Then … RF&P Freight at Doswell VA 1946

A northbound Richmond and Fredericksburg and Potomac 28 car freight led by 4-8-4 #618 James Madison crosses the Chesapeake and Ohio's Richmond Charlottesville line at Doswell VA on Sept 1, 1946. In the 1930's and 40's the RF&P revived the 19th century custom of naming locomotives. The RF&P had several classes of 4-8-4 locomotives. One class was named after Confederate Generals. Two other classes were named after Virginia governors and a third class was named after famous Virginians. #618 was a member of the third class. The tower that protected the crossing, "HN" is still standing. This photo was taken by J. I. Kelly and is from the William Stratton collection @2020 ODC NRHS.

Now … 2014

A northbound CSX freight in the same location on December 26, 2014. Image courtesy of Charles Curley III