Ahead for steam in the second quarter of 2015

The first three months of the year have passed with a few significant steam outings. Nevada Northern’s annual photographer’s weekend produced stunning images as usual (See Robert Scott’s report here.);  a private charter on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic did likewise; and John and Barney Gramling’s roaming 0-6-0T No. 126 put on a show with a mixed train in the snow at my own home road, the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. The next quarter of the year typically launches operating preserved steam into full throttle position. This one should be no different. Let’s look at some of the highlights.

At the top of everyone’s minds are Norfolk Southern’s plans for this year. As yet, they’re unknown. After taking a pass on steam outings last fall as traffic surged and crews and track time were in short supply, NS is wisely being cautious in approaching a mainline steam schedule for 2015. With Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501 rebuilt and racking up mileage at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, we can hope that the most beloved Mikado of the mainline gets out this spring. Same for the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765. Of course, the most anticipated steam debut for 2015 is the return to steam of Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, out of service since 1994 and nearing completion of its restoration at Spencer. Begun last June, the restoration is nearing its close – a hydrostatic test has been done and a carload of coal to fire up the Virginia Museum of Transportation’s pride and joy arrived at Spencer last week. Trains magazine will be on hand to live stream the test fire on our Website and to gather material for a special commemorative magazine, “611 in Steam” and a companion DVD of the same name. Be sure to watch for ads and ordering information for both of these collector’s items soon. We look forward to being in Roanoke that fine day when the finest steam passenger locomotive ever built returns to its birthplace.

Also heading toward completion is privately-owned Saginaw Timber 2-8-2 No. 2 at Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wis. I’ve had the good fortune to visit this project several times over many years and to even get my hands dirty a time or two on the engine. The cab should go on this weekend along with a flurry of work. With its dark green boiler jacket, lacquered wood pilot, and dinner plate-sized drivers, No. 2 will be a spiffy engine befitting of a photo outing with freight cars.

Out west, Memorial Day weekend is the target date for completion of the Glenbrook, a 3-foot-gauge 2-6-0 at the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s Carson City campus. The 1875 Baldwin product will be a true gem in steam, and we hope to report more about the restoration in the pages of Trains.

This is the first year for the Cass Scenic Railroad under private ownership, and the non-profit Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association is busy putting together the annual railfan weekend, May 15-17 with Heisler No. 6 and three Shays in steam. This year’s event features rare mileage, and if you haven’t been before, or you have never been, take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy great geared locomotive action the Back Alleghany Mountains of West Virginia. You can find more information here.

Remember, there are about 190 steam locomotives across the U.S. that are in operation for the public at least one day per year. Get out there and enjoy them. See you on board or trackside! And don’t forget to buy a ticket or send a donation to your favorite. Better yet, do both!