Originally constructed in 1890 by the Schenectady Locomotive Works, and restored in 2010, Southern #154 has been a popular sight on the Three Rivers Rambler tourist railroad operated by the Gulf & Ohio. However, all good things must end, as was the case with the little 2-8-0. The time for its FRA-Mandated 1,472-day rebuild has finally arrived as its flue time has expired after 14 years of faithful service in the city of Knoxville. Photographers and casuals alike came from all over to capture their last glimpses of the faithful Consolidation as it made its way through downtown Knoxville and its outskirts. However, our visit had an interesting twist. Shortly after departing for the 9:15 trip on December 21st, #154's blast nozzle came loose and shot out of the smokestack. This essentially meant that the locomotive couldn't produce a draft and keep its fire hot when it was in motion. While there was an attempt to repair this issue, it couldn't have been done while the locomotive was hot. GP9 #2391 on the rear of the train provided power for the rest of the trips. While it was a rather sad ending to the locomotive, I still felt thankful and lucky to have been able to see this locomotive before it ceased operations for quite some time. The railroad's current plan is to continue the restoration of Washington & Lincolnton #203 and have it return next year so there will still be steam on the Three Rivers Rambler in the near future. I hope you all enjoy my production on the final runs of Southern #154!
Check out my friends @PennsyPro and @TyTytheTrainGuy for also joining me for this experience!
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Knoxville Depot
2:00 - Departing Knoxville
2:54 - The Bluffs
5:02 - Downtown Knoxville
6:01 - Calhouns Bridge
7:21 - Volunteer Landing
7:57 - McWherter Park
9:11 - Riverside Hill
10:45 - Rock Cut
12:01 - Three Rivers Bridge
15:54 - Riverside Hill
17:00 - McWherter Park
17:57 - Repairing the #154
18:42 - Arriving at the depot
20:33 - Nighttime in Knoxville
21:14 - Credits
Copyright 2024, Jack Fellure.
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