After a spirited cab ride up Christianburg Grade, Ross Rowland converses with famed N&W author Lewis Ingles “Bud” Jeffries. Rowland is the famed part-owner of C&O 4-8-4 #614, and industry-renowned catalyst of the High Iron Company excursions, the American Freedom Train and numerous other steam-related ventures from the mid-1960's until today. Jefferies is the author of the definitive book on N&W steam power, "N&W Giants of Steam", and was named the official historian of N&W 611 in 2015. After riding on the head end, Rowland retreated from the cab to the crew car, where he boisterously poised the question to all within earshot: "Which engine would fair better on Horseshoe Curve? 611 or 614?." He, Jefferies and anyone who risked getting in between the two steam legends joined in a lively conversation as the train retreated back down the hill towards Roanoke. 5/29/17.
Photo albums dedicated to the Men, and Women that keep the Railroad running around the clock 365 days a year. From Dispatcher to Track Gangs, these are the people that make the railroad moves!
