West Virginia Railroads: Volume 4: Virginian Railway

This fourth volume in the West Virginia Railroads series tells the story of the Virginian Railway within the state. Built late in the railway era, it was intended for the almost exclusive haulage of coal from West Virginia mines to Norfolk, Virginia. The Virginian operated a 136 mile electrified mainline, much of it through its West Virginia territory, which improved operations over steam power. Because of its lack of passenger and general freight, and concentration on coal, it had a reputation as an unmatched money-maker. Organized in 1907, it was absorbed by Norfolk & Western in 1959.

The book has over 175 photos, maps, track plans and tables that illustrate operations as well as full sections on electric operations, steam motive power, passenger service (of which VGN had little), and data on each of its various branches in the coal fields. Many have not been published before.

Hardbound and printed on heavy 100-pound glossy paper, this is a handsome addition to any library and will complement the collection of this series.