Roanoke Shops

The Roanoke Shops in Roanoke, Virginia, are more than just a railroad workshop and maintenance facility; they are a testament to the industrial prowess and historical significance of the railroad industry in the United States. Established in the late 19th century, the Roanoke Shops have played a crucial role in the development and maintenance of steam locomotives, contributing significantly to the growth of the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W) and, by extension, the American railroad system.

A Storied Beginning

Roanoke was once a quiet farming community known as Big Lick. The transformation began in February 1881 when the Shenandoah Valley Railroad purchased the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad (AM&O), renaming it the Norfolk and Western Railway. The strategic decision to make Big Lick the new junction point led to the town's rapid growth and subsequent renaming to Roanoke. By October 1881, the Roanoke Machine Works was founded, marking the beginning of what would become a major industrial hub.

In 1883, the Roanoke Machine Works came under the control of the Norfolk and Western Railway, and by the following year, locomotive production had begun in earnest. Over the next nine years, the facility built 152 locomotives, all for the N&W, before suspending production. The shops were renamed the Roanoke Shops in 1897, and production resumed in 1900, continuing until 1953.

The Golden Age of Locomotive Production

The Roanoke Shops are perhaps best known for their role in producing some of the most iconic steam locomotives in American history. Between 1927 and 1952, the shops built every steam locomotive acquired by the N&W, including the famed Big Three class steam locomotives: the 4-8-4 class J, the 2-6-6-4 class A, and the 2-8-8-2 class Y6. These locomotives were celebrated for their power, efficiency, and technological advancements.

During the 1930s, the Roanoke Shops employed over 6,000 workers, who were engaged in building and maintaining steam locomotives and freight cars. The facility was capable of working on four steam locomotives and 20 freight cars on any given day. The products ranged from switching engines to the streamlined class J passenger locomotives, the massive Y5 and Y6-classes for low-speed coal drags, and the A-class for fast freight service.

World War II and Beyond

The Roanoke Shops played a vital role during World War II, repairing over 100 locomotives from various railroads, including the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL), Chicago and North Western (C&NW), Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac (RF&P), and Seaboard Air Line (SAL). The shops also manufactured components for Bailey bridges, marine cylinders, and other critical parts for the war effort.

In December 1953, the Roanoke Shops built the class S-1a 0-8-0 switcher No. 244, which holds the distinction of being the last steam locomotive manufactured in the United States for domestic use. This marked the end of an era for steam locomotive production at the Roanoke Shops.

A Legacy Preserved

After the N&W ceased using steam locomotives in May 1960, two of its most famous locomotives, the J-class No. 611 and the A-class No. 1218, were preserved for excursion service. No. 1218 is now on display near its birthplace at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in downtown Roanoke, while No. 611 was restored to operating condition for excursion service again in 2015.

In recent years, the Roanoke Shops have faced changes and challenges. On May 18, 2020, Norfolk Southern abandoned the Roanoke Shops, moving all operations to the Juniata Locomotive Shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania. However, the legacy of the Roanoke Shops lives on, with Genesis Rail Services leasing a portion of the property in July 2023.

Visiting the Roanoke Shops

Today, visitors to Roanoke can explore the rich history of the Roanoke Shops and their impact on the railroad industry. The Virginia Museum of Transportation offers a glimpse into this history, with exhibits featuring locomotives and artifacts from the heyday of steam locomotive production. The museum's pavilion, housing the A-class No. 1218, is a must-see for railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

As you walk through the museum and the surrounding area, you can almost hear the echoes of the thousands of workers who once toiled in the Roanoke Shops, building and maintaining the powerful locomotives that helped drive America's industrial growth. The story of the Roanoke Shops is a story of innovation, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of the American workforce.

In conclusion, the Roanoke Shops are not just a relic of the past; they are a living testament to the ingenuity and hard work that defined an era. Whether you are a railroad enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about the industrial heritage of the United States, a visit to the Roanoke Shops offers a fascinating journey through time and an appreciation for the monumental impact of the railroad industry on the nation's development.