Update on NC&StL 576 as of 5-14-19

Stoker engine and associated components have been removed and are being rebuilt in Georgia. MAJOR work, of course,  will be boiler, flues and front and rear flue sheets. Tender baffles have been removed for replacement. Boiler integrity will be measured in accordance with current FRA standards and practices.

We fans of the venerable 576 are very fortunate and pleased to have an experienced (630, 4501 & 611) steam man, Shane Meador, at the helm of this project! He has the confidence and respect of his former employer, NS, and also CSX, which graciously moved the 576 to the TCRM for restoration.

The hope is, and inspections to date have confirmed, that most components at this stage will require reworking and/or rebuilding, and not replacement, thus keeping costs down. The fewer new castings, the better! 

To say the least, the workers on site yesterday, including Shane, are PUMPED!  ☺

Sounds positive to me.  It pleases me that Dad's home road -- he was raised in Camden, Tennessee -- can remain alive and fondly remembered by those of an age who pre-date the L&N merger.  It was a good railroad.

TOM: VERY GLAD you have a familial connection with the NC&StL, the real "hometown" railroad in Nashville. Of course, Jere Baxter's Tennessee Central also originated here, but never quite had the loyalty the N&C did! My wife's maternal grandfather worked for the N&C in the back office, and not as an operations man.

Of course, like all steam restoration projects, this one relies on donations from a variety of sources, many of them of local origin. If anyone is interested in helping with our effort, either as a volunteer or donor, please check out the website, nashvillesteam.org.