ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996               TAG: 9601260006
SECTION: ECONOMY                  PAGE: 8    EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY 

WORKING FOR A LIVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY ON THE JOB

On his regular day shift, Keith Nunn helps weld coal hoppers together as a mechanic with Norfolk Southern Corp. The railroad puts new steel bodies on 12 coal hoppers a day at its East Ends Shops in Roanoke.

When he works 3:30 p.m. to midnight, he usually runs an overhead crane restocking the coal hopper construction assembly line with steel. He calls it "picking steel."

A typical shift includes two 10-minute breaks and a half-hour for lunch.

"I have a good job. I'm satisfied," says Nunn, 35. "The American dream is to better yourself, but this is the best I can do for the education I have."

Nunn has worked for the railroad since July 1988. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, which represents workers at the shops.

Leather work and black-powder shooting and history are among Nunn's hobbies. He also writes short stories on a home computer, works with Boy Scout troops and attends Virginia Western Community College.

LENGTH: Short :   31 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  Cindy Pinkston. Keith Nunn/Welder/crane operator, 
          Norfolk Southern East End
          Shops. color.