Wayne Mckinney

Roanoke Locomotive Shops and the Norfolk & Western Railroad Wayne Mckinney

Publisher Marketing: Roanoke Shops has been an indispensable part of the Roanoke Valley and the "Magic City" for more than 125 years. Founded in 1881 as an independent company, Roanoke Machine Works built new locomotives and cars for the Shenandoah Valley and Norfolk & Western Railroads. Situated between the picturesque Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, the facility caused an economic boom in the nearby village of Big Lick and the surrounding area. By 1891, Big Lick had become Roanoke and had emerged as one of the most important economic centers in the New South. Today, Roanoke Shops employs skilled craftsmen who provide the highest-quality overhauls and repairs to diesel locomotives. This book takes a look into its history, particularly at production during that exciting and enchanting era of the steam locomotive. Contributor Bio:  McKinney, Wayne Wayne McKinney began a railroad career in 1974 with Southern Railway in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In January 1997, he transferred to Roanoke Shops and spent the remainder of his career there, retiring in 2012 with more than 38 years of service. Preparation for the shops' 125th anniversary, in 2007, complemented his natural love of history, and his interest is reflected in this book.