WELCOME

Welcome to the Norfolk Southern Railroad Showcase, an enchanting journey into the world of model railroading in Salem, Virginia, where nostalgia and creativity unite to create a captivating miniature world that celebrates the rich history and vibrant rail activity of the region.

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Virginia, just west of Roanoke, Salem serves as the picturesque backdrop for my model railroad. This project is a labor of love, meticulously designed to transport you into the heart of the Norfolk Southern Railroad, where no specific era is set in stone, allowing a wide range of locomotives and rolling stock to traverse the tracks. Whether you're a seasoned rail enthusiast or a newcomer to the wonders of model railroading, I invite you to immerse yourself in the charm and diversity of this captivating miniature world.

The Norfolk Southern Railroad, depicted in this layout, plays a crucial role in the transportation of coal, primarily from the Hudson Coal Mine to the bustling loading terminals in Newport News, Virginia. This essential resource embarks on a global journey, fueling industries in countries far and wide.  After unloading, the now-empty coal hoppers are gathered into trains heading back west to replenish their loads from the coal fields of Virginia and West Virginia, maintaining the region's economic heartbeat.

Beyond coal, the Norfolk Southern Railroad serves various industries in Salem. On the west side of town, Prescot Pulpwood transforms raw pulpwood from regions including Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, and West Virginia into wood chips dispatched to paper mills across the eastern part of the United States. Salem also receives regular shipments of oil and propane gas, meeting the needs of local industries and residents. McGraw Oil company is currently going through a remodel. New modern propane and oil tanks will be installed to allow the company to expand its customer base further out from the center of town.

Venturing further, you'll discover the Heritage Furniture Company, a thriving establishment with a strong trucking presence. Next door, the John Deere dealership caters to the local farming communities. Nearby, a spur leads to Jackson Transfer and Storage Company, a busy facility receiving boxcars, flat cars, and occasionally gondolas. Adjacent to Jackson Transfer, the Clayton County Lumber Company plays a vital role, supplying dimensional lumber and construction materials to the local community.

As you explore the railroad, the charming downtown district of Old Salem comes into view. Five stores and a gas station line Main Street, where locals gather on benches to watch the world go by. Bikers pass through on their way to nearby waterfalls, while Tiny's Trackside Cafe serves up locally sourced delicacies, attracting a steady stream of patrons. Just down the road lies Bull's Junk Yard, a treasure trove of all things except household garbage, where antique enthusiasts can lose themselves in a world of nostalgia.

Near the eastern entrance of the Salem tunnel, on the route to Roanoke, Mo Skeeters offers entertainment galore.  A bluegrass festival featuring the Blue Ridge Boys and the Norfolk Southern Exhibit car, showcasing the Norfolk Western steam locomotive number 611, is a special treat for railfans. Antique car buffs will also find plenty to enjoy. Adjacent to the festival is the headquarters of Bar Mills Company, which generously opens its doors to show model railroaders how they craft their top-quality kits.

Transitioning to the business side of Salem, Norfolk Southern maintains a small freight yard, a car repair facility which can handle major car repairs as well as light Maintenace, a rip track to handle all those minor car repairs as well as replace bad wheels on those cars that need immediate attention, and a locomotive shop that can take care of those day-to-day repairs needed to keep the locomotive fleet up and running. They can also take care of all the scheduled engine servicing at the facility. Although this facility handles routine maintenance and minor repairs, major overhauls are dispatched to Roanoke.

Next door to the freight yard, two industries benefit from Norfolk Southern's services. A railcar unloading ramp stands between the two buildings, accommodating boxcars and flat cars, facilitating the shipment and receipt of various goods. Crowe Distillery, another thriving establishment, has its own spur to meet its rail needs, highlighting the importance of rail transportation in the local area. Norfolk Southern is a major employer and contributes greatly to the local economy in and around the Salem Virginia area.

As you traverse this model railroad layout, you'll encounter numerous small, meticulously crafted scenes that capture the essence and charm of the Salem area. I hope you derive great pleasure from perusing the pages of this website, as it provides a unique and immersive experience into the world of railroading in Salem, Virginia. And as always, I invite you to savor the breathtaking mountain vistas and fresh air that Salem, Virginia, has to offer. Thank you for visiting my Norfolk Southern Railroad Showcase. I hope you enjoy this captivating journey through the miniature world of railroading in Salem.