The Norfolk & Western's Pocahontas

While the Norfolk & Western's Pocahontas was not initially a streamlined operation it nonetheless operated alongside the railroad's flagship run, the Powhatan Arrow. Once again, the N&W maintained the Native American theme as the Pocahontas carried a nighttime schedule between Norfolk and Cincinnati (with an available connection to Columbus). The N&W called its trains the twin team serving the Virginia coast and the two runs proved to be surprisingly successful for a railroad which did not spend lavishly on passenger services. Still, its trains were nonetheless handsome operations with their Tuscon red livery and J Class 4-8-4 steam locomotives for power. It took the Pocahontas more than 15 years to finally become a streamlined operation (thanks to hand-me-downs from its big sister) and it remained on N&W's timetable all of the way until the startup of Amtrak in 1971.

As might be expected for the time period the train featured standard heavyweight equipment of the era with power being provided by a K Class 4-8-2 Mountain (which were primarily standard steam locomotives with virtually no added touches in the way of streamlining or opulence). The early version of the Pocahontas offered standard amenities such as sleepers, diners (which offered classic Southern fried cooking), parlors, and standard coach service. As an added touch the rear heavyweight observation featured a brass railing with its rear porch overhang. Finally, with through Pullman service offered on the train passengers had the option of reaching such far away destinations as Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit.

Additionally, just like the Powhatan the Pokey used the N&W's legendary semi-streamlined J Class 4-8-4 steam locomotives for power after 1941, which replaced the fleet of 4-8-2 Mountains. The Js remained the primary power for the two flagship trains until the N&W finally upgraded to Electro-Motive's GP9s for passenger service in 1958. Interestingly, unlike most lines which used streamlined cab units for their passenger trains the N&W never owned such diesels. For many years both flagship runs sported the railroad's classic passenger livery of Tuscon red and black with Gold Leaf trim. However, this changed somewhat in the early 1950s when the N&W attempted to reduce costs by switching to an imitation gold paint.

As it turns out, the Norfolk & Western was one of just a very few lines that would completely scrap its passenger livery for an entirely different look. After the mid-1960s and new ownership the railroad switched to a deep blue and gold paint scheme, including matching GP9s. This livery remained through the end of the railroad's time as a passenger carrier. Interestingly, the Pocahontas actually became the N&W's flagship train for the last few years until Amtrak took over intercity operations. On May 23, 1969 the Powhatan was discontinued leaving the Pokey as the last remaining named train on the system (actually, the Interstate Commerce Commission required the railroad to at least maintain one intercity train). It thus acquired the Powhatan's former equipment including Vista-Domes and streamlined diner. The Pokey made its final run on April 30, 1971. For further reading about the Pocahontas please click here.

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