Southern 154 in Knoxville

[E.M. Bell]

Back at the end of June, we made a quick diversion down to Knoxville while out shooting signals on the CNO&TP.  We had run out of trains for awhile, and knew the the Southern 154 was operating a baseball train on the Knoxville & Holston River that afternoon.

154 is enjoying a second chance at life after being restored to operating condition by the G&O in 2010.  After she was retired in 1953 the engine was stuffed and mounted in a Knoxville park where she was cared for by the local NRHS. . After being rescued and rebuilt, the G&O has used her in excursion service around Knoxville on the "Three Rivers Rambler"  and on One occasion, she has operated out the L&A branch with the SR 630. 

Out of respect of her advanced age (she is 124 years old!) the engine has not been used as much as the G&O"s other operable steam locomotive (W&L 203).  We arrived a little late to see her run that day, but it was still nice to be able to stand there and just take in the sight, sound and smell of another hot Southern locomotive.   

Here are a few pics of the 154 plus the Baseball trains return trip to downtown Knoxville behind diesel power. You can find the entire set at this link >>>>  http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/2014_rail_shorts_

06/28/14









The train returns to Knoxville behind a SW1500, seen first crossing the Holston River at Marbledale, TN and then passing a former Milwaukee Road SW-1 near downtown Knoxville.




Jreb member and K&HR engineer Chris Starnes at the throttle.