Two Weirton Steel S2’s pull several cars of ingot molds out of one of the mill buildings in Weirton, West Virginia. For those who think that today’s post-9/11 security measures are new, the steel industry carried a WWII anti-espionage policy that gave them a reputation that steered railfans from setting foot on the company’s property. The circumstances around this photo are a prime example. After shooting this scene from a state highway bridge, we turned around to see a Weirton Steel security officer parked next to us. Despite our being on a public sidewalk, he insisted that we leave without further photography, or he would take us in. Although he had no legal ground, we chose not to risk half our day dealing with a small-time cop and move on.
