Downtown in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Depressed Center Flatcar APWX #1002
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2021
1. Depressed Center Flatcar APWX #1002 Marker
Manufacturer: American Car and Foundry Company, 1941
Length: 43 feet 8 inches
Weight: 180,000 pounds (lbs.)
Capacity: 58,000 lbs.
Axles: 4
In addition to being used as a freight car, APWX 1002 used as a railroad mobile transformer/substation by the Appalachian Power Company (APCO), part of the American Electric Power (AEP) system. During the early 1940s, five three-phase transformers were installed on this car. If a power transformer failed or needed maintenance, these railroad mobile substations were quickly delivered and installed.
Once railroad track spurs that led to power substations were removed, delivery of mobile substations by rail became unnecessary. In 1969, the transformers from this car were removed and installed at the Monte Carlo station near Princeton, West Virginia. This flatcar was then used to move electric transformers throughout the AEP system.
The bottom of the car is lower than standard flatcars to enable the transport of tall items. It is the only car remaining of the five depressed center flatcars that were used by AEP in the 1940s. It is displayed here with a large transformer shell typical of those used by AEP. This shell was salvaged from a transformer that was damaged during an ice storm in Roanoke in 1979.
Erected by Virginia
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 37° 16.401′ N, 79° 56.79′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Downtown. It can be reached from the intersection of Norfolk Avenue Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke VA 24016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region and in Southwest Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Virginia Central Porter Rod Driven Locomotive #3 (here, next to this marker);
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2021
2. Depressed Center Flatcar APWX #1002 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
