J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Virginia Locomotive" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Legendary Locomotives of the 50 States Virginia Commemorative Cover postmarked September 3, 1994.

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.

Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B14855)

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