N & WHS 2008 convention

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Child Hood Memories of Norfolk and Western Railway Company’s Class E-2, NO. 578


In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s a Sunday afternoon’s recreation for 
Robert Miley and his father, Walter was to spend the afternoon watching the 
trains come and go in Marion Ohio. In those days they could watch them all 
from the platform of the Union Depot. The Chesapeake & Ohio, Baltimore & 
Ohio, New York Central, Pennsylvania, Erie, Norfolk & Western all passed 
through to the delight of rail fans young and old.



As an adult, Robert mourned the passing of those beloved days with his 
father and created the model shown above in memory of happy times spent 
with his father. The model is on display at the Marion County Historical 
Society Museum, Heritage Hall and is 97 inches long and 18 inches tall. 
Robert constructed this Norfolk & Western class E-2 entirely by hand in 1”= 
1’ scale.



The original Norfolk and Western Railway Company’s Class E-2, NO. 578 was 
built in the Roanoke, Virginia shop of the American Locomotive Works. The 
engine was “shopped” many times during it’s service life and modernizing 
improvements were made. This model represents the original configuration 
plus subsequent changes. Number 578 remained in active service until the 
demise of the steam locomotive, circa the late 1940’s.

I would like to extend an invitation to all  your members, convention 
attendees and interested parties to visit the Listen to the Rails: Marion, 
Crossroads of History exhibit at the Marion County Historical Society 
Museum, Heritage Hall  between June 5 and October 26 2008.

I was delighted to learn that your convention will be held here in Marion 
from June 11 to 15 2008 and it seems that this exhibit is very timely. We 
will have many displays pertaining to the Marion rail systems and their 
importance to the growth of Marion, Ohio and the USA. While you are here 
enjoying the restored depot and interlocking tower, be sure to check out 
all of the great old and new photos of trains on exhibit and our exhibits 
containing interesting antiques and artifacts pertaining to the many rail 
systems which once ran (and still do) through Marion and Marion County.

The Marion County Historical Society takes great pleasure in extending an 
invitation to your organization to visit us, enjoy the exhibit and the gift 
shop with many Marion and train related items available for purchase.

Gale E. Martin, Director
Marion County Historical Society
169 E. Church St.
Marion, OH 43302
740-387-4255
mchist2 at verizon.net