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Watch steam-powered trains in action
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Please keep them coming.
Any running steam engine is a work of art, the beauty of the movement of all those bits and pieces that make the drivers turn, such harmony. Here I am at 75 years of age, having seen steam locomotives amost my entire life, still brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. These are alive, breathing pieces of the glory that made up this wonderful countrys history. From the smallest switcher, to the huge Big Boy, they have the same heart and soul.
I am glad to see the Southern return to steam, I do not however approve of the way they are running it. Putting a Diesel directly behind the steam engine is to any real railfan not something we want to see. I do not buy any of the reasons given. If the steamer were to break down a Diesel is not far away and would not tie up the railroad. None of the engines need help with braking. I also do not want to ride in a closed window coach nor do I want to ride in a coach where I can’t open the top half of the dutch door. Forty miles an hour is way to slow I
used to ride all excursion and especially enjoyed the two day ride up and down the “rat hole”. I would like to see some trips designed for folks like me who enjoy getting dirty from coal smoke and don’t mind a cinder or two in our eyes. I do understand why the trips are being run the way they are, just remember there are guys like me who don’t and won’t sue if we get a cinder because we stuck our heads out the window. I fly in WWII bombers when they are in my area and except the risks. Keep the fires lit and think about those of us who love coal smoke.
I think it’s a good idea and I hope they continue running the excursions especially NKP 765!!!
the steam trains always fascinated me and I hope they will run for many years, especially for the old timers in their 60s(like myself) and 70s who had seen them a few times in their early childhood times… Thanks so much for the dedicated volunteers who keep them running!
Response to Mr. Cooke: Today’s FRA requirements neccesate head end power. The coaches are all electric now and do not rely on wheel generators and train supplied steam for comforts. So, a diesel can supply the electrical loads of the consiat and provide emergecy power in case of a steam malfunction. A breakdown cannot foul the main line with the amount of traffic running these days. A generator car could supply power, but no traction. It does look funny though.
GREAT STEAM SHOTS !!! LOVE THAT SYEAM !!! Looking forward to reading the series !!!
Any diesel should be at the rear of the train, not where it appears to work for the steamer. I agree with Kirtley Cooke.
Video seems to have the wrong year dates in narrative portion, likewise the note above refers to March 2013 issue???
Ditto KIRTLEY COOKE!
I always enjoy watching any Steam Operations , but an confused as to why video refers to dates of 2012 & 2013??? when this is 2015???
Because that’s when the video was shot !
Got to see 765 when she came through St. Louis but couldn’t ride as it was an employee only excursion.
A tip of my “UP Steam” hat to NS for bringing back what should have never left us. Travel plans for later this year call for a visit to Chattanooga where I’ll get to see at least the 630 and hopefully 4501 as well. As for the diesels, we in the west (I live in Denver) have become accustomed to seeing them, and photographing around them, on everything UP runs. I understand the reasons why they are there, but I still would rather see the 844 running with the generator car and with diesel protection power stationed at strategic points along the route just in case.
No to putting a diesel directly behind a steam engine! I glad I never experienced seeing that on any fan trip I was on!
Nice to have the steamers back, they are so impressive!!!
What are NS’s steam plans for 2015?