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Roanoke Chapter NRHS Gratefully Accepts Donation of Historic Locomotive, Norfolk Southern 1580

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

Roanoke Chapter 2023 Annual Banquet

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.

2023 Annual Meeting

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.