For rail enthusiasts and hobbyists, Martinsville and Henry County have become a hub for capturing images of trains. With several active tracks crisscrossing the area, train photography is alive and well, drawing the attention of locals and visitors alike.
Dean Steele, a local rail enthusiast, discovered his passion for photographing trains while working near a track in the southern part of the county. “I have an older brother who was always into trains, you know, model trains. He had layouts and stuff. He kind of influenced me,” Steele shared.
Steele’s fascination grew after a passing train near his workplace prompted him to call his brother and ask about the numbers on the side of the locomotive. That curiosity led him to take a video of a train and share it on Facebook. Soon, he connected with the Norfolk Southern Winston-Salem District, a group of rail photography enthusiasts from southern Virginia and northern North Carolina.
“They kind of give a heads up of what trains are coming down,” Steele said, noting that the group’s members share a deep appreciation for the history of railroad photography.
The group often focuses on locomotives with unique paint schemes, such as the heritage units painted to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the merger between smaller railroads that formed the Southern and Norfolk railroads. “That’s one of the things that you try to do, is get a picture of those engines,” Steele explained.
Variety of Trains in the Region
Steele highlighted the diversity of trains that pass through the area, including coal trains, grain trains, auto carriers, and tankers. However, passenger trains no longer operate in the region. The group uses train schedules to anticipate arrivals, but not every train is of interest.
“If you get a train where the engine is a heritage unit, then those are the ones people go see and want to take pictures of,” Steele said.
Expanding the Hobby
Steele’s passion for rail photography has taken him beyond Martinsville. He has traveled to capture unique locomotives and has visited the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, home to several historic trains. Steele and his wife have also participated in excursions aboard the museum’s antique locomotives.
“Sometimes we will go out of town and stay overnight to do some photography,” Steele said, emphasizing the lengths enthusiasts will go to capture the perfect shot.
Steele invites others to explore the hobby and suggests joining the Norfolk Southern Winston-Salem District group to learn more. “Those interested can get tips and learn about the trains that are moving through the area,” he said.
For those who enjoy trains and photography, Martinsville and Henry County offer a unique opportunity to connect with a vibrant and welcoming community of rail enthusiasts. Steele invites those who are interested to take part in the hobby, and check out the Norfolk Southern Winston-Salem District to get tips and learn about the trains that are moving through the area.
