|
CASS Scenic Railroad of West Virginia by Frederick Kramer Soft Cover 1977
CASS Scenic Railroad of West Virginia
39 Pages by Frederick Kramer photography by John Krause
Copyright 1977
PREFACE
HIGH UPON Cheat Mountain and back across the crests, a soaring wave of giant spruce once ruled the endless skyline. It was virgin forest, immense and inaccessible. The courage, sweat, and stamina of more than half a century would be needed for men to harvest this towering woodland wealth.
Central to the ambitious undertaking was the means for bringing the trees down from their mountain stand. A logging railroad was needed, not built to ordinary standards, but shaped to conform to the steepness and sharp turns of the land. The locomotives could not be ordinary either, for these hills demanded the sure-footed traction that only a gear-driven design can provide.
What was it like up there on the mountain, shoved headlong toward the clouds on a logging car? And can we get a feel for the lumberjacks' domain, that dramatic realm so prominent in West Virginia's history?
One sure way to find out is to ride the Cass Scenic Railroad. In these pages, that trip is recorded in a blend of logging history and touring scenes. In here is Cass, busy with saw logs being shunted to the mill, smoky preparations in the shop area along Leatherbark Creek, the scurry up the mountain to the log landing, and finally, the transition from lumber days to the operations that make the Cass Scenic Railroad unique.
You'll see pictures of railroaders and lumbermen at work. There are those who witnessed all the changes, such as Harry Gum whose family farm was here before there was a Cass. There were many others, of course, whose patient striving has made the changes and heritage of Cass worth preserving. Few gave more of themselves to nurture that once-frail dream than the late Kyle Neighbors. To him, and to his many friends who helped, this pictorial review is respectfully dedicated.
All pictures are of the actual item. There may be reflection from the lights in some photos. We try to take photos of any damage. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
US Shipments: When you add multiple items to your cart, the reduced shipping charges will automatically be calculated. For direct postage rates to other countries, send me an email. Shipping varies by weight.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us before making a return. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding or buying.
Thanks for looking at our items.
| 
