Norfolk & Western SD40 1580 To Roanoke Chapter NRHS

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:19 am

OVER NINE YEARS since its intended preservation was first hinted at by knowledgeable Norfolk Southern insiders:

https://www.facebook.com/norfolksouther ... 91iEx6FYMl

Quote:

BEFORE RESTORATION: NS has donated NS 1580, the first N&W SD40, to the Roanoke Chapter NRHS, National Railway Historical Society.
Before reaching its final destination, the staff at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will restore this iconic locomotive to its original paint scheme. Once it returns to Roanoke, Roanoke Chapter NRHS volunteers will apply the finished letter and number boards.
A Glimpse into NS 1580's Legacy:
In 1966, SD40 NS1580, a GM-made 6-axle diesel-electric locomotive, was received by our predecessor, Norfolk and Western Railway. Built by EMD in LaGrange, Illinois, the engine was assigned to Roanoke as its base, traveling largely between Roanoke and Bluefield, West Virginia, in NW’s Radford Division.
At the time it was put into service, the 1580 represented cutting edge rail technology. When it was rendered obsolete by electronically superior models, the engine was assigned to hump yard service, serving first in Roanoke and, later, in Bellevue, Ohio.
In 2010, NS 1580 was officially retired and relocated to Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania. There, it has been stored, patiently awaiting its next chapter for over a decade.
Stay tuned for more updates on the restoration journey and to see NS 1580 shine in its renewed glory!

Photo credit: NS Conductor Alexander Ricketts

Response to the post from the Roanoke Chapter NRHS:

Quote:

The Roanoke Chapter NRHS is delighted to receive this significant piece of railroading history. Norfolk Southern's generous donation underscores their commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of America's railways. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Norfolk Southern, and all those involved in facilitating this donation. Their efforts ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the significance of this locomotive.

Mark Hedges · **Posted:** Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:52 am

Is there a Roanoke Transportation museum separate from VMT?

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:20 am

Mark Hedges wrote:

Is there a Roanoke Transportation museum separate from VMT?

No. VMT is what the old RTM morphed into years ago.

The Roanoke NRHS maintains a separate museum/preservation effort at the former Virginian passenger depot, and also maintains a yard of equipment and rolling stock perhaps awkwardly close to VMT where they work on rolling stock such as their passenger fleet, formerly used by NS steam excursions, etc.

There are already "armchair" preservationists and "keyboard warriors" making hay of the fact that the Roanoke NRHS got this and not VMT. I'm staying out of the judgement fray for now.......

Overmod · **Joined:** Thu May 24, 2012 1:37 pm **Posts:** 2239

Sheesh, I'm sure that the locomotive will be 'stored' in Roanoke at the VMT facility, and probably arranged for "indefinite display" as restored.

Does it matter who safely owns the locomotive if it's preserved and safe?

BWills · **Joined:** Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:55 pm **Posts:** 39

Nice to see it saved. Maybe it will get to run on the BB with 611 at some point. Is much/any of the chapter passenger equipment being used currently?

That back part of VMT is starting to look like where they pulled those "lost" 4-8-0s out of...

klmiller611 · **Joined:** Fri Mar 22, 2019 11:07 am **Posts:** 50

BWills wrote:

Nice to see it saved. Maybe it will get to run on the BB with 611 at some point. Is much/any of the chapter passenger equipment being used currently?

That back part of VMT is starting to look like where they pulled those "lost" 4-8-0s out of...

Roanoke Chapter Coach No. 537 was used in the train last fall, Coach 512 is undergoing a major overhaul, down to and including side sill replacement.

In the midst of all this, the Chapter is being thrown out of the space we rented for 44 years, so pretty much most work is now going into getting material packed and finding a new space.

Ken Miller

Norfolk & Western SD40 1580 To Roanoke Chapter NRHS

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