The Original Norfolk Southern mainline Posted on October 27, 2016 at 08:05:11 PM by mp4226
Originally ran from Norfolk to Charlotte. All of the Original Norfolk Southern's trackage was acquired by Southern Railway in 1974. It is said that Southern bought out the original NS for their name, as Southern took the Norfolk Southern name after it's merger with Norfolk and Western in the 80s. The trackage that was the Original Norfolk Southern was rebranded as Carolina and Northwestern, Southern's shortline holding company. By the late 80s, the New NS was looking to sell or lease most of the original NS's trackage that wasn't already abandoned.
The famous trestle over Albermarle Sound was removed in the late 80s thus ending prospects of a through route from Norfolk to Charlotte. The original NS's manline was divides between 3 shortlines.
Charlotte to Gulf is now operated by the Aberdeen Carolina and Western. The ACWR also operates the former original NS line from Star to Aberdeen.
The latter NS still operates the trackage from Gulf to Raleigh.
The route from Raleigh to Marsden is operated by the Carolina Coastal railroad.
The trackage from Albermarle Sound to Norfolk is operated by the Chesapeake & Albermarle railroad.
Also of note,...The Atlantic & Western railroad operates a small segment of track between Gulf and Sanford Replies:
