I’m curious as to how the area in Richmond, VA was operated by the prototype, particularly the station operations at Main Street (how trains entered and left the station, terminal switching, where head end cars were taken, etc) As well as interchange traffic, primarily between the C&O and SAL. I’m aware both lines along with the ACL connected to the RF&P in Richmond, and I’m just wondering how this was done (was it all in one yard or were there many) any help would be appreciated
Gee…we have a whole “special” issue dedicated to Richmond. Back issues are available
ACL & SAL Historical Society
Richmond had a lot of roads doing a lot of things. Sharing facilities, trackage, etc. We had Southern, C&O, RF&P, SAL, and ACL.
Southern had their own small passenger/ freight station and yard at the bottom of Hull Street. I used to go there and watch the last of the southern steam as a kid on my bike. RS-2s pulled most of the Southern passenger trains in the very early 50’s.
The ACL had a small yard and turtable underneath the entrance overpass to the Lee bridge at Cowardin Avenue.
The C&O had the large Main Street station and some yard facilities located there, but their big yard was out at the Fulton area just east of town. The C&O also maintained a freight loading and unloading yard just a block from downtown business district. My mother worked in the frieght billing office there.
The RF&P had the largest yard just off Hermitage Road. Their yards connected to the epic and giant Broad street station which was used by all except the Southern…
All roads, at one time or another, had access to each other’s trackage by at least one route even if through another interim road’s trackage.
I am sure it varied over time as to who used what road’s facilities and trackage if they had no dedicated facilities in Richmond. It could get complicated, I am sure.
Richard