We had a meeting at Rockton this weekend about Flagg Coal 75. It looks like we're definitely going to bring her to South Carolina in October. The tentative dates are October 13, 14, 21, and 22. We have a couple minor contract issues to work out and I understand the engine is getting an inspection this week. Barring any major flaws on the Gramlings' end, I think it's safe to say the engine will be at SCRM in between her appearances at the Great Smokies and at the NC RR Museum at Bonsal.

I'll probably head up to Bonsal to see her after she leaves Winnsboro. I hear they're planning a doubleheader with the 75 and their 0-4-0T.

The last time steam operated in South Carolina was 611's ferry move back to Roanoke in December of 1994. The last steam to run through Fairfield County, SC was a Columbia, SC to Kannapolis, NC excursion with the 611 that SCRM sponsored in 1991. The last time steam operated on the Rockton & Rion was sometime in 1969.

I have my great-grandfather's coal scoop ready! Pry bars may be required to get me out of that cab!

Hello Matt,

Looks like the cat is out of the bag! Flagg Coal 75 will be joining our own New Hope Valley 17 November 3-4 and 10-11 for doubleheaded trains out of Bonsal, NC. Some of us are planning to head to SCRM to see her run before she comes to Bonsal. Our marketing manager will post official announcements with more info as details are finalized.

You're definately going to enjoy 75's visit to South Carolina. She is a fine engine maintained by first class folks. And BTW, if you're still in the cab when 75 gets to Bonsal, we'll have pry bars ready! ;-)

Mike MacLean
Manager, Steam Operations
New Hope Valley Railway
http://www.nhvry.org
http://www.engine17.org