Appalachian Coal Hauler - Interstate Railroad's Mine Runs and Coal Trains by Hugh Wolfe and Ed Wolfe

The author completes the story of the Interstate Railroad that he began in his first book in 1994. This volume details the coal mines, tipples, and switching operations - including coal trains and mine runs - that formed the backbone of this line's traffic. The Interstate connected with the Norfolk & Western, Southern, Louisville & Nashville, and Clinchfield. It funneled numerous Appalachian coal mine branches to these lines. Wolfe uses firsthand accounts and material taken from his father whom was an Interstate brakeman and conductor from 1937 to 1978. First hand research, with many rare and unusual photographs. Modelers will appreciate the data that will enable them not only to build accurate mines and tipples, but to serve them with the appropriate trains. This type of operation would be applicable to almost any railroad operating in the Appalachian region. More steam than diesel photographs.

Contents:

• Introduction, pg. 5;
• Historical Overview, pp. 6-25;
• Freight and Switching Operations, pp. 26-145;
• Car Supply, pp. 146-149;
• 1990s Operations, pp. 150-155;
• Addendum, pp. 156-157;
• Index, pp. 158-160.

Hardcover, 160 pages, 8.5 x 11 x .5 in., over 175 illustrations in b&w, timetables, track diagrams.