Linking North and South Volume 2, Issue 3 (Summer 2006)
This double issue highlights Potomac Yard and the surrounding area and recognizes what would have been the 100th anniversary of this important classification point were it still in existence. The coverage begins with an introduction and overview of Potomac Yard, followed by several pages describing operations over the years. This is followed by pictures and text about RO Tower and the Rosslyn Connecting Railroad, a Pennsylvania RR branch that ran past the Pentagon into Arlington VA. The passenger main lines, the piggyback yard, the icing platforms, and the hump and dispatch tracks are highlighted.
William E. Griffin, Jr., has provided two articles. The first is an update on what happened to Potomac Yard in which he provides a clear analysis of the reasons for its closing. The second is on the Mallet hump engines that the RF&P leased and purchased from the C&O for use with its hump operations.
Our overview continues with a summary and pictures of the Four Mile Run Flood Control Project, a massive undertaking to resolve the continual flooding of Arlandria, a nearby community. We plan on having a more extensive article in an upcoming issue on this event and how the RF&P overcame several operational challenges during what became a major renovation.
There are pictures of the many buildings, towers, ramps, and other items that supported the yard operations and articles sharing memories of working with the piggyback trains and during difficult events. We close out our look at Potomac Yard with pictures of AF tower, the Southern Railroad’s yard south of Duke Street, and the massive Fruit Growers Express yards near AF.
Even though Potomac Yard has disappeared from the landscape, the many workers employed there have not been forgotten. In 1986, the Potomac Yard Retired Employees Association, PYREA, was formed to enable retirees to meet and greet one another and stay abreast of changes in their situations. As a tribute to PYREA, we feature a one page summary of its history and the membership’s goals.
Craig Harrison, our resident modeling editor, provides an update of his visit to the hobby show that was held in Philadelphia PA and the many new items soon to be available.