http://tvrail.com/pages/explore/owlink.php

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will present an historic photo exhibit Aug. 22 through Nov. 1. The collection of historic photographs by noted commercial and industrial photographer O. Winston Link will be shown in a newly-created display gallery at the TVRM's Grand Junction Station.

The exhibit Steam, Fading into the Night includes a selection of fine-art photographs documenting the last great steam locomotives used by the Norfolk & Western Railway in Virginia during the 1950’s. Link captured the sights and sounds of the powerful locomotives and the communities along the line. The majority of Link's photographs were recorded in the dark of night using a complex system with dozens of flashbulbs triggered by a custom-built electric unit connected with hundreds of feet of wire. By including people in his images, he was able to create strong human elements which in turn hypnotically capture the feel of a bygone era. In many of the photos, the steam locomotives move by in the background seemingly as an afterthought by Link which illustrates his extraordinary and unusual style of photography.

The images are vignettes into history and sociology, and they are an art form to share a forgotten time with every person. The work of O. Winston Link has been published in two dedicated books, was featured in a BBC documentary, and is highlighted at the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, Virginia. Exhibitions of his exceptional photography have been seen throughout the United States, Great Britain, Europe, and Japan.

The exhibit at TVRM will be open to the public during regular operating hours at the Grand Junction Station located at 4119 Cromwell Road; Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost for entry will be $5 per person which will be credited toward the purchase of Missionary Ridge Local train tickets on the same day.

TVRM is soliciting sponsors to make this fine exhibit possible. Several sponsorship levels are available offering benefits including representation in advertising and on exhibit signage. Those individuals or companies interested in sponsoring this exciting historical exhibit are encouraged to contact the TVRM office at 423-894-8028 using extension 11 or 13, or by emailing OWLink@tvrail.com.

Officials said, "This exhibit will increase visitation to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and other local attractions while generating funds for the many restoration projects at TVRM. Your participation is encouraged in this outstanding exhibition in Chattanooga."

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TVRM would like to thank our initial sponsors Norfolk Southern Corporation, First Tennessee Bank, Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Unitrac, and welcome Railfan & Railroad Magazine aboard as a media sponsor. We'd like to add your name to this list. Give us a call! Sponsors will be invited to enjoy an exclusive dinner train experience and/or a pre-opening reception.

In an interesting side note, TVRM has a connection with Mr. Link as he participated in the filming of October Sky (the movie's working title was Rocketboys) in 1998. The director used Link's books as reference materials when planning scenes for the movie. TVRM's Southern Railway #4501 was temporarily relettered as a Norfolk & Western locomotive and Link appeared in one scene playing the part of its engineer.

http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib014/N_W4501A.JPG

UPDATE: http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_157354.asp