Pigs are flying in Norfolk

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The next question is, will Jack Taylor come out of retirement? he is the premier Norfolk Southern steam locomotive engineer. John
 


Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:40:28 -0400
Subject: Pigs are flying in Norfolk
To: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org
From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org





Mainline steam excursions could return to Norfolk Southern rails soon




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Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010




NORFOLK, Va., and CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Mainline steam excursions could return to Norfolk Southern rails as early as this fall after NS said Wednesday it is negotiating with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to operate a limited schedule of steam locomotive appearances and public passenger excursions beginning later this year.

Norfolk Southern and its predecessor Southern Railway ran an extensive series of excursions each year from 1966 to 1994. The new program, called 21st Century Steam, marks a return to steam-powered public relations on the big Eastern carrier and would highlight important dates in railroad history and provide an opportunity for audiences to learn about modern freight railroads.

The program would feature three venerable coal-powered steam locomotives:

Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, a 1911 Baldwin which began the Southern excursions in 1966, and requires a complete overhaul at TVRM, which owns the Mikado. TVRM President Tim Andrews said the engine could be made ready to run in a year if enough laborers are assigned to the engine.
Southern Railway 2-8-0 No. 630, a 1904 Alco product that also ran on Southern excursions from 1968 to 1978. An extensive six-year rehabilitation to Federal Railroad Administration standards is set for completion at TVRM's Soule Shops complex with a target date of September.
Tennessee Valley Railroad 2-8-0 No. 610, a 1952 by Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton product for the U.S. Army. The engine has been the mainstay of TVRM steam operations since 1990. It also appeared on several Norfolk Southern steam excursions from 1990 to 1993. 

"This is the right time for steam to ride the Norfolk Southern rails," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We have a fascinating history, and we have a compelling message about how today's railroads support jobs, competition, and the economy. It is a forward-looking message that resonates with people everywhere." 

"21st Century Steam can help introduce historic and modern railroading to a broad new audience of supporters," Andrews said. "We are pleased to be developing this relationship with Norfolk Southern for the purpose of preserving and interpreting the steam age, and of bringing today's railroad closer to people young and old, in communities large and small." 

The launch of 21st Century Steam would coincide with key dates. 2011 will be 4501's 100th birthday and TVRM's 50th. The year 2012 will mark Norfolk Southern's 30th anniversary. 

21st Century Steam's initial appearances and runs tentatively could take place in the Chattanooga area this fall, with locomotives 610 and 630. Exhibit dates, ticketing, and other details will be announced later. 

Later this year, Norfolk Southern and TVRM plan to launch a website in support of the program. Correspondence can be addressed to 21stcenturysteam at nscorp.com. — Jim Wrinn

 		 	   		  
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