Locomotives - Roanoke Machine Works 2-8-0 Type Engine Number 117

by J Craig Thorpe

Title

Locomotives - Roanoke Machine Works 2-8-0 Type Engine Number 117

Artist

J Craig Thorpe

Medium

Painting - Oil On Watercolor Paper

Description

On September 3, 1881, the Roanoke Machine Works was chartered by the county of Roanoke, Virginia. Considered to be one of the finest steam locomotive construction shops in America, it was established to build and repair equipment of the Norfolk & Western and Shenandoah Valley railroads. The machine shop contained two monorail cranes designed for hoisting heavy material. They were propelled by a seemingly endless rope that extended the length of the building. Wall-mounted gas jets lit the overall work area, while individual candles were used by those who needed stronger light to perform close work. During the sweltering heat of Virginia's summer months, workers bought their own ice for the drinking water. Curiously, it was believed that the consumption of cold water was detrimental to one's health. Thus, liberal quantities of oatmeal were added to counter any possible"ill effects." A telephone was installed in the watchman's shanty for the sole purpose of contacting help in the event that a worker was injured. This was another "luxury" paid for by the Roanoke Machine Works' employees. Other operations included in the complex were the foundry, boiler shop, smith shop and, in later years, a chemical laboratory. By 1936, the Works was ranked among the top railroad machine shops in America. This handsome artwork features the No. 117. In September 1884, this 2-8-0 type freight engine was the first locomotive built in the shops.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1994 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB14855

Uploaded

April 19th, 2022

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