The Elk River is a former B&O line which operated between Charleston and Elkins, WV. The line was built as the WV Coal and Coke Railroad by Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen B. Elkins. The main shop was located in Gassaway, WV the mid-point of the line. The line has about 1/2 of its length in 115 lb/yard CWR (welded rail) with the remainder 90-112 lb bolted rail.
Today it is part of Bright Enterprises, headquartered in Summersville, WV. The President is Frank Jorgensen, Dave Shaffer, VP/Operations Manager, and Angie Miers, Agent. Their office may be contacted by dialing 304-872-3000.
The ELKR has 72 miles of track, with the portion between CSX interchange at Gilmer Station (MP 6.2) and Hartland (South of Clay). It has two curves in service which are 19 and 20 degrees, and two tunnels which are the apex of 2.5% grades. The former Buffalo Creek and Gauley RR is also part of Bright Enterprises.
Buffalo Creek was the last common carrier in West Virginia to use steam power. Engine #13, a 2-8-0, is in service with the Ohio Central Railroad, Coshocton, Ohio, owened by Jerry Jacobson and family. Another former BC&G engine is on display at Riverfront Park, Huntington, WV. This locomotive is a 2-8-2, and was used to push air dump cars to the mine waste pile in Widen. BC&G expends between Dundon (across the ELk from Clay) and Widen, about 17 miles. The BC&G is laid with 100 lb/yard bolted rail. Coal for AEP (Appalachian Electric Power) is loaded at MP 1.5
Picking up empties from CSX at Gilmer Station
Leaving Gilmer at MP 6 with 5 GP9-10 locomotives
Pembrook tunnel, 3,400' about 3 miles N. of Gassaway
