The
Thorn Creek & Western
Railroad

It is August, 1942. The Thorn Creek and Western Railroad runs through Pendleton County, West Virginia, serving primarily the towns of Franklin and Thorn Creek but reaching Elkins and beyond. It was originally built in the late 19th century to serve quarrying operations, farming, timber, and light manufacturing. The largest surviving prime mover is Consolidation #13 modernized with an Elesco feedwater heating system. The railroad interchanges with the Norfolk & Western, Western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the C&O.

Engine #13 at the cleanout rack near the
Thorn Creek enginehouse. Summer, 1942.

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Last Modified: January 29, 2010