Rolling Stock & Locomotives
Steam Locomotives
The first steam locomotives were designed in the 1790s. Steam trains generate energy by burning coal inside a firebox. Heat from the firebox boils a compartment of water which surrounds it. This process generates steam which powers the locomotive.
On the Virginian Railway steam trains were used from 1909 to 1956, a longer period of time than most other railroads. Steam trains now often operate in America only as tourist attractions.
Electrification
Steam trains burning coal caused long tunnels to choke with smoke which made breathing difficult and obscured sight lines.
Therefore, in the mid 1920s, the Virginian Railway electrified a 184-mile portion of their line at a cost of $15,000,000 (over $190,000,000 today). Electric trains could also haul more coal at a faster rate. Steam trains were having difficulty overcoming mountainous Clarks Gap, a 2.07% 14-mile long gradient. In the mid 1920s, locomotives built by Westinghouse were used, but by the 1940s, engines were built by General Electric.
Diesel Engines
Diesel powered locomotives were designed in the early 20th century but did not widely begin to replace steam until after World War II.
The Virginian placed their first order for diesel locomotives in 1954 because its steam and electric powered trains were aging and needed to be replaced. Steam was finally discontinued in 1956.