Wye Near Lofton and Roanoke District Double track

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Nathan:
The Shenandoah Div. timetables I have show that the wye was there in  1923
and as late as 1955. Don't have any Shenandoah Div. timetables before '23  or
after '55.
 
When N&W reduced the double track portion over Lofton, there  certainly
wasn't much thought put into the project.  The double track was  reduced by
about 5 miles at a time when liquidating facilities was the "in" thing to  do.
Instead of draping a double track portion across the  summit, the
remaining 3-mile section (noted to be double track rather than a long
passing siding) is south of Lofton on grades of 1.4%.  The  arrangement
certainly favors southbound trains to be held at Pkin  for a  northbound to 
climb the hill.  In addition, there's a state road that  crosses just about 
middle
way of the double track station. Imagine what could have been accomplished  
had
N&W put in a lap siding with the overlap at the St. 666 crossing at  Lofton.
Come in Jimmy Lisle.
                                                              Harry Bundy
 
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