Roanoke Chapter Acquires Roanoke Railway and Electric Company #51
The Roanoke Chapter is pleased to announce the acquisition of Roanoke Railway and Electric Company #51. Built as a Master Unit in 1929 by the J. G. Brill Company, the car ran as #115 for the Virginia Electric Power Company in Lynchburg, VA until 1937 when it was moved to Roanoke as the #51. It served in Roanoke through 1947 when it was retired. It went into private ownership and moved to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME in 1991.
Brian Tenaglia shop foreman at the Seasore Trolly Museum said this about #51, “The Master Unit kind of marks the end of technological development on the “traditional” streetcar, and they were sold during a time when there really wasn’t much of a future for the streetcar. The later (1936) PCC design was a total departure from “traditional” design in almost every respect.”
The museum has determined that it is appropriate for the #51 to return to its original home territory and has donated the trolley car to the Chapter. We will be working on plans to move #51 in the future. But for now, the chapter is delighted to have secured this important piece of Roanoke History.
Roanoke Railway and Electric Company at 9th Street in Roanoke, VA. Right across from American ViscoseRREC #51 InteriorRREC #51 interior car end.RREC #51 from the front
About Seashore Trolley Museum: The Seashore Trolley Museum, located in Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, is the world’s first and largest museum of mass transit vehicles. While the main focus of the collection is trolley cars, it also includes rapid transit trains, Interurban cars, trolley buses, and motor buses. https://trolleymuseum.org/
The Roanoke Chapter is proud to announce the acquisition of Norfolk & Western passenger GP-9 #514. Built in November of 1958, the 514 was part of the second batch of “Redbirds” which were purchased to replace steam on the N&W’s passenger trains. Placed in service in Portsmouth, OH in December of that year, the 514 served on the N&W as passenger locomotive until the end of passenger service in May of 1971. The N&W and Norfolk Southern continued to operate these GP-9s in freight service through the 1980’s, with the 514 being retired in 1987. It was sold to a scrap yard in Illinois along with several other 500-series locomotives, but its fate worked out differently. The 514 was re-sold to the Tennessee Southern Railroad in 1992 and was used there until 2004 when it was sold to Indiana Boxcar. The locomotive was repaired and placed in service as a switcher at a co-op in Indiana. It was taken out of service earlier this year as a result of some mechanical problems and the Chapter has purchased the locomotive.
The locomotive will be prepared for shipping this fall and will be heading back to Roanoke, VA for repairs and restoration into its as-delivered “Redbird” paint scheme. As one of only two surviving, un-rebuilt N&W passenger GP-9s, the Chapter believes that it deserves to be preserved. The locomotive retains its original dual control stands, dynamic brake, and other unique features for N&W passenger service. We will share more on the future of the 514 over the next several months.
The Chapter would like to thank Keystone Cooperative and their employees for their assistance in this acquisition. They have worked with us over the past 8 years to ensure that the locomotive can continue to share the history of the Norfolk & Western and railroading in Southwest Virginia.
The Passing of Carl Jensen – The Innumerable Caravan
Usually, I have very little trouble writing for this publication. But today, I am frustrated. It is always difficult to lose someone, especially someone you’ve known for close to 50 years. I learned of the passing of Carl Jensen on Monday, March 25, just a few hours ago, and many memories came floating back.
Carl and Carol Jensen in front of the 2015 611 excursion train. Photo: Jeff Lisowski
Carl, a familiar name to many, was the leader of the Norfolk Southern Steam Program, succeeding Jim Bistline in 1986. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the program to almost end in 1994. Carl’s role extended beyond the program, as he presided over the travels of the 611 and 1218, including the unforgettable 1987 National Railway Historical Society Annual convention in Roanoke. His association with the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) was not recent but a commitment that began in the late 1950s when he joined the C.P. Huntington Chapter.
After graduating from his beloved Penn State University, Carl worked in various railroad locations. It was at Penn State he grew his love for the famed Pennsylvania Railroad, but history has a funny way of working things out. He was first hired out in June 1959 as a clerk in the General Agent’s office in Portsmouth, Ohio, and moved to Cleveland in February 1960. Carl became a traveling freight agent based in Chicago in 1963 before finally arriving in Roanoke in early 1965 as an industrial development department industrial economist and was then appointed assistant manager of special services late that same year. Not long afterward, Carl became assistant manager of equipment sales and then moved on to his longer-term home in the training department, where he rose to manager.
Carol and Carl Jensen on board a Southern excursion coach.
Photo: Dorr Tucker
It was Roanoke where he made his mark when the Southern was moving Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s No. 4501 back from operations in Virginia, including the 1966 NRHS Convention in Richmond, where W. Graham Claytor told attendees that “the steam locomotive is here to stay.” The 4501 was headed back to Chattanooga in October 1966 via Roanoke with some ferry move passengers. Carl was among a group of local fans who came out to see the locomotive as it overnighted in Roanoke. This event began a re-formed Roanoke Chapter NRHS, with its first organizational meeting a year later, leading to a formal organization in early 1968.
Carl was right at the center of the organization, becoming the new organization’s first Vice President, with George H. Kelch as the first president. Carl quickly became the Chapter’s President in 1969 and then became the Chapter’s long-serving National Director (or representative) in 1971. Carl was involved in many behind-the-scenes things, including acquiring the Chapter’s first passenger equipment in the summer of 1968. He also did a lot of mechanical work on the equipment and was growing prominent in the National Organization.
From left: Julien Sacks, Carl Jensen, and David Helmer, counting tickets in car 1148. Photo: Dorr Tucker
Carl was a leader in all forms of his life, whether by example or direct leadership. He was actively promoting private passenger car ownership as he saw that the railroad’s passenger services and car ownership were declining by the late 1960s. Carl felt that the only way there might be excursion trains to run would be the privately owned cars. Carl was no stranger to physical labor either; he more than gladly got his hands dirty working on stubborn ancient passenger cars and spent an entire day spray painting the inside of a Chapter coach.
Carl was quite serious about the organization and its processes, seemingly all business, but to those who knew him, he had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun to be around.
His rise in the NRHS National Organization continued as he participated in Roanoke Chapter management. Carl would work closely with the Claytor brothers to help make excursions happen on the N&W and lend his voice to assist in planning these trips. Carl would suggest to the Southern an operation of one-way ferry moves of the steam excursion train, which would be dubbed by Bill Carson the “Independence Limiteds,” with the Roanoke Chapter planning and operation. These trips first began in the early 1970s and ran most years up to 1993. They were a success due to excellent planning and railroad cooperation.
Imagine today, running a steam train on the mainline, with a bunch of open-window cars, stopping every 20-25 miles to handle passengers where no station or platform exists, running at reasonable track speed! Yeah, sure, that’s going to happen! But it did then!
Carl had worked closely with Jim Bistline of the Southern and was one of the significant leaders of the Roanoke Chapter in 1977, 20 years after the first one there. Thanks to the Chapter’s leadership, the National Convention of the NRHS convened in Roanoke, and it was a huge success.
Center from left, Bob Claytor, Jim Bistline, Carl Jensen, Chuck Jensen, August 1982, 611 trip home.
Photo: Ken Miller
Carl’s most extensive trial by fire was in June 1986, when a defective switch caused the train behind the 611 on an employee special out of Norfolk, VA, to derail, injuring many people and cars. Carl was fine, but in the days that followed, it was a circus, with stories circulating that this would be the end of excursion trains on Norfolk Southern. Only authorized representatives from NS were allowed to comment to the media. NS had Don Piedmont as the Public Relations head, whose favorite line was “No comment.” It was so representative of Piedmont that he had the custom license plate that read “NO CMNT.” So, the company said nothing officially about the accident and related stories.
The peak moment came one morning a few days later when WDBJ-TV station repeated a report from a Norfolk station, quoting an FRA spokesperson saying the injuries would have been much less severe if the cars in the train had not been wooden passenger cars! The story first aired at 7:15 that morning. I was working at Channel 7, so my phone rang at 7:30. Carl said, “You don’t know who this is, but that story, as you know, is totally wrong, somebody needs to correct that.” I was also livid, went to work, and immediately went to the newsroom to find a contact for the Associated Press to get a correction issued; I also took a reporter to show her examples of the cars and appeared on the news countering the story. Of course, AP issued a correction late that day! Carl was pleased that I had stepped up and spoken up, as nobody from NS would be able to. Fortunately, under Bob Claytor’s leadership, NS continued the program.
At the end of the 1986 season, Jim Bistline retired, and with a grand farewell banquet in Alexandria, Va., Bob Claytor named Carl his worthy successor.
Carl Jensen with excursion train.Photo: Dorr Tucker
At a Holiday gathering at Carl’s house in December 1986, a group of us were discussing what trips we might be able to do for the Convention. A suggestion was made to run the 611 and 1218 side-by-side for a run-by. We all laughed, but Carl thought it was an exciting idea and took it to Bob Claytor.
Carl had been a big part of the program’s success already, but 1987 would take it to new heights; first, four and a half years after 611 made its debut, the Class A, No. 1218, after multiple delays in restoration, came into service at the end of April, with its inaugural trip to Bluefield, WV in a flood condition and rain. The trip was quickly a test for all aboard, with downed trees, delays, and more delays. By the time the train was at the west end of Roanoke yard, it was almost 11:00 pm, and some high ballast knocked an air hose loose, causing an emergency application. When we got to the platform and were unloading passengers, it was 11:15 pm, and everyone, Carl included, was exhausted. Still, the riders kept us all going, none believing we could or would run an excursion in that kind of condition safely.
A few months later, the 1218’s debut was followed by the magnificent 1987 NRHS Convention in Roanoke, a decade after the last. The Convention featured 611 and 1218 and Southern FP-7s, but the most spectacular day was Saturday, August 1. The 611 had a packed passenger train and was leaving for Radford. The passengers knew something special was up, but nobody, except those running the show, knew what was in store. We passed the 1218 with a hopper train at Shaffers Crossing. At Salem, where I had picked the spot with Carl’s agreement, we unloaded and backed the 611 back, then with 1218 on one main and 611 on the other, both steamed past the crowd of people. But it was not over yet. We did it again on the grade above Elliston. Then Carl motioned me up into the cab of 611, where we ran side-by-side with 1218 to almost Walton. It is a remarkable memory, and I will never forget Carl for allowing me to experience what very few people did. The truly amazing experience of the best N&W steam locomotives running on the mainline like it had been thirty years before!
Dorr Tucker and Carl Jensen
Ken Miller Photo
The 1987 Convention was an outstanding success, in no small part thanks to Carl for the splendid cooperation. One of my favorite memories was arriving in Roanoke with the inbound excursion train. As it happened, The Chapter and NS had not signed the contracts to run the Convention, so Carl and I signed the agreements in the lobby of Hotel Roanoke, with me using his back and him using mine! We were both hot, dingy, and dirty, but we knew it was going to be a huge hit.
Carl’s involvement with the Roanoke Conventions was certainly not his only connection. He served on the National Convention Committee and worked hard to develop procedures, plans, and guidance for any number of conventions.
Carl led the Steam Program, working hard to make it a success and make the cars and locomotives more reliable and able to keep running. A fine steam shop and crew backed him.
One of the more outstanding events of the Steam program occurred in November 1991, with a 25th Anniversary Celebration at the birthplace of the program, Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was a grand event with 611, 1218, and 4501 all participating, and the grand finale was a triple-header out of Chattanooga. The other highlight of the event was a banquet, with virtually all of the old-time steam people on hand. Carl was the host of the event and recognized those attending. It was a packed house, and the program was an elaborate audio/video slide show that I produced for the event. I was lucky; Carl had hired me to create this show, which was very timely, as my job with the TV station had been eliminated at the end of August. I am honored that Carl thought enough that I would get a show done, and he was thrilled with the result, which he only got to see the night of the banquet. That takes a lot of trust.
Unfortunately, the most trying time came in late September 1994, when the excursion train with 611 parked for the night in Lynchburg, Va., and a piggyback train backed into the standing excursion train. The 611 was untouched, but various cars were damaged, causing a need to replace equipment with rented passenger cars to work out the season. Carl rounded up equipment from several sources, but the derailment had only caused the cancellation of one weekend of trips.
Unfortunately, other forces were at work, and the decision was made by upper NS management that ended the program in late October. The program would run out the season, but no farewell trip was allowed; simply shut it down and go home. Upper management wanted to make no announcement of the end, but Carl pressed and worked hard to get a press release out and put as positive a spin as possible on the ending. The PR department sent out the release just after 5:00 pm on a Friday, then left for the weekend with no one to answer questions. It was a public relations disaster through no fault of the steam office.
Carl would leave the steam program and finish his career in the Safety Department as the program ended.
Carl’s involvement in the National organization led to what he might have been most proud of, he was a planner and instructor in the NRHS Railcamp, to bring young people into the hobby.
Even though Carl retired, he certainly did not leave the scene. He remained heavily involved in NRHS, both at the Roanoke and National levels, and was quite visible on the National scene.
He remained on the Roanoke Chapter Board until he decided not to run again in 2019, hoping for some new blood on the Chapter Board. He still attended Chapter Board meetings until most recently and remained a strong, positive influence on the organization.
Carl is survived by his wife Carol, sons Chuck and Ken, their spouses, children, and other family members.
Carl will be missed. His knowledge of passenger equipment and operations, as well as the most noted steam program, is almost legendary.
– Ken Miller
Carl (known to his family as Stony) was born on April 23, 1936 in Middletown, OH. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carol W. Jensen, two loving sons and their spouses, Charles C. Jensen, wife Virginia of Stroudsburg, PA and Kenneth E. Jensen, wife Shirley of Penhook, VA. Four grandsons: Daniel Jensen and wife Kendra of Manassas, VA, Samuel Jensen and wife Alyssa, of Leesburg, VA, Joseph Jensen of Roanoke and Keith Jensen of Tullahoma, TN. Stony is also survived by his twin brothers, David Jensen and wife Peg of Troy, VA, and Erik Jensen and wife Ilona of Mechanicsville, VA.
A celebration of his life will be held at Oakey’s North Chapel between 4-7 pm Sunday, March 31, 2024. The funeral will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Franklin Rd. in Roanoke at 11am Monday April 1, 2024. Interment will be held after the church service at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Airport Rd. Roanoke.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1008 Franklin Rd, SW, Roanoke, VA 24016. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.
Roanoke, VA – March 25, 2024 – The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) proudly announces the acceptance of the donation of Norfolk Southern 1580, formerly known as N&W 1580, a historic locomotive with a rich legacy in the annals of American railroading.
Built in May of 1966, Norfolk Southern 1580 holds the distinction of being the first GM-made 6-axle diesel-electric locomotive ever received by our predecessor, the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W).
“We are delighted to receive this significant piece of railroading history,” said Tim Witt, President of the Roanoke Chapter NRHS. “Norfolk Southern’s generous donation underscores their commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of America’s railways. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Norfolk Southern, and all those involved in facilitating this donation. Their efforts ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the significance of this locomotive.”
Prior to its arrival in Roanoke, the locomotive will undergo a meticulous restoration process at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, where it will be restored to its original paint scheme. Once returned to Roanoke, dedicated volunteers from the Roanoke Chapter NRHS will apply the finishing touches, ensuring that Norfolk Southern 1580 shines in its renewed glory.
Photo Caption: Norfolk Southern 1580, soon to be restored to its original glory, symbolizes a significant chapter in American railroading history. Photo credit: NS Conductor Alexander Ricketts
About Roanoke Chapter NRHS
The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of railroading in the Roanoke region. Through educational programs, restoration projects, and community events, the Roanoke Chapter NRHS aims to foster an appreciation for the heritage of America’s railways.
About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and Norfolk Southern originates more automotive traffic than any other Class I Railroad. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports in the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com
The Roanoke Chapter celebrated another successful year, with the annual banquet taking place in the restored Virginian Station in Roanoke, VA. Fellowship and camaraderie were experienced by all while dining on food provided by Jim Schall Catering. During the banquet, the chapter held their annual elections. This year, there were five positions up for election, with four incumbents running and three members volunteering to run.
The elected board members are George Stein – Incumbent, Delta Helmer – Incumbent, Gary Gray – Incumbent, Dave Foster – Incumbent, and Ken Miller.
Thank you to the two members who volunteered to run for the board but were not elected this year: Eddie Mooneyham and Mike Voiland.
The chapter wants to thank Chuck Akers, the retiring president, for his many years of service on the board.
Our Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00 PM, at the Virginian Station, 1402 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Va. This is also our election for the Board of Directors, we have five positions open and the following candidates have agreed to run.
Dave Foster Gary Gray Ken Miller Eddie Mooneyham Delta Pelgrim George Stein Mike Voiland
All are willing to stand for re-election. Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting, please be sure you have that person’s consent before making a nomination. The committee is searching for nominees for these four positions Instructions for Absentee Ballot: This year we will elect five (5) directors by secret ballot. Any member in good standing may vote by absentee ballot.
To vote by absentee ballot, one must:
1 – Request an absentee ballot from the Secretary or a member of the nominating committee. You will receive (a) one ballot; (b) one “ballot” envelope; and (c) one mailing envelope. 3 – Place the ballot in the “ballot” envelope and seal. Do not put your name on the ballot or “ballot” envelope. 4 – Place “ballot” envelope in the mailing envelope. Write your name and return address on the mailing envelope and mail to arrive before December 21 to;
Roanoke Chapter, NRHS P.O. Box 13222 Roanoke, VA 24032-1322
or the envelope may be hand delivered to the Secretary anytime before the election at the annual meeting.
