I got an email from a friend stating that NS Corporation is bringing back a limited steam excursion program in conjunction with TVRM. It lists POCs with both NS and TVRM. Engines involved will be #4501 (currently being rebuilt), #630 and #610. The two former engines are ex-Southern Railway (Baldwin 1911 and Alco 1904, respectively), while the latter is ex-US Army Lima 1952 IIRC. Supposedly CEO Wick Moorman is behind this. Anyone seen anything else? It begs the question, why these little engines and not the ex-N&W power in Roanoke? #4501 was good for about 12 cars over the Rathole back in the seventies when I was a teen. Would love to have some seat time on her. Learning to run steam is a goal of mine ever since getting my CFR Part 249 licensing. Metra F40's just don't have the same cachet.
Wish you luck! Flue time, ease of restoration, ease of obtaining parts, all these go into a decision as to which locomotive to actually restore to operating condition.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Yeah, I lived in Lexington, Kentucky, as a teenager and would enjoy a trip behind 4501 again. I've ridden pretty much the entire line from Cincinnatti down past Somerset, with a side trip over to Knoxville (ferry move with the ex-T&P 610). Can't remember the junction point for that one without dragging out a map. Have some pretty decent slides somewhere but need a decent conversion package for digital. That was all 35 years ago. Next year is 4501's 100th birthday. This year is my 53rd. It's harder for me to go in for a rebuild.
I hope they go from Chattanooga to Huntsville, but they would have to use running rights over CSX and they may not allow that. I would love it if they did. I always wanted to ride over that big bridge over I-24.
George
fafnir242Any chance any of the locomotives will get as far west as Illinois?
[
oltmanndfafnir242Any chance any of the locomotives will get as far west as Illinois?I saw NS respond on Facebook to a question like this. Their answer was something like "no current plans, but not ruled out, either". I'd guess that anything bigger than stuff out of Chattanooga would have to wait for future years.
I would caution;" Never, Say Never!"
It was 1992 in November when The" Clinchfield's Challenger 676" [nee UP 3985] rolled out off Cheyenne Wyoming on its' way to pull the the 25th year version of the Clinchfield's Santa Claus Special through the hills of SE Kentucky into NE Tennessee. Who'd a thunk the UP would collaborate with the CSX to make that event happen?
Here linked is a promo video of the trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM1Hl0W5Mkk
As I mentioned before; Never, say Never! In 1995 when the J-611 was parked, it was along with the 1218 the end of the Company's Steam Program. NS largely unde rthe auspices of the Claytor brothers, and many others at NS had fielded a Major, first-class Steam program ( even surviving the wreck in 1986 of the Employee Special).
But maintenance costs were given, along with the cost and problematic nature of the Insurance costs to the program as reason for canceling the Steam Program. Therailfan community was crushed. Now with the drive of N S's Chairman Wick Moorman, we are about to enter a new reincarnation of a Railroad Sponsored Steam Program. I think everyone is waiting and looking forward to this effort to bring back mainline steam .
Maybe even to see events where NS Steam will participate with UP Steam-- Who Knows!
Never, Say Never!
Does anybody have a time line of when they will be back in operation or anywhere i can find out more info?
samfp1943[oltmanndfafnir242Any chance any of the locomotives will get as far west as Illinois?I saw NS respond on Facebook to a question like this. Their answer was something like "no current plans, but not ruled out, either". I'd guess that anything bigger than stuff out of Chattanooga would have to wait for future years.I would caution;" Never, Say Never!" It was 1992 in November when The" Clinchfield's Challenger 676" [nee UP 3985] rolled out off Cheyenne Wyoming on its' way to pull the the 25th year version of the Clinchfield's Santa Claus Special through the hills of SE Kentucky into NE Tennessee. Who'd a thunk the UP would collaborate with the CSX to make that event happen? Here linked is a promo video of the trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM1Hl0W5Mkk As I mentioned before; Never, say Never! In 1995 when the J-611 was parked, it was along with the 1218 the end of the Company's Steam Program. NS largely unde rthe auspices of the Claytor brothers, and many others at NS had fielded a Major, first-class Steam program ( even surviving the wreck in 1986 of the Employee Special). But maintenance costs were given, along with the cost and problematic nature of the Insurance costs to the program as reason for canceling the Steam Program. Therailfan community was crushed. Now with the drive of N S's Chairman Wick Moorman, we are about to enter a new reincarnation of a Railroad Sponsored Steam Program. I think everyone is waiting and looking forward to this effort to bring back mainline steam . Maybe even to see events where NS Steam will participate with UP Steam-- Who Knows! Never, Say Never!
I remember my dad telling me that in about 1993 the 1218 came through Springfield, Illinois, so I agree: "Never say never."
anything new on this? 2010 is gone............
Couldn't tell you what's going on with NS steam, but I would advise patience. Once you tear down a mountain it takes time to build it up again. Personnally, I've put it on my mental "back burner", forgetting about it until it finally comes to pass.
'
An update from Norfolk Southern yesterday indicated that 630 was in the paint shop this week. She should be making her first initial runs at TVRM within a matter of weeks. The future is now!
Bill
Yesterday there was a post on the "Tennessee Valley Railroad 630" Facebook page that claimed 630 was being painted in the NS shops in Chattanooga. However, someone later posted that was incorrect and 630 will be painted at TVRM's Soule Shops. I don't know what to believe, but I've been patient for 11 years so what is a few more weeks. Regardless, I think we will see 630 in steam within the next 4-6 weeks.
SouthernKs1722 Yesterday there was a post on the "Tennessee Valley Railroad 630" Facebook page that claimed 630 was being painted in the NS shops in Chattanooga. However, someone later posted that was incorrect and 630 will be painted at TVRM's Soule Shops. I don't know what to believe, but I've been patient for 11 years so what is a few more weeks. Regardless, I think we will see 630 in steam within the next 4-6 weeks.
Just Remember:
When mating elephants there is lots of dust stirred up, noise made, ands it still takes 645 days for the results to be delivered!
SouthernKs1722 said:"...I don't know what to believe, but I've been patient for 11 years so what is a few more weeks. Regardless, I think we will see 630 in steam within the next 4-6 weeks..."
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.