Steam Locomotive hauled Train, Knoxville, Tennessee

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• published: 24 Nov 2013
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Video journey on the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad. This train was a Christmas Train, hauled by a 2-8-0 (Whyte: oOOOO) coal fired Steam Locomotive. The locomotives and rolling stock are of Standard Gauge (1,435 mm). The two wheels on the second drive axle are flange-less so that the locomotive can negotiate sharp curves. Dated: 2010-11-28 Locomotive Details: Locomotive #154 is a 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type steam locomotive that was built in 1890 by the Schenectady Locomotive Works in Schenectady, New York. Schenectady built steam railroad locomotives from the mid 19th century through its merger into the American Locomotive Company (commonly known as ALCO) in 1901-1902. This locomotive is one of only ten preserved Schenectady built locomotives that are still in existence today. The locomotive was delivered in 1890 to the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia (ETV&G;) as locomotive #466 (builder's #3114). In 1894 the ETV&G; and the Richmond and Danville Railroad merged to form the Southern Railway. After the merger the locomotive became Southern Railway #154 and served in the East Tennessee area until it was given to the City of Knoxville to be put on display in August 1953. In the last few years of its active career for the Southern Railway the locomotive was leased to the Smoky Mountain Railroad between Knoxville and Sevierville, TN. Since 1953 the locomotive has been on public display at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville. In 1989 the locomotive was given to the Old Smoky Railway Museum which donated the locomotive to the Gulf and Ohio Railways in August 2008. The City of Knoxville and the Old Smoky Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society cared for and maintained the locomotive while on static display which kept it in a condition that makes this restoration possible. At the completion of the restoration #154 will become the oldest operating Southern Railway steam locomotive and also the oldest operating locomotive built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works. The Train: The train consisted of 3 passenger carriages, that were earlier part of a commuter train with 2 powered bogies (trucks) under each carriage, but were converted to non-powered carriages by replacing the powered bogies with non-powered ones. It also had one open wagon for military equipment transport during World War II and a Caboose. Train Ride: Guests aboard the excursion train enjoy a 90 minute trip along the Tennessee River. Beginning the journey in Downtown Knoxville, the Rambler travels past historical sites to the "Three Rivers Trestle" where the French Broad and Holston Rivers join to form the Tennessee River. Along the route, the Three Rivers Rambler passes by beautiful farmland, Knoxville's first settlement area, and several quarries that were mined to build the nation's Capital. The uniformed conductor and volunteer staff are well-versed in the local history and welcome questions during the 11-mile trip.