What happened to the "Lookout Mountain" that used to bring up the markers on the old Southern excursions? I know she was out of service after they got on the ground over in the swamp, but I wonder what happened to it. I think that other open car was damaged in the derailment and was scrapped, but if any of you all know what happened to the Lookout Mountain I would like to know.

I guess these spring days make me think about all those great old excursions!

She is operating at Mt. Hood Railroad along with a couple other former Southern coaches.

Here is a pic.



Kevin

There were 3 open air cars in the NS Steam fleet prior to the Dismal Swamp derailment. In addition to "Lookout Mountain", there were 2 mid-train cars. "Missionary Ridge" had been painted red in 1982 and was totaled in the derailment. "W. Graham Claytor" had been converted from a smoothside heavyweight in the late 1970's. It suffered vestibule damage in the wreck. It was given to VMT in 1987, along with the "Lake Pearl". Although has not yet been moved, TVRM has leased the "Claytor" from VMT, and it will be returning to service in the near future.

Ken,
A lot of historical equipment found it's way to the Pacific Northwest. I rode on that car last summer when they had the short-lived steam operation on that line. At that time, they were using former Grand Canyon # 18 for power, with what to me sounded like a N&W 'hooter' whistle. For me, it almost felt like I was riding one of the old NS excursions again! It was really neat to finally ride on that famed car, as I was too young to have ridden it back when the SRR steam program was still using those older heavy weight cars. By the time I started riding NS steam trips, the green cars were long gone. I have some pretty good photos of it from last year if you'd like to see them, just PM or e-mail me directly if you want.
Lee (a fellow ET&WNC fan)

FYI, there's a lot of good info on the SRR/NS program in this book: http://www.amazon.com/Steams-Camelot-So ... 248&sr=1-1