Steve, Back when I was a "young buck" I was lucky enough to fire occasionally on 630 and 4501. The hardest thing at that speed is hitting a moving target, the firedoor. I remember hitting a crossover in mid swing one time at about 50 mph and putting a full scoop of coal in the Road Foreman's lap.

I'm not a "head end guy" (I work passenger conductor duty on occasion), but I did cut coal on the '93 Independence Limited when 4501 ran from Knoxville to Richlands, Va and handed the train over to 611. Therefore I haven't had to deal with firebox target practice. As far as TVRM firemen, I guess we'd have to define "young." When 4501 was running mainline trips back in the 'old days' ('90's), there would usually be three guys who rotated firing every 30 minutes or so. Most of these guys are still "on board', but they are 20 years older (as we all are.) I'm sure it will take a few road trips to work into a predictable routine.

Steve, I'm not a "head end" guy anymore, usually I'm the conductor on our little "traveling tourist railroad" that we now have going in Roanoke. But, 35 years ago, I was lucky enough to learn something about firing from a gentleman you may know by the name of Brock......as Springsteen sings, "Glory Days"

TVRM is blessed to have a cadre of young people both among the ranks of paid staff and volunteers. It is gratifying to see another generation getting involved "hands on".

TVRM's staff deserves special commendation for Railfest. Planning and preparation for 50th anniversary events went on for over a year and staff had to fit this into their regular duties plus, in no particular order, Thomas, North Pole Limited, Halloween specials, dinner trains, National Train Day, the start up of full time freight operations at the Enterprise South industrial park, the start up of unit train freight operations on the Hiwassee River line, the completion of engine 630, the start of heavy boiler and firebox repairs on the 4501, and the launching of Norfolk Southern's 21st Century Steam program.

Alan Maples

For those of you who missed its premiere at the 50th Anniversary Banquet during Railfest, here is the official TVRM 50th Anniversary Video, which highlights the history of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POeyGWxMink

Enjoy,
Kyle

A very nicely made video Kyle! Very much enjoyed seeing the early 4501 shots!

Here's to another 50 years!


Martin