These films were shot between 1954 and the end of steam on the Norfolk and Western. Most
of the films were shot on the Cincinnati to Portsmouth line, the western end of the Norfolk & Western
Railway. Steam freight operations ended in 1956, but Mr. Scholl would contine to seek out steam
in places like Portsmouth after 1956, and even went into the depths of West Virginia to places like
Ieager, and Williamson to see steam in the final days of operation.
Most of the film centers around the Batavia area, since this was where we lived and saw steam on a
routine basis. There are time freights, and coal trains, plus locals switching sidings. There is even one
scene where a freight car is being poled in Batavia Siding, an operation now forbidden on all railroads.
You will also be treated to a segment featuring nearly 50 black and White images that were enlarged just
for this show. These were images made by Warren Scholl of N&W steam, and includes images of the very
last runs from Claire to Portsmouth in 1956, documenting an end of an era.
There is music and narration, but no fake train sounds, since none existed obviously when these color movies
were made. We have included tons of interesting information about the locomotives, the operations, and locations
that are shown, and appropriate background music is used to add to the enjoyment.
This is the second in the Warren Scholl film series(Riding the Narrow Gauge in the 1950's was the first), and we know
you will enjoy seeing our home town views of steam as it was on the Norfolk and Western. This part of the N&W was
seldom filmed, as most easterners went to Blue Ridge, and other more popular locations.
The DVD also features some comparison shots, showing shots from the old film, and a contemporary diesel shot at the same location. Today, the Peavine as it is called, is severed, and only sees a local train that operates about half of the line, a far cry from the multitude of trains in the mid-1950's. Since we are so close to this project, we know every scene
shown except for one location, which aids in the final project.
As a special note...I would like to add a special thanks to Gary Rolih, for his assistance with N&W background info, and
for his work on the still photos.
DVD 60 Minutes $29.95
