Southern Railway 4501

Here’s the latest on the rebuild.

http://cs.trains.com/trn/b/staff/archive/2013/09/04/southern-railway-4501-is-coming-together-at-tennessee-valley-railroad-museum.aspx

I can’t wait for her to back in steam. Also, Mr. Wrinn, I read your book “Steam’s Camelot,” and learned so much, and have read it several times through again. Thanks

Will refrain from stating my unique interest in “Steam’s Camelot.” lois the friend of 611

Hello Mr. Wrinn

I am new here and I have been following Southern 2-8-2 #4501 since as far back as i can remember. I am literally tickled to death to see her have another chance at running for the future generations of Railfans and Railroaders alike. I am Very Proud to Be a Fan Of The Southern!

Yes folks, the old Firelock has read “Steam’s Camelot” as well, and it will only be pried from my cold, dead fingers!

I choke up a little every time I read “Good night 611!” If you don’t know what I mean, read the book. WE know what’s coming, even though the little girl doesn’t.

Can you believe they put a Worthington Feedwater heater on her!

A Chinese copy of the Worthington, but probably just as effective. Thanks, Jim.

And a mechanical stoker! What has this modern generation come to? [:)]

I never saw any particulars on the operation of the 4501, but the time that I rode the 722, there were two men stoking her, as well as two men cutting coal.

A Worthington feedwater heater and a mechanical stoker? So what? Whatever it takes to keep an American icon alive and on the rails is OK with me. Besides, the railroads themselves made changes to the machinery all the time, whatever it took to get the best out of them. The rebuilders are just carrying on the tradition.