Whatever its original purpose was, the C&O fielded three through Washington and Newport News to and from Cincinnati trains: George Washington, Sportsman, and Fast Flying Virginian. All three had sections from both Newport News and Washington, and all had through sleepers to and from New York City, Penn Station, but no through coaches. Generally Pacifics were used between Charlottesville and both Washington and Newport News, with Hudsons also used between Charlottesville and Washington. West of Charlottesville, Greenbriar 4-8-4s were usual on all three trains, but how far west they ran is something I cannot recall. The Sportsman had through sleepers to and from Detroit (rode), not sure about the others. The George Washington had through sleepers to Chicago via the Big Four New York Central system, and perhaps the other two also had this. The C&O local on its own Chicago line ran only to Hammond, with passengers expected to continue to Chicago on the South Shore. I also recall riding a through lightwieght sleeper from Louisville, but forget which of the three trains. This was the pattern during WWII and for at least 12 or 13 years after, before massive train-offs nationwde began. At one time or another I rode all three, beginng at age 10, 1942, by myself, from Washington to Charlottesville. A"flying pumps" Pacific was on the head-end. Boy, was I impressed. And the conductor let me explore the train through the Pullmans to the brass-railed obs on condition I would not stay to long in that First-Class area. I was not particularly tall or big for my age, either. I had been accompanied by a tenant of our home on the PRR from NY to Washington. Return home was on the Southerner without change in Washington, just my watching the engine change from an EMD E6 to a GG!.
I assume this train was started to take hunters and fisherman to West Virgina and the Greenbrier for some R&R?
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.