Synopses & Reviews
Jerry Taylor and Ray Poteat take readers on a mile-by-mile trip through the tunnels and over the bridges of the historic CSX Clinchfield. Completed in 1915, the Clinchfield Railroad follows a scenic route through rugged mountain country in the eastern United States. Facing the challenge of this difficult terrain, engineers and more than 3,000 laborers built the railroad using construction standards unheard of at the time. The results were so durable and forward looking that for nearly a century there has been no need to enlarge its tunnels or strengthen its bridges. Though the Clinchfield is not well known outside its territory, its history and challenging construction have been continuing sources of fascination for rail fans.
Review
"The Clinchfield is a unique segment of CSX for all the reasons cited in this book. It has a wide following, even today, among the railfan community, almost 25 years after its demise." --C. K. Marsh, Jr., author of Clinchfield in Color
Review
"Packed with a wealth of history and lovely color photos, including many from southwest Virginia, this is a coffee table book that will spend far more time between rail fan's hands than lying on the table." --Jay Strafford, Richmond Times-Dispatch Indiana University Press Indiana University Press Indiana University Press
Review
"The text is well-written, easy to read, and thoroughly researched, and is accompanied by several detailed maps and a good variety of b&w photography." --Railfan and Railroad
Review
"The two authors bring great credibility to this book." --Ron Flanary, Trains
About the Author
Jerry Taylor, author of Conrail Commodities and A Sampling of Penn Central: Southern Region on Display (IUP, 2000), is a former operating official of several railroads. He lives in Brookville, Indiana.
Ray Poteat is a retired railroader. During his career, which spanned 43 years, he worked in every station and depot on the Clinchfield Railroad. He lives in Forest City, North Carolina.
Table of Contents
Contents
Foreword by C. K. Marsh Jr.
In Appreciation
1. Then and Now
2. Elkhorn City to Dante
3. Dante to Erwin (Rock Creek)
4. Erwin (Rock Creek) to Marion
5. Marion to Spartanburg
Epilogue
Appendixes
A. Primary Coal Train Power
B. Coal Car Configurations
C. Real Estate Divestures
D. Potpourri
Bibliography
Index