James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Hi folks, thought the train buffs here would enjoy this story. The citizens of Tennessee with the help of many sponsors and donations has began the process of restoring an old steam engine back to working condition. She has sat for 66 years on display at Centennial Park here in Nashville. She hasn't run since 1953. It's been a dream of many train enthusiasts in the area to get her running and back on the tracks. That dream is now coming true. Last weekend they pulled her out of the shelter in the park, loaded her on a self propelled flat bed, and took her to a live siding where they will prepare her to be towed to the Central Tennessee Railway Repair shop. First, they will have to go through her running gear to make sure she's all lubed up and capable of being towed. She sits under the I-40 overpass where they will do the running gear checks and repairs as needed. A temporary fence is being erected around her to keep out vandals. I've also included a couple video links you might enjoy of her being moved. She weights about 275 tons. The moving crew did an amazing job as did the city to raise electrical lines along the route. The two photos are mine taken of her under her shelter in Centennial Park taken in 2013. The last photo is of her after being moved to her temporary place on the track siding under the overpass.

videos:
https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleSteam/videos/1436366789826878/?fref=mentions
https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleSteam/videos/307193966596159/?fref=mentions

DSC04726 by James Frazier, on Flickr

DSC04714 by James Frazier, on Flickr

DSC09056-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Good to see.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Interesting, how they can move things around.
Do you know if they will have a way to show the rebuild progress?
Pat

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

I don't know of anything at this time Pat. Don't know if they will show progress online in some manner. I've been using the following
link for information. http://www.nashvillesteam.org/ If I learn of anythings, I'll let you know.

Yes, that electric self motorized flatbed was pretty amazing. It had something like 80 tires to carry and distribute the 275 tons of engine it carried. Also had a self leveling feature on all axles that kept the load level.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice set.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thanks, James!
Pat

Stephan G

Would love to be there at first steam-up. Hopefully it will be too crowded to get a good shot.

Thanks for sharing.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

That looks like an interesting project--keep us posted.

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

I hope no one interprets this as a hijack of this wonderful posting. It's just that I think this section on UHH is as much about train buffs as photography.

I lived in Amarillo when Mega Movers covered the Madam Queen's move from in front of the old Santa Fe depot to another spot downtown. Here are some links to that. I believe I have posted some of my Madam Queen photos.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0PBobyt_ctoN3S0Dj2pRJTS6d1g8EEgo

Stephan G

I don't believe that any of us can separate the two. "Buffs" and "Shooters".

(And sometimes I even "Shoot in the Buff".)

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Absolutely fabulous. Am hoping they will show the progress of restoration on line. Would be great. Mahalo for sharing.

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

That's great!! Love to see them restored and running!!