Bluefield Berkshire number 777 was the primary modern steam power used on the Southern Allegheny Division for fast freight service. Even after the N&W purchased the line, B&AC's 4 handsome Berks continued to hold down a lot of through freight assignments. The extremely steep grades in combination with short sidings, limited the length of most freights. Bluefield later leased 2 Berkshires from Nickel Plate to supplement their modern power and retire older Mikado and consolidation types.