Norfolk and Western 433

Steven Ashley · **Posted:** Tue May 31, 2011 12:29 am

It is truly a shame about the destruction of that trestle much like the tornado that destroyed the much larger bridge on the Knox, Kane and Kinzua several years ago. From the article posted it seems like there are plans to rebuild, but it is doubtful the replacement will resemble the original structure. With that said, I am glad the 433 still remains in Abington as a reminder of when M's frequented the Norfolk and Western's Abington branch.

Kevin Gilliam · **Joined:** Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:28 pm **Posts:** 292

Steven Ashley wrote:

It is truly a shame about the destruction of that trestle much like the tornado that destroyed the much larger bridge on the Knox, Kane and Kinzua several years ago. From the article posted it seems like there are plans to rebuild, but it is doubtful the replacement will resemble the original structure.

They don't have much choice in rebuilding up there. It's a very, VERY popular trail. It's not the first time they have rebuilt a bridge up there either, so it's possible it may end up looking like it did. Not sure which ones, but they had one or two burn about the time the trail originally opened.

Speaking of Kinzua, having seen and ridden across it when the K&K was still running, it's apples and oranges trying to compare the two. That thing was a whale of a bridge.

Steven Ashley wrote:

With that said, I am glad the 433 still remains in Abington as a reminder of when M's frequented the Norfolk and Western's Abington branch.

...and fortunately for us, Abingdon is very proud of that engine, and keeps it in very good condition. It's probably one of the best locally-preserved engines in the country.
Kevin

Martin Moorefield · **Joined:** Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:38 pm **Posts:** 115

It was sad to see the bridge completely destroyed while riding on the trail last Saturday. But the town of Damascus (I don't think I spelled it right) got hit hard as well. :/ My heart goes out to them.

I too am glad that 433 is nicely preserved. I've thought for awhile about what if the Virginia Creeper had become a tourist line instead of a hiking/biking trail.

Hope the popcorn was good Alex...;)

Erik Ledbetter · **Posted:** Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:28 am

Kelly Anderson wrote:

Benjamin J True wrote:

While not generic, does the 475 make a good enough showing it would be worth reproducing?

Also no. For that kind on investment, there would be many better candidates for multiple reproductions suitable for multiple operations in today's world.

Good lord no, not a deckless locomotive w/o a trailing truck!

Linn once told me his perfect tourist engine would be a CPR G5: a light, very modern 4-6-2 with some nifty features like the "truckless" trailing axle. Something like a Chinese SY 2-8-2 light Mike is also a nearly perfect size. If starting with a clean sheet of paper, one ought to be able to design a common boiler that would go over either 4-6-2 or 2-8-2 running gear a la PRR Ks and Ls, or GWR's standard boilers in the UK.

For lighter duty, and sharp grades and curves, a generic tank or tender Prairie--something like the ALCO 2-6-2T catalog engines PLA runs at Niles, or OERM's Baldwin 2-6-2 Ventura County No. 2--would be just the ticket.

Leastaways, that's what I'd order up were I a CMO with bottomless pockets.