
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 28, 1994                   TAG: 9408310027
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE                                 LENGTH: Medium

INSURANCE PUTS BRAKES ON TRAINS

The Virginia Central Railroad's steam whistle has been silenced by the high cost of insurance, operators of the old-fashioned rail line say.

The train, powered by a firebox of burning coal, began taking tourists and rail buffs on runs from Charlottesville to Staunton, Clifton Forge and Gordonsville last fall.

The trip back in time attracted people from a wide variety of backgrounds, said Sally Kammauff, a railway employee.

``We had folks who obviously came from very cultured and wealthy backgrounds sitting right alongside country folks like me just having a great time together,'' she said.

Two engines pulled 10 vintage coaches. Three of the coaches were restored Pullman cars that once ran on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad.

But the train cars won't move this fall. The Virginia Central Railroad said it cannot afford liability insurance now required by CSX Transportation, which controls the tracks the trains have used.

``It's simply not prudent for CSX Transportation to assume liability for a train directly serving no charitable or business purpose,'' said spokesman Jay Westbrook.

He said a CSX review of the rail service led to the conclusion that the Virginia Central Railroad needs insurance to cover liabilities of up to $200 million. The railroad has estimated its annual premium would be between $1.2 million and $1.5 million for that amount of coverage.

Westbrook said CSX has no problem with the train continuing its service, as long as it pays the insurance.

``We would welcome their business, but we recognized that would be fairly cost prohibitive,'' he said.

Kammauff said she hopes an effort to return the train to service will pick up steam. The train is a viable tourism project, and financial support is being sought, she said.

``Tour bus companies from all over the country have expressed interest in this,'' she said, noting that the train benefits communities along its route.

Kammauff said the Virginia Central Railroad is working hard to try to resume its service next spring.

by CNB