Back in the late '60s, there was a steam locomotive that made publicity tours on the Seaboard Coastline; it was something like a 4-4-0, and had MU controls to a F7 B-unit that was coupled behind the tender and did most of the pulling. It was referred to as “Clinchfield #1”. I saw it in '67 or '68, but unfortunately my film was lost by the developer. I can’t find any trace of it in the “preserved steam” forums…
Also about that time there was an ACL steamer, probably a Pacific or Mike, on display behind a fence in Florence, SC (at the ACL/SCL yards, I think). I don’t find anything about IT, either.
Anyone have any info about either of these?
The steam locomotive IIRC is a 4-6-0. There was at least one detailed article in Trains about it, in the early '70s… I remember the article discussing something about Sam Erwin so it would be in the Watergate years…
I presume the ACL locomotive isn’t the USRA 4-6-2 that was mentioned in February 1965 Trains. You might check with James D. Hefner as to which ACL engines survive in various areas. You can also get a list of preserved ACL locomotives from:
Pictures of Clincfield’s # 1 can be found on pages 68-70,in the book
“Clinchfield Country” And # 1 is a 4-6-0.
It did make several passenger trips by it’self,but was limited to only 2 cars,
so if they had more than 2,they added the diesels (usually F units,B’s mainly)
Other than special occasions,It was mainly used around Christmas time,
for The Santa Claus Special.
Clinchfield #1 is at the B&O Museum. IIRC, it did not suffer any damage in the roof collapse last year.[8D]
Thanks for your help, guys!