In September 1998, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum officially retired Southern Railway 2-8-2 #4501 from active service. As one who was there for one of the last days, many of us wondered if/when we would ever see her under steam again.
After a restoration that took four years and somewhere in the seven-figure range for money invested, Southern 4501 officially moved under her own power around 10pm on Thursday, September 4, 2014.
After a day of break-in runs on Friday, she was the star attraction at the TVRM's annual Railfest over the weekend of September 5-6.
To cap off the weekend, the 4501 and Southern 630 doubleheaded the consist back to the shop on Saturday evening. It is believed this was the first ever doubleheader of the 4501 and 630 with both engines wearing authentic Southern Railway freight black livery.
Lots of old friends to hang out with, lots of new friends to make, and an honor and a privilege to be on hand for the festivities. Good times, to be sure...
Kevin
