. We have the large pavilion rented from Noon till 4:00 p.m. We usually eat around 1:00 p.m. to give the
folks that attend church a chance to join us. We’re usually finished eating by 2:00 p.m. It’s a great place to watch NS trains
pass by on the former Virginian Railway tracks. So I’ll know how much food to purchase prior to the picnic, you are asked to
give me an estimated head count at either the monthly meeting on Wednesday September 10, 2008, or email me at
railcow@msn.com. If you don’t have email then call my business phone number at Hammersley Lincoln-Mercury and Volvo.
It’s 434-455-7421. Your family and friends are invited to come to this picnic. The BRC will supply Southern fried chicken and
North Carolina style BBQ, ice and drinks this year. We’re not grilling hotdogs and hamburgers this year in order for the “Cooks”
to enjoy some relaxation! You are asked to bring a dessert or a covered dish or dishes depending on how many people are in
your group to share with the others. We won’t need more drinks. I hope that we have a good turnout for the picnic. It’s always
fun! The folks that are able to move after the picnic go “railfanning” afterwards.
I hope to see many of you at this month’s regular monthly meeting and our “Fun Meeting”. See my “Calendar of Events”
for details.
Till then, Moooooooo
The following article and picture will be appearing in a future NRHS News magazine.
“Over 40 Blue Ridge NRHS chapter members and their guests gathered at Charley’s Restaurant on Lynchburg, Va., on
Wednesday, Aug. 13, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the chapter. Among the guests for the dinner were NRHS
President Greg Molloy, NRHS Appalachian Region Vice President Carl Jensen, and NRHS National Director of
Membership Awards Joe Maloney. Following dinner, the three presented a framed certificate honoring the chapter for its
50 years of membership to Chapter Vice President Charlie Long and Norris Deyerle, the Chapter National Director. For
the program, Molloy presented a slide show on his three visits to the three-foot gauge White Pass & Yukon Railroad.
Among those present for the celebration was Gene Campbell, one of the founding members of the chapter, who was
recognized and thanked for his contributions. He was the group’s first vice-president. (See picture bottom of page 4.) Also
attending was Dr. Pete Echols, who served for many years as the chapter’s national director until moving to the Richmond
area following his retirement. The event followed by one week the very successful 30th anniversary Lynchburg Rail Day
2008 train show, which is sponsored by the Blue Ridge chapter. The show was held at the Boonsboro Ruritan Club in
Lynchburg.”
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Blue Ridge chapter celebrates 50th anniversary
PHOTO BY ED FIELDING
AT ANNIVERSARY DINNER – Charlie Long (second from left), the vice president of the Blue Ridge Chapter NRHS,
accepts a 50th anniversary certificate from NRHS President Greg Molloy. Others in the photo are Carl Jensen (far
left), the Appalachian Region Vice President; Norris Deyerle, (second from right), Blue Ridge NRHS national
director; and Joe Maloney, the NRHS national director of membership awards.
The Lynchburg News documents installation of Chapter officers from 1958.
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What follows are BRC, NRHS, recollections by contributing current and former members as we celebrate our 50
year as a Chapter. I hope you will enjoy their stories. If these stories have jogged anything in your memory
please feel free to share them here. Email them to the Editor at GRHarper@aol.com
From a former member - Roy A. Evans (1979-2006)
I joined the Blue Ridge Chapter back in 1979. I had been invited by a guy named Wayland Moore, whom I had met while helping with
the Blue Ridge Model Railroad group that built the layout in the back of the original Trains Unlimited shop. I didn’t know another single
person at the first chapter meeting that I attended. Wayland came by to say hello and welcome, but that was about all the attention that
I got that night. No one was rude, but I had never felt so out of place.
That was almost 30 years ago. God, how the time has flown! In those passing 30 years, I have made many dear friends of
those members of the chapter. These are friendships that I will value until the day that I take that last train pic on this planet, and pass
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on to the digital world afterwards. It used to be the Kodachrome world, but that is so 20 century (just kidding, Rick). I would not trade
anything for these friendships that I have.
Lee Hawkins and I got acquainted while going through Lamaze classes with our wives during the days leading up to the births
of our second children, and our friendship is a strong one. We have spent many, many Saturdays out railfannin’ and still do get out
quite often. I am very sure that if I had not met Tom Ledford, visits to Yankee Stadium probably would never have happened for me. I
am a big Yankees fan, but not of Manhattan driving. Now, Tom is another story. He becomes Abdul, Muhammad, Momar, and any
other Manhattan taxi drivers’ names that you might come up with, once he exits the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels and hits the island. Rick
Johnson, Skip Hansberry, David Leonard, Norris Deyerle, Lee, and one of my most favorite people ever, Marshall ”Pothole” Griffin,
were some of the best long distance trip mates that a man could ever ask for.
A great time was always had on these trips over the years, starting back in 1985. Place names like Hagans, Jasper, Watkins,
Dante, Horseshoe, Benny, Lily, Altoona, Cassandra, Cold Spring, Breakneck Tunnel, Bayview Junction, Toronto, Nelsonville, Ashland,
Huntington and Huntingdon, Hancock, Cherry Run, Sand Patch, and others hold a dear spot in my memories. Nothing could be any
better than sitting in the Alley Cats stadium in Charleston, W. Va. and watching a minor league baseball game with great friends, with
CSX and Amtrak trains running by only a few feet behind the center and right field walls!
Trips closer to home included ones to the RF&P with some of those aforementioned people along with Jeff Thaxton. A day at
Ruther Glen, when it was so cold that camera shutters were freezing! The group spent a lot of that day huddled close to the ground
trying to keep the wind away and trying to stay at least a little warm. It didn’t work too well.
Another trip that I will always remember was one that Jeff, Skip, and I took down on the Seaboard System and down below
Skippers, we began pacing alongside a southbound hotshot pig train at 86 MPH! The Volvo was in the wind! The engineer had his foot
up on the side cab window as relaxed as he could be.
A trip up to Allegheny and A Cabin in the extreme cold and snow enabled me to see my first unit in the brand new CSX
TRANSPORTATION paint scheme, one of only two that I got to see.
The late 70’s and early 80’s brought out the best in steam with 611 and 1218, and then throw in 4501, 2839, 610, 614, 2101,
2716, 722, 750, and others that I am sure that I have missed. Many weekends were filled with chases of these magnificent machines. I
can even remember Rick Johnson being impressed with 1218 when it came into view for the first time around a curve a little west of
Montvale.
Of course, there were some interesting times on these trips over the years. There was a flat tire on my 1976 Chevrolet Laguna
on Rte. 622 at Haden on CSX. There was another flat tire from a windshield wiper blade picked up in a bank parking lot at Troutville.
An antenna was lost in a grouse that decided to fly over the car at the most inopportune time on our way up to Tuckahoe on CSX near
White Sulphur Springs. Yes, it was stuck through the grouse the last time we saw it as the bird flew away!
Another fateful trip occurred when the car decided to cut off at Opal. Va. While preparing to chase Savannah & Atlanta 750
over the “B” line from Manassas to Front Royal. We were able to push it into the Exxon station there, where the mechanic was able to
finally get it started. We had to tape over the ignition switch, so that I would not turn the car off. It ran that entire day until I got home,
and then remembered that the wires leading to the neutral safety switch on the column had come off, just as they had done a year
earlier. DOH!
Then, there was Old Blue! Now, that was a railfan vehicle! Lee’s old Chevy wagon took us on many adventures, either with our
kids in the back or a bunch of the guys. But, Old Blue had its share of misfortunes during these outings. Losing a tailpipe at OX Cabin
(with Lee thinking it was a snake when he saw it in the rear view mirror), having to take out a thermostat and getting water from a creek
near Hematite to refill the system, and having to get a new $ 73.00 battery in Kingsport after a day of not being able to turn the car off (I
see a pattern here), only to have it cut off because Lee decided to move it to the other side of the road at Watkins. We found out what
true hospitality was that day as we received a jump start in Pennington Gap at a Hardees, and later a man that lived at Watkins did
everything in the world to get us back on the road after the car had died, including removing and checking the starter from the car, and
later pulling the battery from his own car to get us back on the road.
Lee and I went to the first N&W Historical Society convention in Old Blue. It was held in Norfolk. On the way down, we decided
to check a signal somewhere on the 52 mile tangent. As we crossed the tracks, the signal changed. Well, we thought we had
something coming. But as we returned across the tracks, the signal changed again. Yep, it was Old Blue! The car was, in some way,
changing the signal. We did it several times and each time with the same result.
Well, I guess that is enough of the reminiscing for now. Garland has only so much room to work with. I will always cherish the
friendships made in the chapter, and will miss those of our group that left this world while still members. I still think of Henry Cake’s spill
when I visit my brother-in-law down at Abilene, and when I pass the Bedford Moose Lodge. Pothole, Andy Ponton, Macon Carwile, Dick
Myers, and others come to mind from time to time, especially ol’ Pothole. There will never be another like him.
I hope you have enjoyed my little trip down my memory lane. Due to my job situation, I had to drop out of the chapter, but I still
consider every member a friend and I know more memories will be made in the future that will include some of those friends. I think that
when it comes down to it, for me the trains were always secondary. The camaraderie was always primary, because we always had fun
whether we saw one train or ten!
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BRC recollections. - G. R. Harper
I have several fond memories of Chapter activities. I regret I have not been able to participate in as many events
as I would like due to my abnormal work schedule, i.e., nights and weekends. A few stand out, however.
I remember getting impaled in the ankle by a coat hanger while grilling hotdogs for Rail Day at the Greenstone
building on Enterprise Drive. I thought the bleeding would never stop! I remember working on a steam trip in cooperation
with the Roanoke Chapter, I believe, originating out of Lynchburg which went to Walton on the other side of Roanoke, and
the dozens and dozens of doughnuts that Rick Johnson had ordered for the trip. I remember fondly our two trips to
Richmond with escort Kurt Reisweber and the impromptu tour of the Maplewood landfill near Amelia, in particular.
However, the greatest recollection I have is being completely chagrined by the performance of the trains the day
we rode Amtrak to Washington and back in March, 2003. I had convinced the Chapter to take advantage of a great deal
Amtrak was offering on fares during the slow season that year. However, on the day of the trip, March 29, the northbound
Crescent was four hours late due to striking a car somewhere in North Carolina. The southbound Crescent had no diner,
it having been shopped in New York earlier. Oh well. I think we managed to have a good time, nevertheless.
I have enjoyed, and still do today, the visits to the station of my fellow Chapter members and others to watch
Amtrak #19 arrive. Usually we would be treated to the passage of other NS trains while we waited. I especially enjoyed
the company of those members who learned that it WAS NOT necessary to keep me company all night long!
I recall with a big mental smile how Marshall “Pothole” Griffin would come down nearly every Sunday night to
watch #19 and share a cup of coffee. He would often bring a snack to share. Visitors on Sundays numbered far fewer
than on Saturdays. Being retired “Pothole” had no schedule to keep on Mondays. In fact, it was on one of his Sunday-
night jaunts to the station that he acquired the nickname, “Pothole”, when he explained to the lady cop that pulled him
over for weaving in traffic, “Oh no, ma’am, I am not drunk. I’m trying to avoid the potholes in the street.”
Blue Ridge Chapter snapshot memories. - Skip “Groundhog” Hansberry
- 1978 Walking into the Bonanza Steakhouse for my first Blue Ridge Chapter meeting. A stranger offered his hand and
said "Hi. I'm Ed Fielding, we're glad to have you here."
- 1980? Helping people up into the Best Friend of Charleston as SR 219 raced past with brand new GP50's on the point.
- 1982 Trip to Monongahela with Ed, Ricky, Jim King.
- Chapter tour of the facilities at Clifton Forge.
- 1985 Freezing on the bank waiting on the R.F.&P. at Ruther Glen with Lee, Ricky, Jeff, and Roy.
- 1986 Pacing a S-S freight with GP40 6739 in the lead at 70+mph near Skippers, Virginia in Jeff Thaxton's blue Volvo.
- 1987 Spotting our first CSX unit (GE 5502) in the snow at Alleghany.
- 1987 Trip with Roy, Ricky, David Heider, David Leonard to Frisco, Speers Ferry when "Old Blue" broke down.
- Trip to Hudson River with David Leonard, Lee, Ricky, Roy.
- Chapter trip to N&W dispatching center at Crewe.
- Chapter trip to Roanoke dispatching center.
- Chapter trip to Union Station, Ivy City facilities.
- Meetings at Kemper Street when we'd run out to watch 203 roll by, then hang around for #19. (or vice versa)
“Railcow” - Norris Deyerle, Ray Beard & Ed Burnett
Ray Beard and Ed Burnett are two former Blue Ridge Chapter members that welcomed me into the BRC when I first
started going to the BRC meetings. I already knew Ed from another mutual friend, but Ed introduced me to Ray. We started
chasing trains together on a regular basis. They both showed me quite a few hot spots along the line. They also taught me
about the history of the local railroads. During the days of the Norfolk Southern Steam Excursions my interest peaked. I
contacted both of them this past week to ask them who “christened” me “Railcow”. Ray thought Ed did and Ed thought Ray did.
Ha! Anyway, one morning we started chasing the N&W A #1218 at High Bridge in Farmville, Va. Before the 1218 got there I had
to take a photo of Ed relieving himself in brush invested with mosquitoes! Ray and I laughed so hard that we almost fell down
when Ed came out scratching all over. As I recall, he had on shorts and a t-shirt. After photographing her coming across High
Bridge we continued to chase her towards Roanoke. I thought that we were waiting for the train at Phoebe when I got board and
starting “mooing” at a herd of cows nearby. As Ed puts it, “I remember when you went into the bushes to get a better look at
something {or maybe relieve yourself} and as you came back out to the tracks Ray and I cracked up because we could only see
the brush moving and not you, in fact it was a lot of brush, moving a whole lot! Probably because of the proximity of the herd of
bovine, I said it looked like a cow coming out of the bushes. And Ray said “more like a “Rail Cow” or something like that. And
just like that a legend was born!” I’m sure my large build and my mooing added fuel to their fire!
That was many years ago and the exact details are a little foggy. I had to laugh at their recollections. To sum up what I
think is correct, I’ll make the following observation.
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“We” were in Virginia near cows. I was bored because the excursion train was so late. When the cows would moo, I would moo
back. This went on for quite awhile! Eventually an old black N&W steam engine numbered 1218 that was built in the N&W
Roanoke Shops came by pulling a set of tuscan red passenger cars. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it till I remember it a
different way! Ha!
Do you know what the most important thing about this entire “railfanning” story is? It wasn’t the train or the place that I’m
100% sure of. What I am sure of is that I miss the times that I was with Ray and Ed. Now that my eyes are watering, I’ll end the
story of one of my favorite memories of being in the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS.
BRC Memories - Wayland Moore
Now that I have had a chance to think back to my association with the Blue Ridge Chapter, many memories return (yes,
that’s what happens in getting older!!). Several thoughts are right up there but one of the first is the state of the chapter when
arriving in July 1974. Attendance was poor and we were meeting monthly in several different places including the Fidelity
building and the Appalachian Power auditorium (that’s right, no meals with the meeting). So Charlie Long and I got together and
sent out reminder postcards before the meetings. And a number of us came together to sponsor Southern Railway’s “Best
Friend of Charleston” visits down at Kemper Street station. Additionally, due to the kindness of the Richmond chapter, we were
able to piggy back on their one-way ferry trips of Southern Steam Excursions from Lynchburg to Alexandria with bus return.
While it did not bring in thousands of dollars it did help the treasury for a few bucks. The tickets were not professional, just made
at home, but that saved a few more dollars for the chapter.
And then there was some railfanning and train chasing. One trip, due to the “leadership” of Ed Fielding to the
Warrenton Railroad, we were treated as visiting dignitaries. And train chasing became a new art. To try to stay out of the
pictures of some of the others, I ran behind the locomotive (no, I did not bark at the engine). And for a time we had the nice
opportunity to ride Amtrak from Lynchburg to Crewe and, after a short wait (tell me it was about an hour wait) we could return to
Lynchburg.
Many times I would go traveling with Dick Myers (he joined in about 1960 when he moved into town from NY with GE).
We made many trips to abandoned logging lines running out of Massies Mill, Woodson, and Cornwall, VA. Is the cab of the 42”
Climax still in Cornwall? We also chased the NF&D with its Alcos, including #1 and #2. And I got into trouble with his wife,
Susan, because we would come home too late. He was also involved in the trip to Abingdon in the early 60’s for the ride to
West Jefferson, NC, on the mixed train. One of his photos he liked the most was picking up the mail on the fly.
There was also Jean-Francois Gervais who did a significant amount of research on the origins of the L&D [it started in
bits and pieces and finally three lines were connected by Mr. Otey. Naruna and Gladys were named after his family members)
before the N&W took it over.
There have been a lot of good memories of the fun and association with the Blue Ridge Chapter members and I hope to
be able to continue an active association with you even though I am now living in the Palmyra (east southeast of Charlottesville).
2008 BRC, NRHS Calendar Of Events - “50th Anniversary Of The Blue Ridge Chapter”
by Norris Deyerle
SEPTEMBER
09-10-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Fred Mayer, slides?
09-13-14-08: Great Train Expo, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm each day, Admission: $7.00, kids under 12 free. Info: 630-279-4048 or at
www.greatttrainexpo.com., Expo Center, North Carolina 1State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC.
09-15-08: “Collier Yard: 25 Years Ago”, Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS, Video and slide presentation. Look forward to seeing N&W and
SCL action back in the days before ditch lights, FREDS and widecabs. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm at Broad Street Station AKA
The Science Museum Of Virginia, Richmond, Va. Info: www.odcnrhs.org
09-20-21-08: Tidewater Division Model Railroaders 2008 Model Train Show & Sale, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Virginia Beach Convention
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Center, 1000 19 St., Va. Beach, Va. Info: Call 757-426-2811 email: nawneycreek@msn.com
09-21-08: BRC Annual Summer Picnic, English Park, Former name was Staunton Riverfront Park, Altavista, Va., 12:00 noon to 4:00
pm.
09-24-08: BRC “Fun Meeting”, Steve Hutchison, Winston-Salem Chapter, NRHS President will present the slide show that he showed
the public at Lynchburg Rail Day 2008. Please come out and show Steve your support! He’s driving up from Winston-Salem, N.C. just
to give those of us that were working at the Lynchburg Rail Day 2008 train show an opportunity to view his show.
09-25-08: O. Winston Link Museum “Sustainability Lecture Series, Exploring Green Initiatives In Railroading”, Speaker: Tom Hoover,
General Electric, Info: www.blueridgenrhs.org and www.linkmuseum.org
OCTOBER
10-08-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Rick-2 Johnson, slides
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10-11, 18 & 25-08: “The Autumn Leaf Rambler”, Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS, Depart Buckingham Branch Railroad Station, Dillwyn,
Va., Excursion Ticket Sales: 800-451-6318. Info: www.odcnrhs.org
10-12-08: Marklin Enthusiasts Of America Fall Train Meet, Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel, Bethlehem, PA. Info: Steve Seyer, 610-
398-3021 or at scsbahn@msn.com.
10-11-12-08: The Great Scale Model Train Show, Timonium, Md., Info: www.gsmts.com
10-16-18-08: Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association {TCA} Fall Train Meet, York Fairgrounds, York, Pa.
10-30-08: O. Winston Link Museum “Sustainability Lecture Series, Exploring Green Initiatives In Railroading”, Speaker: Leslie Hyde,
Koppers, Inc., Info: www.blueridgenrhs.org and www.linkmuseum.org
NOVEMBER
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11-02-08: 31 Gaithersburg Railroadiana Show, Sunday, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, Md., Info: www.gserr.com
11-12-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Kurt Reisweber, slides
11-26-08: BRC “Fun Meeting”
11-30-08: The Southeastern Division Of The Train Collectors Association {TCA} Train Show, 10:00 am, Kerr Scott Building, North
Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC, Info: www.se-tca.org. Charles Alford, Secretary, 252-756-7842
DECEMBER
12-06-08: BRC Annual Christmas Banquet, 6:00 pm, former Southern Railway Depot, Altavista, Va. Buffet includes dessert and
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refreshments. Reservations and paid admission for this annual event are required to attend the banquet or the “50 Anniversary Of
The Blue Ridge Chapter” slide show”. Reservations are $18.00 per person for BRC members and their guests. Guests are always
welcome. I would like to have a slide show highlighting the 50 Years of the Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS. In recognition of Rick
Johnson’s many years of service to our chapter I asked Rick to present this special slide show. Rick agreed to present this special
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slide show with your help. After you let our Webmaster John Siegle copy your slides for the “50 Anniversary Of The Blue Ridge
Chapter” section on our BRC website, Rick would like to borrow them from you to insert into the slide show. Please include as much
information about the slide or slides as possible.
12-06 & 13-08: “The Santa Claus Train”, Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS, Depart Buckingham Branch Railroad Station, Dillwyn, Va.
Excursion Ticket Sales: 800-451-6318, Info: www.odcnrhs.org
12-10-08: BRC Regular Monthly Meeting, Rick Johnson, slides
12-20-08: BRC “Christmas Gathering”, 9:00 pm till Amtrak Train 19 arrival? Kemper Street Station, Lynchburg, Va. Please bring your
favorite holiday treat, snacks, sweets or non-alcoholic beverages to share with your friends as well as the Amtrak passengers.
N&WHS Calendar of Events: For N&W and Virginian Railway Related Events log onto
www.nwhs.org/events.html
ATTENTION N.R.H.S. EXCHANGE NEWSLETTER EDITORS AND TRAIN SHOW EVENT CONTACT
PERSONS:
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE INFORMATION FROM THIS CALENDAR OF EVENTS TO PROMOTE
UPCOMING EVENTS. PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS AT RAILCOW@MSN.COM SO I
CAN INCLUDE THEM IN FUTURE 2008 BRC, NRHS CALENDAR OF EVENTS LISTINGS.
VIEW THEM ANYTIME ONLINE AT WWW.BLUERIDGENRHS.ORG
SIGHTING
th
Sep. 2 - 175 anniversary B&O bay-window caboose 904000 seen passing through town on the rear of an empty CSX
rail train.
NS to purchase AC-tractioned locomotives – Ed Fielding reports that Norfolk Southern has placed an order for its first
AC (alternating current) locomotives. They’ll be getting 24 General Electric ES44AC’s, and will be numbered 8000-8023.
Delivery is expected by year’s end.
BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER, NRHS, OFFICERS 1958 - 2008
Compiled by Rick Johnson
YEAR PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER NAT'L DIRECTOR HISTORIAN
1958 EDWIN T. BOYD JR. SAMUEL R. GAY JR. W. MAITLAND IVEY W. MAITLAND IVEY SAMUEL R. GAY JR. MR. GLASS
1959 EDWIN T. BOYD JR. GENE CAMPBELL W. MAITLAND IVEY W. MAITLAND IVEY - -
1960 GENE CAMPBELL HERMIN GINTHER DICK MYERS DICK MYERS - -
1961 HERMIN GINTHER CARL STERN DICK MYERS DICK MYERS AUBREY WILEY -
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BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER, NRHS
1962 NORMAN VUTZ *1 WALTER HOLLAND *2 DICK MYERS DICK MYERS AUBREY WILEY -
1963 NORMAN VUTZ WALTER HOLLAND DICK MYERS DICK MYERS AUBREY WILEY -
1964 *3 *3 *3 *3 *3 -
1965 AUBREY WILEY - DICK MYERS - - -
1966 PETE ECHOLS LARRY POLISSE DICK MYERS DICK MYERS EDWIN T. BOYD JR. -
1967 PETE ECHOLS ED FIELDING WAYNE KENDRICK WAYNE KENDRICK DICK MYERS -
1968 DICK MYERS HERMIN GINTHER ED SCHAMPEL ED SCHAMPEL PETE ECHOLS AUBREY WILEY
1969 ED FIELDING DICK MYERS ED SCHAMPEL ED SCHAMPEL PETE ECHOLS AUBREY WILEY
1970 BILL PARIS DON TYLER ED FIELDING ED FIELDING PETE ECHOLS AUBREY WILEY
1971 BILL PARIS *4 DAVID CALLAHAN ED FIELDING PETE ECHOLS -
1972 GARY QUALE HOWARD GREGORY RUSS DREWRY RUSS DREWRY PETE ECHOLS AUBREY WILEY
1973 GARY QUALE CHARLIE LONG RUSS DREWRY RUSS DREWRY *4 -
1974 CHARLIE LONG BOB FREY RUSS DREWRY RUSS DREWRY *4 -
1975 CHARLIE LONG RUSS DREWRY BOB FREY RUSS DREWRY *4 -
1976 ED FIELDING MACON CARWILE BOB FREY MACON CARWILE DICK MYERS -
1977 JULIUS SIGLER MACON CARWILE BOB FREY MACON CARWILE DICK MYERS -
1978 DICK MYERS MACON CARWILE RICK JOHNSON MACON CARWILE PETE ECHOLS -
1979 BOB FREY SKIP HANSBERRY RICK JOHNSON SKIP HANSBERRY PETE ECHOLS -
1980 BOB FREY SKIP HANSBERRY DICK MYERS SKIP HANSBERRY PETE ECHOLS -
1981 JULIUS SIGLER RICK JOHNSON DICK MYERS RICK JOHNSON PETE ECHOLS -
1982 DON STOKES RICK JOHNSON DICK MYERS RICK JOHNSON PETE ECHOLS -
1983 DON STOKES RICK JOHNSON DICK MYERS RICK JOHNSON PETE ECHOLS -
1984 DON STOKES *5 RICK JOHNSON DAVID GUTHRIE *6 RICK JOHNSON PETE ECHOLS -
1985 RICK JOHNSON ROY EVANS JIM KING ROY EVANS DICK MYERS -
1986 RICK JOHNSON ROY EVANS SKIP HANSBERRY ROY EVANS DICK MYERS -
1987 RICK JOHNSON ROY EVANS SKIP HANSBERRY DAVID LEONARD DICK MYERS -
1988 RICK JOHNSON ROY EVANS SKIP HANSBERRY DAVID LEONARD DICK MYERS -
1989 RICK JOHNSON ROY EVANS SKIP HANSBERRY DAVID LEONARD DICK MYERS -
1990 RICK JOHNSON ED FIELDING SKIP HANSBERRY DAVID LEONARD PETE ECHOLS -
1991 RICK JOHNSON JEFF THAXTON ANDY WRIGHT DAVID LEONARD PETE ECHOLS -
1992 RICK JOHNSON ROY EVANS CHARLES TINSLY LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1993 RICK JOHNSON GARLAND HARPER DAVID HEIDER LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1994 RICK JOHNSON GARLAND HARPER BILL COX LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1995 RICK JOHNSON GARLAND HARPER BILL COX LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1996 RICK JOHNSON CHARLIE LONG RALPH YODER LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1997 NORRIS DEYERLE CHARLIE LONG ANDY WRIGHT LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1998 NORRIS DEYERLE CHARLIE LONG LLOYD LIPSCOMB LEE HAWKINS PETE ECHOLS -
1999 NORRIS DEYERLE CHARLIE LONG LLOYD LIPSCOMB JOHN TANNER PETE ECHOLS RICK JOHNSON
2000 NORRIS DEYERLE CHARLIE LONG LLOYD LIPSCOMB JOHN TANNER PETE ECHOLS RICK JOHNSON
2001 NORRIS DEYERLE CHARLIE LONG BARBARA WRIGHT JOHN TANNER PETE ECHOLS RICK JOHNSON
2002 NORRIS DEYERLE CHARLIE LONG ANDY WRIGHT JOHN TANNER PETE ECHOLS RICK JOHNSON
2003 NORRIS DEYERLE RICK JOHNSON ANDY WRIGHT JOHN TANNER PETE ECHOLS RICK JOHNSON
2004 ANDY WRIGHT *7 RICK JOHNSON *7 TOM LEDFORD JOHN TANNER NORRIS DEYERLE RICK JOHNSON
2005 RICK JOHNSON CHARLIE LONG TOM LEDFORD JOHN TANNER NORRIS DEYERLE RICK JOHNSON
2006 RICK JOHNSON CHARLIE LONG TOM LEDFORD JOHN TANNER NORRIS DEYERLE RICK JOHNSON
2007 RICK JOHNSON CHARLIE LONG TOM LEDFORD JOHN TANNER NORRIS DEYERLE RICK JOHNSON
2008 RICK JOHNSON CHARLIE LONG TOM LEDFORD JOHN TANNER NORRIS DEYERLE RICK JOHNSON
1. CARL STERN RESIGNED POSITION SHORTLY AFTER BEING ELECTED. NORMAN VUTZ WAS THEN ELECTED.
2. MAITLAND IVEY RESIGNED POSITION SHORTLY AFTER BEING ELECTED. WALTER HOLLAND WAS THEN ELECTED.
3. CHAPTER WAS INACTIVE.
4. INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE.
5. DON STOKES RESIGNS IN AUGUST. VP RICK JOHNSON FILLS POSITION.
6. DAVID GUTHRIE RESIGNS IN AUGUST. DICK MYERS FILLS POSITION.
7. ANDY WRIGHT RESIGNS IN MAY. VP RICK JOHNSON FILLS POSITION. CHARLIE LONG FILLS VP POSITION.
CHAPTER OFFICERS AND STAFF
President Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-239-6159 rick@ccappc.com
Vice President Charlie Long, 106 Pacos St., Lynchburg, VA 24502
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434-239-3521 cwlongjr@mindspring.com
Secretary Tom Ledford, 18 W. Princeton Cir. #18, Lynchburg, VA 24503
434-847-4025 tmus@verizon.net
Treasurer John Tanner, 209 Pocahontas Dr., Forest, VA 24551-1235
434-525-1318
National Director E. Norris Deyerle, Jr. 744 Chinook Pl., Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-237-4912 railcow@verizon.net
Editor Garland R. Harper, 3920 Harbor St. Lynchburg, VA 24503
434-384-7210 GRHarper@aol.com
Historian Rick Johnson, 104 Mowry Ln. Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-239-6159 rick@ccappc.com
Webmaster John Siegle 1225 Krise Cir. Lynchburg, VA 24503
434-384-6951 jas65@comcast.net
The BLUE RIDGE DISPATCHER is published by the Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical
Society. Opinions expressed are those of the editor and contributors and do not necessarily reflect
the views of the Blue Ridge Chapter or the National Railway Historical Society unless otherwise stated.
Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS
P. O. Box 11731
Lynchburg, VA 24506-1731
www.blueridgenrhs.org
blueridgenrhs@yahoo.com
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