We had full MU capabilities (except for dynamic brake) and 26L brake system on the 1522. It came in handy on our Texas EAS running for the BNSF as we let the trailing "billboard" diesel do the pumping of air instead of our pump. Also came in handy a couple of times getting up to track speed quicker without beating our engine to death.

Doesn't SantaFe 3751 have a cross compound under the cab on the fireman's side? I can't remember if that was a Santa Fe or restoration innovation.

Did I miss something here - or was there steam on NS yesterday?

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/apr ... rail-yard/

"The group arrived at the shipping yard on a passenger rail car pulled by a restored steam locomotive built in 1904 and belonging to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. They drove in two ceremonial golden spikes into the rail bed."

- and -

"The 23 miles of track at Enterprise South — the biggest rail overhaul in and around the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant since the tracks were laid during World War II — link with both Norfolk Southern and CSX."

So - in conclusion...steam over NS? :)

Yes. Sort of. 630 and three TVRM passenger cars moved over the NS main from TVRM to Enterprise South Industrial Park Tuesday afternoon for Wednesday's VW dedication ceremony. 630 was under steam but the train was towed by an NS diesel which also attended the event. I believe CSX also had a unit on display.

Alan Maples

Even if she was towed - the fact that she was still under steam on the NS mainline - very sweet indeed!! Any photos/videos of this move?

The VW plant is about two miles from TVRM's Grand Junction Station. NS was sending a dismal to the same event so they chose to use one crew to make the move. Hence, the TVRM consist was towed. It was great to see Southern steam on the mainline again. 630 still continues to perform well with absolutely no heat in the bearings.

Mark,

Are 630s driver bearings still using the grease cakes, or have you done something similar to what Strasburg does and turn them into oil bearings?

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/apr/07/vw-dedicates-rail-yard/?businesstnvalley

An update will be posted on TVRM's website soon.

More: http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_198413.asp
and photos: http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_198396.asp

Man......live steam on the NS, who would have thunk it!!!

Any of us that have been following it for several months now.

dave

It is very comforting to know that CSX officials attended this Volkswagen event and were able to see NS, TVRM, and their 1904 steam locomotive get such attention from VW, political leaders, and the press.

I hope they didn't pass out from the prospect of a non-roller bearing equipped steam locomotive being in close proximity to their railroad.

(If you didn't notice, CSX had one of their locos on display at this event).

I meant who would have thought a live steamer would grace the rails of NS since the end of the steam program...

I believe that in recent years that NS has been rather gracious in helping to ferry the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society's ex-Nickel Plate Road Berkshire 765 to some of the railroads that it has visited since its overhaul was completed in 2005/2006. Also, if I recall correctly, Southern Pacific GS-4 4449 briefly had to operate over NS rails in 2009 to get to Train Festival in Owosso, Michigan. Granted most of these moves have been kept rather quiet and in the case of 765 at least involved a diesel escort like the recent move of 630. However, I am hoping that the start of the 21st Century Steam program hopefully sometime this year will involve seeing steam on NS on a slightly more regular basis.

Steven Ashley