ROANOKE, Va. — After almost 45 years at its current location, the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is moving its collecting of historic equipment to a new location.
The chapter has purchased a 16-acre site, the former Virginia Scrap Iron & Metal property in Norwich, from OmniSource LLC of Fort Wayne, Ind. Work is currently underway to design and build the rail yard at the new site, after which the equipment and other materials will be moved there. The next phase of the project will include refurbishing existing structures and building a new restoration and maintenance facility.
Norfolk Southern is supporting the effort in moving the chapter’s equipment and storing it while the new yard is being built.
The chapter’s previous yard, at the former American Viscose plant off 9th street SE in Roanoke, had been its home since 1980. Relocation will accommodate revitalization of the area including the mixed-use Riverdale development.
“The Chapter would like to thank OmniSource; Norfolk Southern; Riverdale Southeast, LLC.; Jim Thornhill, a partner with Wire Gill LLP, as legal counsel; and everyone else who has helped make this project possible,” Tim Witt, chapter president, said in a press release. “The need to relocate our entire operation has been a huge project and financial challenge. This project would not have been possible without the assistance of our partners and volunteers.”
The new location will allow for larger facilities with more indoor shop space. Long-term plans call for a large building able to accommodate multiple locomotives and cars, space for metal and wood fabrication shops, and storage space. The space can also accommodate future expansion of yard facilities if needed.
The chapter, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, is conducting a capital campaign to offset the costs of moving and outfitting the new yard. More information is available here. More on the Roanoke chapter, including joining and volunteering, is available at the chapter’s website or Facebook page.
