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Cyclops

The fence around N&W 433 in Abingdon, VA conspired against me and maliciously prevented me from obtaining any quality shots of the whole of the locomotive, so I had to console myself with artsy close-ups like this. Not that I mind ... I actually like highlighting different points of interest on old steamers like this.

This is the headlamp of 433, a 4-8-0 Mastedon locomotive build by American Locomotive Works' Richmond Shops in 1909 for Norfolk & Western. 433 is one of two "Mollies" remaining; the other, 475, is operated by the Strasburg Railroad.

433 is at the head of the Virginia Creeper Trail, which runs on the N&W's old Abingdon Branch, which ran from Abindgon down to West Jefferson, NC. Mollies like 433 were operated on this branch until replaced by diesels in 1958. N&W discontinued service on the Abindgon Branch in 1977; it had not turned a profit since the Great Depression.

On a personal note, my interest in the Norfolk & Western & the Abindgon Branch specifically is all due to the wonderful photography of O. Winston Link. Although most of his N&W photography is at night, I've always loved his "Maud Bows to the Virginia Creeper" photo. I wouldn't mind having a poster of that particular print (hint, hint Rachel ... I know you look at my photos on here from time to time).

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Uploaded on Nov 21, 2009

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