The event you're referring to happened in the very early days of TVRM. I believe that everyone involved in it has since passed away. I recall hearing about the story back a long time ago and I can't remember every detail.
When the event happened in the early 1960's, TVRM was not located where it is today. Western Union had a siding located downtown adjacent to the then L&N mainline to Atlanta. It was here that both #3, K&T 10, and SR 4501 were first stored. The siding was long enough for #3 to run back and forth to provide "throttle time" for the members. Also, #3 did not have air brakes as it was equipped with a steam brake. I don't know when the air compressor was applied. It was already there when I joined TVRM in 1978.
I don't know for sure but I think this also occurred after the big track realignment was made in downtown Chattanooga. The L&N tracks that passed across Market and Broad Streets were moved to their present location to eliminate the grade crossings over two heavily traveled streets. The Southern line through the city was modified a bit when DeButts Yard was built but the mainline towards the west was built around 1906 as part of the infamous Stevenson Extension.
After a day of having #3 under steam, the crew left for the day. Somehow, all the pieces of the swiss cheese lined up - Johnson Bar off-center (Stephenson Valve Gear), cylinder cocks closed (manually operated), leaking throttle, and the brake leaking off led to the locomotive moving under its own power. She trailed through the switch that put her onto the mainline and off she went. I think she traveled to a point somewhere around the base of Lookout Mountain before she ran out of steam (about 4 to 5 miles). I don't recall hearing anything about derailing. However, there were some people awakened in the middle of the night about a locomotive that was fouling the mainline!
What I don't recall is which railroad #3 was on. Maybe another TVRM member can chime in to fill in the gaps.
By the way, a couple of items the AoS bio of #3. 4501 didn't show up until June, 1964. TVRM had put SWP #3 up for sale during the bankruptcy challenges of the 1980's. Paul Merriman purchased her at that time. As Paul grew older, his son made the tough decision to sell the locomotive (Paul was extremely attached to #3). That's when Jerry Joe stepped in to make the purchase. As a board member of TVRM, I hope that one day we can repatriate #3 back to her home.
Thanks,
|