FW: Concord-Forest

[NW Mailing List]

Hi N&WHS,
      I just got this nice email from one of the founding officers of the 
Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS, Mr. Gene Campbell. Gene is also a very well 
respected photographer here in the Lynchburg area. Gene's retired now but 
still attends our BRC, NRHS meetings regularly. I want to thank the man who 
asked the original "Concord-Lynchburg" question! He sure woke up the 
hibernating railfans here in Lynchburg! Ha! I've enjoyed reading the 
comments. That's why they call our groups railroad historical societies 
isn't it?
Take care,
Norris Deyerle
National Director
Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS

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Subject: Re: Concord-Forest

Norris,  What I am going to say comes from a brain that aches most of the 
time and is QUITE old. In the 40's I worked at Phoebe and Forest.  Phoebe 
was an arm strong plant.West bd left Phoebe and came by Concord and on in 
to Island and the Forest A Mr. Cross was the agent at Concord. Every day 
there was East a "turn around train" which came by Forest and at Phoebe 
would drop off cars for the East and turn around and come west and pick up 
Island and then head to Roke. I think I have this correctThere are tracks 
on old line from west of Langhorne Rd overpass on west to Forest. A local 
services the two cement plants and Frito Lay. Maybe others. Clay and Ito 
Siding I believe were flag stops. East bd app Forest heading downtown were 
routed on to middle track and then about the station were rted on down the 
old line.Forest was an interesting place( and I didn't own a camera) Powder 
trains and troop trains coming east and troop and freight going west. I 
remember one day going to work at Forest and there were 8 trains on the 
board. And  you better not slow one down or you were in trouble.I'm pretty 
sure all of this is true. All aboard! Wish I hadn't gotten sick and had a 
camera, What a show I could put on.

GENE