Norfolk Southern Steam Deadheading

[W. Dancey]

I heard recently from a friend that when NS takes the NKP 765 or Southern 630 out on excursions that they simply deadhead the steamers. I was also told that they are not allowed to power the train because NS does not own either of the locomotives due to an FRA regulation. However, it seems to me like the two steamers are working in several videos I have viewed and I have found no mention of an FRA regulation such as this. Can anybody confirm or deny this? Hopefully they wouldn't do this to 611 when she gets back to the high iron! -W. Dancey

[Train Guy 3]

Deadheading of the SOU 630 and NKP 765 on excursions is false. This is the diesels do assist the steamers as needed but solely just pushing the locomotives along is not true. The 630 even ran without diesel backup on a few excursions the past two years, not sure about the 765. There is a Trains article ( forget which issue) talking about how when the 765 went through Horseshoe Curve that the engineer wanted to steamer to be doing all the work since NS CEO Wick Moorman was aboard for the trip. The primary purpose of running with diesel is to use their dynamic braking power and backup protection for a failure, such with the 630 bearing issue at Roanoke last year.

The crews for the locomotives are provided by their respective owners. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum provides crew for SOU 630 and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society provides crews for NKP 765. Norfolk Southern provides the crews for the diesel helpers and certified pilot for the territory the excursion is being run on. The passenger cars are provided by NS and various historical groups depending upon the excursion.

[sparky1084]

Hi i'm new to this discussion but would like to post some info on the subject of deadheading the steamers. The 630 was in Norfolk Virginia on an excursion to and from Peatersburg Va. When it returned back to Norfolk I had the oppertunity to talk with the engineer who was not a Norfolk Southern employee but belonged to the museum that owns the 630. The engine was under it's own power and was providing the majority of the power for the train and did it ever sound good. He did say with the engine being built in 1901 they do baby the it. The diesels are for assist and back up.

[Rikers Yard]

  I was at Horse Shoe Curve last year (2012, August) and can state that 765 was doing the work. The helper at the time was NS 8100, the NKP painted unit.  It was inaudible above the bark of 765. 8100 was at idle through the curve but was used farther up the hill, as the rails were wet. This was done for the fans at the curve, not just for the CEO. You can check out the Fort Wayne RR Historical Society Face Book page for more info.

                                                 Tim 

[NorthWest]

Yes, the steam locomotives are allowed to operate on their own, as these picture shows:

630: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=433011&nseq=1

NW

 

[parts323]

I believe 765 was under power during the Norfolk Southern employee trips last year and the public trips this year around Horse Shoe Curve, but I caught 765 on its trip up to Horse Shoe Curve a few days before the public trips on the Pittsburgh Line in Swissvale, PA. The locomotive was not under power when it rolled past me and the Pennsylvania Heritage unit was screaming as it was pushing 765. This does make complete sense to me. They were probably saving coal and wear and tear on the old girl.