Saw this on the O Gauge Railroading real trains forum:" I am happy to report that negotiations are underway to have the 576 restored to operation. The most important factor is the ability to fund this project, and we are assured of that! We estimate 1.2 to 1.5 million total cost IF there are no cracks in the one-piece frame casting, and IF the boiler is repairable. This engine was reflued before being placed on display in the park in 1953 after only eleven-years of exemplary service." "We have a committment from the Nashville and Eastern Railroad, which operates over the old Tennessee Central route east from Nashville, TN to Monterey, TN, at milepost 108.4. The track from Nashville to Lebanon (milepost 32) has been upgraded to FRA commuter rail standards with signaling integrated with traffic signals. The remainder of the route has upgraded bridges and track approved for excursion service. There is a wye in Nashville, and one at Monterey, each with 11 degree curves. This engine has lateral motion drive boxes, and has easily negotiated curves as tight as 30 degrees!

The excursions will be run under the auspices of the Tennessee Central Museum, which will supply the train set (with tight-lock couplers and HEP) on all cars.
"

Dixie......ARISE!


(I've got my fingers crossed!) - Les

Another post from O Gauge: "The Tennesse Central Museum will be the custodian of the J3 #576, once it is restored at the Tennesse Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, and returned to Nashville. The Tennesse Central Railroad Museum has successfully operated diesel powered excursion trains on the Nashville and Eastern Trackage for two decades".

The city of Nashville will not be a problem in 576's release this time as in the past.There are plans for a major "facelift" of Cenntenial Park that do not involve 576 or the jet plane displayed nearby.

I think because of the presence of Rich Melvin, the O Gauge Railroading "Real Trains" forum has become a pretty good place for steam news. Reminds me of the old days of RYPN.

Rob

Okay, once I set aside my rightfully-placed cynicism about this announcement (as in this is at least the third time in thirty years I've heard that the restoration of 576 to steam was planned)........

................ PLEASE don't tell me that the HEP-and-tightlock trainset in question is that fleet of C&NW gallery bilevels being used by Music City Star..........

[despairs of another 4-8-4-and-gallery-set operation, after the one with 2100 in Tacoma.... and notes that the Nashville commuter operation offers charters at their website.....]

If their website wasn't seven years out of date, that would probably help their cause some, especially since it seems the stars are aligning with regards to a future business plan once the locomotive is operational -- but how to get there, who is working on the project, where will the work be done, where are the "assured" funds coming from, how thorough have the inspections been, and what condition are the boiler/firebox/appliances, if any have been performed?

They have a decent website with a lot of content, though "official" new/recent 576 information seems lacking. The site has what appears to be a robust membership database, but it does leave public information wanting, especially with the comments relayed from the O Gauge forum.

It sounds like a perfect storm for a unique locomotive, especially if they can get the city and region behind it.



I see no official announcement. Do you?

Looking forward to hearing more information.

KL

Folks,
it happens that I had relatives living near Nashville when i was a child and that steam locomotive is the first park display locomotive that I ever played on.

It was (is) in the middle of Centennial Park; which also has among other things a full size reconstruction on the Parthenon of Athens, Greece.

Maybe it will be restored to operate; but a 4-8-4 is a monster of a restoration project. If it is to be moved; then I hope it gets a cover over it in the new display location.

Isn't she the only surviving locomotive from the NC & STL?

Ted Miles

I think it's a great idea, and wish them the best of luck.

However, I did notice what could be a minor challenge for the organization.

"We estimate 1.2 to 1.5 million total cost..."

So, based on typical locomotive restoration projects, that means 1.5 to 2 million before it's all said and done. As they mention: "The most important factor is the ability to fund this project..."

What I don't see mention of is how that will be accomplished.

> Despairs of another 4-8-4-and-gallery-set operation,
> after the one with 2100 in Tacoma.... and notes that
> the Nashville commuter operation offers charters.....

Other than railfans, most passengers were quite pleased with the bi-level cars on the 2100. A lot of folks, especially kids, really liked the upper level. Apparently clean coaches, air conditioning and functioning restrooms are important to the general public.

Yes, there were a lot of complaints about the 2100's trip, but they mostly centered on the "scenery", which in places was graffiti, homeless people and crack houses. That had nothing to do with the consist.

Railfans complained that you couldn't hear the steam engine, and also wondered why folks didn't save money and just go ride on the Sounder instead. Oh, wait, most of them apparently did....

Seriously though, the bi-level cars were well received by the public at large. You have to remember that things that are important to railfans (windows that open, vintage coaches) can sometimes be exactly the opposite to the general public (drafty, smoky, no a/c or heat, old worn seats, tiny restrooms...)

Can they split the difference and have one open car in the consist?

Based on a call to a friend, I wouldn't get too excited, but then again, don't be surprised if it actually happened.

Just to refresh our collective memories, the shelter the 576 currently sits under was built only 6 years ago...and at that time there were great plans to restore and run her. The city said no, the chain link fence came down and this shelter went up. Now they want to let her go?

That's an excellent idea, or at least an open window car. In fact the 2100 operation had plans to do that exact thing, if the second season had ever happened. (Of course they had lots of plans, most of which never happened. :))

Most municipalities change direction like the wind, based on the whims of the current administration. Somebody mentioned that they now have new plans for the park. Maybe keeping history alive seemed important back then, now they may feel that the priority is to put in a ball field or dog park or skateboard area.

Seattle's Waterfront Streetcar is a great example of lack of foresight.

The sculpture garden was in the works for nearly 10 years, and under design for at least 5 years. Suddenly, just before construction started Metro supposedly discovered, much to to their astonishment, the carbarn was going to have to be removed. Nobody told them? Really? I find that hard to believe.

In 2005 the line was shut down for construction of the sculpture park. They declined to put up another carbarn, even a temporary one, due to the "imminent" demolition of the Alaskan Way viaduct. 5 years later, the city is still fighting over what to do with the whole "Big Dig 2 - aka Clueless in Seattle" mess. Who knows when they'll start....