Mar 2010
Potts Creek Local
23/03/10 15:05 Filed in: Mines | Railroad Lines
In October of 1983, Norfolk & Western Geeps were hauling a local up the Potts Creek Branch in Giles County, Virginia. The train served several large gypsum mining operations.
The mines were at Kimballton and Kernes. Gypsum was crushed and dehydrated in large mills.
The mills received carloads of coal, and shipped covered hoppers of gypsum.
The local would stop with the caboose immediately adjacent to the entrance of a mill. The conductor would go to the mill office to set up his drops and pickups.
Taking advantage of the steep grade on the branch, cars were rolled by gravity into position to be loaded.
Workers rode the cuts of cars, using the brake wheel to keep their speed under control.
The mines were at Kimballton and Kernes. Gypsum was crushed and dehydrated in large mills.
The mills received carloads of coal, and shipped covered hoppers of gypsum.
The local would stop with the caboose immediately adjacent to the entrance of a mill. The conductor would go to the mill office to set up his drops and pickups.
Taking advantage of the steep grade on the branch, cars were rolled by gravity into position to be loaded.
Workers rode the cuts of cars, using the brake wheel to keep their speed under control.