7
The NS trackage used by VRE is a secondary main line, but
still boasts fully-signaled double track. NS runs several locals
over this trackage, plus short unit trains of gravel and etha-
nol to destinations right in the middle of the commuter run.
Keeping this traffic clear of the commuters, plus the Amtrak
trains that also use this track, creates operational challenges
for a model railroad.
The VRE runs south from Washington over the former
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac (RF&P) trackage, now
operated by CSX. This is a busy potion of the road’s main route
7: VRE V65 approaches one of VREs “bus stop” sta-
tions. These simple shelters provide intermediate stops
between the classic stations at the ends of the VRE lines
in Manassas and Fredericksburg.
