NW-Mailing-List Digest, Vol 43, Issue 17 - N&W in 1909 - Improvements

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From: NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
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Sent: Mon, 11 May 2009 12:51 pm
Subject: Re: NW-Mailing-List Digest, Vol 43, Issue 17 - N&W in 1909 - Improvements


It's ironic that according to my records, exactly 50 years ago today, May 11, 1959, the eastward main track between MP N-642 and Lunbeck was taken out of service, thus severing a 10-mile section of double track on the Columbus District. On the next day, the 12th, a new switch was placed in service at the end of double track at MP N-642, and the westbound local was the first train over it. The old westward main then became the remaining single track between there and Lunbeck, with train movements controlled by CTC. Needless to say, the Columbus District was never the same afterward, with a 10-mile bottlneck in the middle of an otherwise high-capacity double-track district.?
?
Louis Newton

With the main line through Farmville abandoned, westbounds now operate via the Farmville Belt Line.? It's
about 16 miles between the passing siding at Abilene and the siding at Pamplin.? There was a passing
siding between these two points - Maloney.? It?was about 9300 ft. in length, but was removed in
the 60's after the VGN merger.? It would seem that?placing Maloney back in service would avoid stand-offs
at Abilene or Pamplin, but the powers that be figured that there'd be no benefit because the time
lost entering the?restored siding would put the train?at? either end of the 16-mile single track segment.

NS has also made a revision at MP 239 - Blue Ridge District.? This is at the east end of double track
at Montvale.??There? HAD been an equilateral turnout good for 70 MPH where the two main tracks
become one.? The speed through the turnout was later lowered to 50 MPH.???The equilateral turnout
has been replaced by what looks?to be?a #20.? From Roanoke to MP 239 (shown as Montvale in the
timetable) both tracks are signaled for movement in either direction,? but westbounds going to #2
track (the northern-most track) must take?the ?diverging route.??Is this a new engineering practice ?
Come in Gary Price, where ever you are.
???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Harry Bundy
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