I have been searching the internet for a while for some pictures of the shops in Roanoke that built the famous "J"steam engine. But have been unable to locate any information , pictures , track plans etc… I have Googled , reviewed the N&W historical web site etc… Came up empty handed. Does any one know where I can find this ? Thanks in advance.
Try entering Shaffers Crossing into your search box. I just did, and found several photos including the turntable at Roanoke. If you dig deeper into the photo links than I did you might strike paydirt.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Recognize that Shaffers Crossing is the locomotive servicing facility at 24th Street NW in Roanoke. The shops where locomotive construction occurred are in NE Roanoke, just east of Williamson Road. Some of the map programs should allow you to get maps or arial photos of the location - look east of Williamson & Wells intersection.
Richard E Prince’s Norfolk & Western Railway has a full page drawing of the shops & general offices on page 86, and several photos of the shops as well (photos are somewhat dark). I will attempt to scan that page and insert it in another post here shortly. Scan, enter into Photobucket, etc…
Most all of the major shop buildings are still standing in Roanoke today.
Bill
Sorry for the overnight delay, but here is the Roanoke Shop layout. These are sometimes called the “East End Shops” there in Roanoke.
Bill