Photography by Bob Lawrence

Bluefield Rail Yard

Bob Lawrence1 Comment
Nestled in the southwest corner of West Virginia is Bluefield, gateway to the Pocahontas coalfield. This yard was a huge part of Norfolk & Western’s activities in this area. It was, as of 2010, when this was taken, one of the busiest yards in the system. Coordinates are 37.2723, -81.2163. Bluefield’s commercial area is located just a step or two from this yard.

Yuma Yard – Smith

Bob Lawrence2 Comments

This is Norfolk Southern’s Yuma yard looking east (top photo) with the Smith signal unit to the left. Bottom photo is looking west. This yard, 3 miles west of Frisco yard, is mostly used for storage now. It is .86 mile long with seven tracks. Thanks to the CSX Transportation Historical Society website for information on this yard.

Kingsport Yard 2011

Bob Lawrence2 Comments
Kingsport TN train yard 2011
This was taken in June, 2011, showing the freight building and loading dock still fairly intact (for modern times). I believe the Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau were in the freight building at the time. To the left, ‘way down the tracks, are the silos that once held ingredients for Penn-Dixie’s cement.
The picture was taken looking west from Cherokee Street.

Up in West Virginia

Bob Lawrence1 Comment
Railroad trestle, double track, in West Virginia

This gives an idea of how massively these railroad companies built when they needed to. I took this under a double track trestle over the Bluestone River- and an out-of-service single rail line- in West Virginia at 37.32335N,81.32700W. Just behind me is Pocahontas Avenue north of Pocahontas VA. The trestle above is about 665’ in length.

Twixt Appalachia and Big Stone

Bob Lawrence4 Comments

I’ve posted this before. It’s an out-of-service trestle between Appalachia VA and Big Stone Gap and is part of a pleasant walking trail. You can access the trail in Appalachia, just off the highway and walk along the old L&N tracks past Bee Rock Tunnel and on along the trail. Bee Rock Tunnel is the third shortest tunnel in the United States. Second is the tunnel I mentioned in Gallatin TN. Shortest is Backbone Ridge at 20′, plus or minus, in Shady Valley TN. After Bee Rock Tunnel is Callahan’s Nose Tunnel, then this trestle and on to Big Stone Gap. This should be a fine walk in fall.