After reading the article about the Andrews raid in the latest Trains, does anyone know the history of the "General" locomotive that was used in Keaton's movie? I understand that the wreck of the "Texas" was scrapped in the second world war, but what happened to Buster's locomotive?
The Texas is on display in the Atlanta Cyclorama. Teh General is now on display at Kenensaw, Georgia (the station where it was stolen). For many years, it was on display at the Union Station in Chattanooga.
Johnny
Thanks, but I was referring to the locomotives used in the movie. They weren't the original ones, were they?
Oh,in no way were the locomotives used in Busters movie the originals. As I understand it, the film was shot on a soon to be abandoned logging railroad, hence it was no problem to destroy the locomotive and the bridge it was on, the whole road was due to be scrapped anyway. Still, it makes my blood run cold to see that 4-4-0 wrecked. But back then it wasn't the priceless artifact it would be considered today, it was just an old bomb. I supposed car guys get the same feeling when they watch a spectacular car wreck in a classic film from the 30's or 40's. "How could they DO that?!"
I remember reading that they shot the movie in Oregon.
It was a short line, near Cottage Grove Oregon, and I seem to recall reading it was a logging or lumber railroad, which makes sense. They have an annual festival about the film and about Keaton
http://cottagegrovehistoricalsociety.com/buster_keaton.html
I have also read that the wrecked steamer was in fact salvaged for its metal in WWII
According to this site there are some track remains of the scene in the Row River
http://www.kval.com/news/7657752.html
Dave Nelson
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