From the archives of Classic Trains, a trip from Nashville to Memphis on a 4-8-4 becomes a learning experience in this spoken-word story by Doss Moore. This special presentation has been brought to you by Nashville Steam, a non-profit organization restoring Nashville's very own steam locomotive, No. 576, a sister engine to the one featured in Doss Moore's story. Through Nashville's efforts, the magic of steam railroading will return to Music City and Middle Tennessee. You can support the restoration of 576 with a donation and watch our progress by subscribing on YouTube. Make a donation to the effort here: https://www.nashvillesteam.org/donate/
FIRST RUN OF AN NC&StL FIREMAN
Written by Doss Moore
Produced by
Nashville Steam Preservation Society and @fmwsolutions
Narrated by Rick Lance
Edited by Kelly Lynch
Photos Courtesy of
Kalmbach Publishing
John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library
Alex Mullins
Alan Jones
RD Sharpless
George E. Votava
Jim Wrinn
Video and Audio Courtesy of
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc. and Kelly Lynch
Soundtrack Provided by
Universal Production Music
From Classic Trains, Spring, 2021: DOSS MOORE, who was born circa 1913, wrote this account around 1971. Written in longhand on a legal pad, it was among the items Mary Chambliss, a friend and fellow NC&StL/L&N employee, acquired from him before he died. KEN INGRAM, transcribed Moore’s [original] manuscript.
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The mission of the NASHVILLE STEAM PRESERVATION SOCIETY is to preserve our history by restoring and operating relevant historic railroad equipment for the purposes of education, tourism, and goodwill to and for METRO NASHVILLE.
The restoration of Locomotive 576 to operation will serve as a visceral link to the history of Nashville and honor those who make the region great. The locomotive was designed in Nashville and has called the Music City home since delivery from the factory in 1942.
The rebuilding of Locomotive 576 to operation is influenced by a variety of important key goals:
• RESTORE the locomotive to operation for the general public enjoyment
• PARTNER with Metro Parks to provide excursion train tickets for sponsored underprivileged children’s programs
• BOLSTER the Entertainment Industry to utilize the locomotive in films, videos, and television production
• PROVIDE a transparent, visitor-and family-friendly environment during the restoration and operation of the locomotive (including when stored at its shop while not in use)
• CREATE and grow public support and awareness
• EDUCATE about the important role No. 576 played for Nashville and the Nation during WWII
• OPERATE special trains in connection with Nashville, Metro Parks, and other local venues as well as creating special events utilizing the locomotive in operation and display
• ENGAGE the community through outreach to encourage volunteers and to provide hands-on technical trade training for welding, machining, and mechanical comprehension