The "Short-Line Annual" for 1959-60 lists the above industrial railway. I am interested in any information concerning its history and fate together with loco and rolling stock data. A map shows this line branched off the Southern some miles north of Amherst and went up to a place called Massies Mill.

Can anyone help with some history? Thanks

John Garner

-- John Garner (jgarner@zfree.co.nz), January 20, 2001

Answers

2 sources of info on the VBR include:

The book Sentimental Journey by Carl Lathrop. I bought a copy of the book directly from the author in the 80's. At that time he was living in New York State, and was doing a lot of historical research on shortline railroads. Unfortunately, the book contains absolutely no copyright or publishing information. It is a very good history of the VBR from its beginnings as a lumber hauler to the end of operations. Carl Lathrop was (or is) a member of the Mountain State Logging and Railroad Historical Association.

Another resource on the VBR is JMJ Productions VHS video tape entitled Steam Locomotives on Industrial and Short Lines, Volume 1, produced in 1990. This tape will give you a nice long look at typical VBR operations through various eras and seasons.

Bill Cox of Amherst VA (TrnsUnltd@aol.com) is including the VBR in his beautiful new Southern RR layout, and he may know of more sources of info.

-- J Mark Chase (jmchase@vcu.org), April 21, 2002.

The steam locomotives were replace by diesel before the rail closed. As far as I know the last journey by anyone other than employees was taken by my parents and another couple by the owner of the RR who was a patient of my Father (doctor) in the early 60's.

-- Josiah E. Haynsworth 3rd (jehaynsworth@home.com), January 05, 2002.

The Virginia Blue Ridge operated from 1915 to 1980. It apparently was officially abandoned in Dec. 1984. My Jan. 1959 Official Guide shows the road operated freight only service between Tye River, VA, Piney River, VA and Massie Mill, VA., for a total of 16 miles. In 1923 it owned one locomotive, flat cars number 3 and 4, boxcar number 6 and combine number 2. By 1956 it operated 2 steam locomotives 4 flats and 2 caboose. Offices were in Piney River. In March 1947 the VBR bought Southern 384, a Baldwin 2-8-0 (c/n32301 1907). This loco was sold later to the New Jersey Tourist Railroad. VBR numbered it 6, suggesting the likelihood that it owned 1-5 in the past. Don't confuse the VBR with the Blue Ridge Rwy., a different road.

-- Jerry Dowling (jdowling@lcc.net), January 31, 2001.