Re: NNG: Article about SOU 4501 Restoration

Interesting article. I first saw 4501 in Cincinnati during 1967, and the last time was 1991 when I got a cab ride while working on a video. In our video we show it in some historic footage working on the Kentucky and Tennessee. It was black then, and when it worked as a freight engine for the Southern Rwy. The TVRM a few years ago bought a former CN 4-6-2, and the idea was to eventually restore it and adopt a Southern PS4 look, which would make it Green! I think thats why 4501 will be black, cause down the road they hope to have a Green Pacific!!!
Interesting photos. Gary Bensman has been a steam guy for years, and I last saw him on the Ohio Central. I have video of him during a cab ride as he was a guest engineer on 4-8-4 6325. Doug Karhan is shown working, and Doug was assistant Master Mechanic under Bill Purdie, and later became the Head guy at the NS Steam Shop in Birmingham. Apparently he now works for TVRM in their shop.
Sadly when NS did away with the steam program in 1994, they sold off all sorts of coaches, parts, and so forth while dismantling the NS shops in Birmingham. As Kevin stated they appear to be trying a different method now that would include more steam leasing and skipping the restoration work. I suppose this way they can dip their toes in the water without having to dive in completely. I understand they will be leasing coaches for the 765 train during its trips this summer.
It is also interesting the article mentioned 4501 being used in the movie "Fools Parade". After the filming it came through Cincinnati pulling 4 coaches. I had a conflict that day and could only chase it about 50 miles south. We had tickets to the first game of the 1970 World Series. Anyway 4501 was in black "Baltimore and Ohio" livery and looked super with the 4 pullman green coaches behind it. The engine is a coal burner and is hand-fired!!!
Greg

link to our video clip