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<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=Georgia size=2>I just couldn't let the day end without
remembering the fateful anniversary of Virginian AE #800. Sixty-eight years ago
today the mighty 2-10-10-2 lumbered out of Roanoke in the wee hours of
morning, with another train-load of black diamonds. About an hour, or so, later
she leaned into a left-hand curve nearing Goodview, VA. Apparently restricted
water flow from the tender caused a low water situation in the boiler. Even
though still on a slight upgrade, the crown sheet became exposed and the 800
blew-up. All three crewmen on the head-end lost their lives that
morning.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=Georgia size=2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=Georgia size=2>I wish I could say "April Fool" at this
point of the story. Unfortunately, fate raised it's ugly head that day, cutting
short the lives of three railroaders. As we know now, the 800 was rebuilt to run
again, but the lives lost that day still affect families and those of us who
remember and appreciate the men who made the railroads.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=Georgia size=2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=Georgia size=2>Jeff
sanders</FONT></STRONG></DIV></BODY></HTML>