Winston-Salem Southbound Railway

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The Winston-Salem Southbound Railway (AAR reporting mark WSS) began operations in 1910. It was jointly owned by Norfolk and Western Railway (AAR reporting mark NW) and Atlantic Coast Line (AAR reporting mark ACL). It terminates about 80 miles away at the N&W in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the north end, and the SAL and ACL in Wadesboro, North Carolina at the south end.

Dr. Jeff Miller and Jim Vaughn wrote a complete history book of the line in 1996 with color photographs, maps, and lots more. The book is out of print but can be found at RR shows.

[edit] Motive power

The WSS used a variety of steam locomotives from 1910 until 1957, when the last few they had were scrapped after delivery of four new EMD GP9 locomotives. These four diesels served on the line in two different WSS color schemes until 1963 when they were returned to its parent companies - N&W and ACL each got two of these locomotives. The two N&W units continued to serve into the era of Norfolk Southern. WSS 1501 was used by NS until 5/85, WSS 1502 served NS until 6/82.

The WSS operates from Winston-Salem to Wadesboro, 90.0 track miles. Trains magazine March 1957, pp 25-30, has a feature story about the line by noted editor DPM and photos by Philip Hastings.

[edit] Modern day on the WSS

Ownership of the WSS is still split 50/50 between its parent roads Norfolk Southern (AAR reporting mark NS) and CSX (AAR reporting mark CSXT). Trains operate daily using power mainly from one of these two roads.