Trifecta Completion: Southern 401

[PGupton]

On a recent trip to St. Louis to see some Cardinals games, I was able to beg/plead/bargain my way into a trip north to see the Southern Railway #401 at the Monticello Railway Museum. I figured I wasn't going to get the chance again anytime soon, and I wanted the bragging right of having seen all operational Southern Railway steam!

We were there on a Sunday, so there weren't many runs but I'm happy enough with what I got. We rode the 12:30 run and the crew was nice enough to allow me into the cab for the shove south to downtown Monticello. That is one heckuva clean engine! After the shove south I thanked the crew and joined my dad back in the open car. It's a short, but pleasant ride. After that run we went to a couple spots to get some photos of the engine running, and then left for home. I enjoyed the museum and the 401, the place rather reminds me of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum a few years ago.... before 630 and the NS steam program.

[E.M. Bell]

Great stuff Peyton..thanks for sharing with us!

The museum up there is a "hidden jewel" for sure, and they have some great equipment. The wife and I went up back in 2010 for the debut of the 401 and had a great time. I doubt that engine looked that good the day it rolled out of the factory!

[butch]

On the way back from St. Louis huh?  Looks like time well spent.

[PGupton]

On the way back from St. Louis huh?  Looks like time well spent.

More "out of the way" than "on the way" but it was worth the extra hour of driving!