Negatives 16434 AND 19155

[NW Mailing List]

Further to the October discussion re Negative 16434, I happened to run 
across the the photo in the Va Tech imagebase collection, where it is 
filed as NS5144, and described as taken 22 March 1932 "for the May (N&W) 
Magazine cover,"  as earlier reported in the e-exchanges.  At variance 
as to e-list guesses relative to the venue, the accompanying data to 
NS5144 say that the shot is "fireman receiving orders at Bonsack."  I do 
not recall Bonsack mentioned in the e-exchanges.  We all know that 
information accompanying the VA Tech photos can, at times,  be off the 
mark.  So I have no brief as to the accuracy of the Bonsack citation.  
For truth's sake or not, there it is as recorded.

Companion teaser.  Again in the VA Tech collection, NS3899 (Negative 
19155) another night shot, aside a locomotive taken 21 February 1934, 
offers no word as to the venue, save "near Vinton".  There are two 
lights, trackside, in the darkness up ahead.  Could the light on the 
right, southside of the track (assuming the photo's orientation toward 
the east) be the Boaz shanty, with the light on the left, seemingly more 
powerful and centered on the track, an oncoming westbound train?

Jim Nichols or anyone:  Can you identify the engine class?

The holiday seasons upon us are the more wondrous because several 
traditions rely upon lamps and a star.  In your imaginings may 3899's 
points of light add luster to your holidays.

Frank Gibson