Happy to hear the news. 4501 was the first steam locomotive I ever saw running and I got to ride the 90 mile trip from Memphis, TN to Corinth, MS, and back, back in about 1976 or thereabouts. I have pictures somewhere.
Yeah. When they had those things in behind the loco, it completely spoils the whole effect. Not at all photogenic.
I always thought that diesels were usually tacked on to provide head-end electrical power for the coaches.
Great video, and a cool whistle on 4501. Last time I saw her, in 1993, she was green. Looks good in either color.
If so equipped, such as Amtrak units which have the built in HEP. Sometimes you will see a converted car in the consist which has a generating system. Such as this one Mid America leases out: Many times we see freight units, which I'd doubt can supply that kind of service. They are in place as a backup to the steamer, as management fears a failure which will plug their line.
I'm not sure why they don't have the protection unit shadow the mainline run as an extra, light move?
Thanks for the compliments guys, it was only a 60 mile roundtrip test.....if anyone knows the area from Ooltewah to Cleveland its all up hill, the grade was 1.1% here and according to a friend pacing her on the paralleling road she was running 45. Majority of the cars were heavyweights, I think she performed splendidly and sounded good doing it.
[h=3]2015 SUMMER EXCURSION SCHEDULE[/h] June 26 ~ Bristol to Radford (JUST ADDED!) June 27 ~ Bristol to Bulls Gap June 28 ~ Bristol to Radford September 12 & 13 ~ Chattanooga to Cleveland Macon and Atlanta trips are tentatively scheduled for September and October, along with the Summerville, GA trips. http://tvrail.com/pages/21st-Century-Steam
Really, really glad to see this locomotive back in operation as well! Its seems that as of late there has been a resurgence in steam locomotive restorations or rein-statements. Glad to see it myself!
