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Greetings!
We're excited to bring you updated news about the status of the "Lost Engines of Roanoke"--our news keeps getting better and better!
We're also gearing up for a busy fall here at the Museum with a great schedule of special events. There is sure to be something YOU will enjoy! Come see us!
Sincerely,  Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr.
Executive Director |
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 Honk, Rumble, Screech: Storytime at the Virginia Museum of Transportation
Saturdays Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Nov 7, 2009 at 11am
Trains, cars, busses, and planes: there are a lot of ways to get to new places! Come enjoy a story about transportation. Planned for children ages 4-7 and the adults they bring with them. The joy is in the journey! Dress appropriately for outdoor temperatures. Event cost is included in admission.
Saturday, October 3, come hear "The Little Engine That Could" presented by Christal Pearson, Hollins University.
Terror at the Station
October 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31; 7:30-11pm
Terror at the Station is a project of the Roanoke Jaycees to benefit the Roanoke Jaycees and the Virginia Museum of Transportation. For ages 14 and up; 12- and 13-year-olds with parental discretion. Admission is $10 per person, or $9 with a canned food donation. Food donations will be given to the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank. |
 The News Keeps Getting Better for the "Lost Engines of Roanoke"
In July, the Virginia Museum of Transportation announced a partnership which it had formed to save the "Lost Engines of Roanoke." Utilizing the resources of all of the partners, the group announced plans to save the three 1910/11 steam locomotives, one of two first generation diesel locomotives, several tenders and a flat car. For nearly sixty years, these one-of-a-kind examples of cherished American rail history had languished in a Roanoke scrap yard. News of the announcement was picked up by local, state, and national media, but the challenges of moving these multi-ton giants lay ahead, as well as the fate of Baldwin diesel locomotive #663. Through the expertise of the North Fork Corporation, all of the equipment was successfully moved out of the scrap yard to intermediate or final destinations ahead of the September 30 deadline. Photo of #1151 in transit through downtown Roanoke courtesy of Dec Hobbie.
 The Last Diesel is Saved
The last Baldwin diesel has found not only a home, thanks to the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, but also the promise of restoration. The Museum has donated #663--which was first donated to the Museum by Virginia Scrap Iron & Metal Co.--to the Roanoke Chapter. In exchange, the Chapter has committed to performing a cosmetic restoration of the Museum's #662 to be returned as a new Museum exhibit within two years. Both locomotives will be restored to their striking blue and gold Chesapeake Western paint scheme. The Chesapeake Western operated in west-central Virginia and was purchased by the Norfolk & Western in 1954. Pictured In front of the 662 are two of the officers of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society: Jeff Sanders, NRHS Roanoke Chapter President (on the left), and Ken Miller, NRHS Roanoke Chapter Webmaster. Photo courtesy of PF McFarland.
"It's a miracle," said Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr., the Museum's Executive Director. "When people work together, miracles can happen. Everybody assumed that someday these locomotives would be scrapped, and together we have saved them all. Many thanks, especially, are due to Mary Ann Ward, president of the Virginia Scrap Iron & Metal Co. for donating all of these to the Virginia Museum of Transportation. It's been an honor to work with them and all of our partners on this project."
Where are they now?
- N&W Class M2c steam locomotive # 1151 and a tender have been moved to the Virginia Museum of Transportation but are not currently on display.
- N&W Class M2 steam locomotive #1134 and a tender have been moved to Goshen, VA for restoration by North Fork Corporation. Once restored, they will be moved to the Railroad Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth, VA.
- N&W Class M2 steam locomotive # 1118 has been moved to the facilities of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. The Chapter traded its Baldwin steam locomotive #34 built in 1923 to North Fork Corporation in exchange for the #1118.
- Chesapeake Western Baldwin diesels #662 and #663 have been moved to the facilities of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for cosmetic restoration.
- N&W Maintenance of Way Flat Car has been moved to Goshen for restoration by North Fork Corporation.
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| Save 20% in Destinations! |
Save 20% on any purchase of $50 or more in Destinations, the Museum Store. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts, one coupon per customer, please. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. |
| Offer Expires: October 31, 2009 |
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