Located between Simmons and Duhring along the N&W Bluestone Branch was Clift Yard, a small assembly yard where coal loads from the many branch lines in the area were assembled. Clift Yard was established in 1917 and functioned much like Flat Top Yard, located on the Pocahontas District mainline between Falls Mills and Bluestone, does in modern times. From Clift, loaded coal trains were dispatched to Bluefield. For many years this task was handled by the N&W's electric locomotives since the Bluestone Branch was electrified as far west at Clift Yard beginning in 1918. Facilities at Clift Yard included a coaling tower, water tank, engine house with drop pit, machine shop, pump house and a wash/locker room for train crews. Minor cars repairs were also handled at Clift whose shop had a capacity for up to 25 cars. In 1925 an average of 700 cars per day passed through the yard. This aerial view shows at least five yard tracks still in existence.