This was just passed along to me earlier today, and I thought that at least the central Kentucky folks on here might be interested in it.
R. J. Corman Steam Locomotive Sand Train’s Inaugural Trip
R. J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC., Nicholasville, Kentucky announces its recently acquired and refurbished steam locomotive “Old Smokey” will make its maiden voyage on Saturday, May 24th, 2008. The steam locomotive and its tender car will be hauling approximately 6 new gondola cars filled with sand from Louisville to Lexington. These are very special gondola cars in that were built specifically for R. J. Corman Railroad Company. Each loaded gondola car weighs 305,000 lbs and will haul approximately 119 tons of sand.
Old Smokey was in operation as recently as 2005 in the Chinese province of Liaoning, where it was used to haul coal and passengers. It is a QJ Class 2-10-2 locomotive, built in 1986 and it weighs 140 tons, with a tender car that weighs 40 tons. The steam locomotive produces the equivalence of 2,000 horsepower.
R. J. Corman Railroad Group arranged to buy the locomotive through a Pittsburgh shortline railroad company, which owns two. After three months of refurbishment, the locomotive was loaded onto a ship in the largest port in Northeast China - the Dalian Port. It arrived in New Orleans three weeks later.
Thanks for the info. Ben, guess that means we try to get over to River Road Sat.
The departure time has been moved up to 0730! from Nugent Sand. Check the top of the website at http://www.rjcorman.com/ for the new schedule times.
I will be in Lyndon behind the strip mall with some other fans. I may go out to Bagdad for more photos. Cya down the line.
Ed in Crestwood
That schedule that got bumped up, got bumped back by some CSX freight trains this morning.
The QJ was hauling six loaded gondolas and this fancy bay window caboose.
Nice Shots Ed!!
We got some pics of the gons yesterday, and went out to HK Tower for today.
Managed to get a few mediocre shots, we had to contend with a small crowd there.
There was quite a crowd in downtown Frankfort today as well, but I managed to get in and get a few decent shots. Unfortunately, due to the already mentioned delays(it arrived about 12:05 in Frankfort), the 30 minute stop was reduced to 10 minutes. Although the fire department had hoses connected, I don’t believe the engine actually took on any water.
Having a good wide angle lens helped a whole lot with regard to beating the crowd. Chris(CopCarSS), if you’re reading this, you can know that the 20mm lens you sold me is still seeing its fair share of trains [:)]
I also was able to chase it across town on my way home, although I didn’t stop to get any more shots. I also wasn’t able to make it to Midway, although I understand that there was also quite a crowd.
Although I was not initially very fond of the appearance of this locomotive, I have to admit that with the improvements Mr. Corman has made, it has really grown on me. I think that it is one sharp looking locomotive. Kudos are also certainly in order for Mr. Corman for going to the trouble of buying, and then operating(pulling a revenue train, no less) a steam locomotive.
Ben-Nice shots. I have to agree that Corman has done a nice job of decking out the engine. I believe the QJ’s on the Iowa Interstate retain the smoke deflectors and have not had their appearance modified. I like Corman’s better
Hey I see some members here got some nice shots. I posted my pics of the RJC 2-10-2 on the Flat Wheel Cafe. Locomutt, CW, and I made our way from downtown Louisville to HK Tower on the CSX Shortline in Anchorage. There were quite a bit of people there; I also saw one my my supervisors there a Shortline trainmaster, we had a good conversation. I believe he is a railfan.
We waited there at HK for about 90mins before 2-10-2 made her way off the Shortline on the Old Road. Well, that dosen’t surprise me that CSX held up RJC. To CSX getting there trains over the road is the first priority. There was one train that was having traction motor problems.
Glad I didn’t have to work today!! [:-^][(-D]
ben10ben,
There’s nothing better than a great day of warm sunshine and blue skies and a BEAUTIFUL STEAM loco to chase ! ! ! Great Shots, thank you for sharing !
That goes for SSW9389 as well !
Great shots you guys !
Looks like the story made the local newspaper today.
http://www.state-journal.com/news/article/3846911
Interestingly enough, they quote Harry Posner, who the article implies was along for the ride yesterday.