Train and local history buffs can learn more about the Virginian Railway, a rail line that in its heyday shipped for dozens of local businesses, this weekend.

Lynchburg’s Aubrey Wiley, author of  “Virginian Railway Memories,” will speak and sign copies of his newest book at the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, 326 N. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5.

The Virginian Railway began operations in 1909, primarily for transporting coal from central West Virginia to the port of Norfolk, Wiley said. The train line was built because owners felt that larger rail companies were overcharging to transport West Virginia’s coal to the market.

The small train company, which was competing with rail mammoths of the era, Norfolk & Western and Chesapeake & Ohio railways, had a presence in Suffolk until it was sold in 1959. According to Wiley, the West Virginia-based company kept a steam locomotive and later, a diesel engine and crew, in Suffolk and at one time, owned a freight station near the current museum’s site.

“The Virginian had a huge presence in Suffolk,” Wiley said.

According to his research, 52 Suffolk companies used the railroad for shipping during the 1940s and 1950s.  Some of the companies are now defunct and were located in the downtown area, including Benthall Machinery Co. and Foundry, Dixie Cotton Gin, Suffolk Lumber Co., Suffolk Scrap Iron Metal and Planters Peanut and Chocolate Co.

While incoming trains transported coal, many outgoing were hauling loads of peanuts, farm equipment and other agricultural products, said Suffolk rail historian Charles Sledge.

In writing the book, Wiley and his wife traveled the 660-mile path that the Virginian traversed through Virginia and West Virginia. They visited communities; researched courthouse, freight and shipping records; and most importantly, interviewed people who had family members employed by the Virginian or owned personal collections of memorabilia.

“A big part of this book is sharing people’s stories,” said Wiley. “There is a lot of information on the Virginian that has never been included in any other railroad book.

“This is the largest book that has ever been done.”

Although he has authored other books on the Virginian, this self-published, hardback book is more detailed and has more photographs than one in the past, Wiley said. It also features extensive information and local history in the communities served by the Virginian — in this area, Suffolk, Portsmouth and Norfolk.

Sledge called the book a “good compilation of everything Virginian.”

“This is a must-have book for railroad fans,” he said. “It is very complete and contains a lot of detailed information.”