The brakeman had dismounted and was throwing the switch for C&O's eastbound Piedmont West End Local to enter the siding at Beaverdam, VA, on March 3, 1984, to do some local work. Empty covered hoppers were exchanged for loads at a vermiculite loadout just to the east. The brick station at Beaverdam was built in 1866. Interestingly, from the looks of the privy at the end of the building, 118 years have passed and C&O still hasn't been able install indoor plumbing.