Ron Flanary

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Ron Flanary – Appalachian Railroads

Whether it is the Louisville & Nashville, Southern, Clinchfield, Interstate, or N&W, Ron Flanary has written about and photographed them all. His hometowns are Appalachia and Big Stone Gap VA, so he has enjoyed a front row seat to some of the best railroad operations in the nation.

Ron Flanary is a well-known Railroad Industry Expert and Historian, Author of books and many magazine articles, Artist, and exemplary Photographer. His photos, art and words have allowed thousands of us to sit with him in the front row seat and enjoy the best of the region’s railroads.

Ron’s Bio

In his latest book, ‘The Southern Railway,’ his bio reads:

As a youngster growing up in southwestern Virginia, Ron Flanary was intrigued by the Southern Railway and its subsidiaries. He became a contract janitor at the Southern-Interstate Railroad division offices in Andover VA, during his last two years in college. In 1970-72 he was a management trainee in Southern’s engineering department before opting for a different career path as an economic development and public infrastructure professional. He’s been a prolific writer, photographer, and occasional artist for over 50 years. Retired, Ron lives in Big Stone Gap VA with his wife, Wilma, and plays jazz trumpet to augment his railroad interests.”

Below is just a small portion of his knowledge, books, articles and photos.

Ron’s Books

The Southern Railway - Ron Flanary

2022 Santa Claus Special Article in ‘Trains’ Magazine

https://www.trains.com/trn/magazine/archive-access/trains-april-2023/

Norfolk Southern Article in ‘Railroads Illustrated’

Ron penned the lead article on the 40th anniversary of Norfolk Southern for the 2022 edition of Railroads Illustrated Annual.

https://railroadsillustrated.com/current-issue/

Virginia is for (Railroad) Lovers in ‘Trains’ Magazine

Clinchfield Railroad Article

http://www.lnrr.org/pdf/articles/Flanary-Clinchfield%20Feature.pdf

Ron Flanary – First ‘Trains’ Magazine Byline

Beyond the byline with Ron Flanary

For More Information – Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the history and operation of the Appalachian Railroads. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Appalachian-Railroads.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Contact Us

Would enjoy hearing from you if you have questions, suggestions, edits, or content that you are willing to share. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have similar interests in the railroads or model railroading.

3Cs Websites

Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org