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Echo2
02-20-2013, 10:52 AM
I want a more current map of the railway system.

I need Virginia and surrounding states.

One that has road crossing numbers.

All bridges must be labeled.

It would be nice to have all spurs....active and inactive....but not necessary.

The one I have is current...in 1968. The main routes are the same....the crossings are different....and the weird thing.....no compass rose.

Any ideas?

I've searched....and can find many decor type maps....and a few specific route maps.

My contact at the RR has retired...

Delta 5168
02-20-2013, 11:25 AM
I tried to find, basically, the same thing for my county, but the only thing that I ran across was a list of local railroad bridges with pictures. I was just trying to find a map to help me find my way in case I got lost while out hunting or something. I couldn't find any maps of power line ROWs, either. Just guessing, but I think it may have something to do with homeland security. If you have the time and patience you can pull up Google Earth and print your own maps.

Cast-Iron
02-20-2013, 01:35 PM
I suspect (for national security reasons) you may have trouble finding such a map anymore. Afterall, if you're not a railroad operator or shipping company, why would you need such a map? That being said, there is a series of state atlases put out by DeLorme. I've bought and used a few for several mountain west states, and have found them quiet usefull in navigating when well-off the beaten path. They used to be available at Walmarts (and may still be). In the index they have two or three different designations for railroad lines so they may offer the kind of information you're seeking. Good luck!

kyratshooter
02-20-2013, 02:32 PM
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10096

I am not certain but I do not think there has been a valid update to the USGS map system since 1957. Soon after that most map updating changed to areal photo and now the sattalite technology has made old fasioned "maps" relitively obsolete.

Of course there is the factor that there has not been a railroad built in my area in 100 years, so the 1957 maps are still accurate, except where they cross interstate highways, which did not exist them.

Even the simple road maps we use for trip planning are now computer generated and automatically updated.

Have you thought of going to Google Earth and printing off what you need?

intothenew
02-20-2013, 03:44 PM
Not near what you are asking but,


WVDOT county maps have the tracks, but not numbered crossings etc. They're free, LINKY (http://www.transportation.wv.gov/highways/programplanning/gti/gis/maps/pages/wvcountymaps.aspx).

VDOT is pay per view, less than forty bucks for the whole state. LINKY (http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/resources/Virginia-maps-order-form.pdf)

Echo2
02-20-2013, 04:31 PM
The crossing numbers are only important for references.....I guess I could manually check them out....but that would take some time.

hunter63
02-20-2013, 04:56 PM
Any excuse for a ....."Road Trip"....
We "research" hunting areas all the time........Road Trip!

Rick
02-20-2013, 06:32 PM
I don't know if this will get you close but pick up a copy of SPV's Comprehensive Railroad Atlas - Appalachia and Piedmont. It does not contain highways but does have all rail lines past and present, yards, bridges, etc.

http://www.goldenspike.us/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=23847

You might also check to see if you have any railroad museums or railroad clubs in your area. They might well be a source for the information you are looking for.

Thaddius Bickerton
04-13-2013, 07:07 PM
Nothing quite as good as boots on the ground to verify and mark up your own map.

Excuse for getting out there and doing.

Also some work with google earth might help you look in on selected places if you go slow and don't mind doing your own cartography.

Might turn into a fun hobby.