Mining Train
This small train once hauled many tons of zinc ore from the earth, operating through a tunnel connecting mines in Ivanhoe and Austinville, Virginia. Constructed by the Fulford Company in 1948, the two battery-powered locomotives feature roller bearings, trolley type controls and primitive cable braking. Cars are connected by linking and pin. The red car carried explosives used in blasting. The track gauge for this train is 2 feet; standard gauge track for full sized trains is 4 feet 8.5 inches between the rails.
The New Jersey Zinc Company had its origins in northwestern New Jersey. The Sussex Zinc and Copper Mining and Manufacturing Corporation was incorporated in 1848 for the purpose of mining zinc, and the New Jersey Exploration and Mining Company was incorporated in 1849 for the purpose of mining iron. In 1852, the two companies merged to form the New Jersey Zinc Company. The New Jersey Zinc Company was the largest producer of zinc and zinc products in the United States from 1897 until the time of its merger with Gulf and Western Industries, Inc. in 1966.
Erected by Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Virginian Class SA #4 (a few steps from this marker); Virginian Railway Caboose #321 (a few steps from this marker); Celanese Porter Fireless #1 (a few steps from this marker); Whitcomb 30DM31 Diesel Switcher (a few steps from this marker); 1936 F-20 McCormick Deering Farmall Tractor (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk & Western ALCO C630 Diesel-Electric #1135 (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk Southern Research Car #31 (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginian Railway Class C-10 Caboose #321 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
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 122 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
