From special guest contributor Brian McDonnell (NCStL576) comes this video featuring the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museums new season finale of an exciting year; doubleheaded Southern Railway steam. \r
\r
On this trip from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia is the operation of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museums steam locomotives. Both engines are veterans of the Southern Railways freight operations and steam program. \r
\r
On this train is 2-8-2 4501, the famed excursion locomotive that started the original Southern Railway steam program back in 1966. Built in 1911, this Baldwin locomotive was the first Mikado owned by the Southern. It was used in the steam program in the famed Crescent green and gold paint scheme through 1994. The engine last operated in 1998. Following a four year restoration, the 4501 made its return to operation in September. \r
\r
Added for this days trip was 2-8-0 #630, a 1904 Alco product restored in new. It was operated in the original Southern steam program in the 1970s, and following a 20-year restoration, operated again in the revived program since new. \r
\r
This was only the third time both engines have operated together. Now both in black, the two made a nice sight on the extended trip to Summerville