Re: Texas State Railroad *LINK* *PIC*

Here is a photo of #201 (Cooke/1902) from the November 18th photo charter sponsored by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society/Houston Railroad Museum. The regular train had nine cars, including a MKT caboose and two old business cars. The piston rod packing began to leak badly, so #300 and train were towed back to Rusk with an ALCO diesel.
The 201 is an interesting locomotive to ride behind. The last steep hill before Maydelle had the engine working pretty hard with only three cars. There was a photo run-by at Maydelle, where the locomotive was then turned. The oil fire is much louder and flashed out the damper more than its former stable mate ten wheeler EX SP 2248. (stored in Grapevine, TX). H.K.Vollrath has a photo of this engine in Odessa, TX from 1948. It looks like the power reverse was added later, but much remains the same.
There is great concern, especially among local residents, over the future of this railroad. I heard the railroad generates some $6 million for the local economy. The area is a great place to go camping, hunting, stay at a Bed & Breakfast, etc. I remember even seeing a group of bow hunters deep in the woods a few years ago.
Also Ken Fitzgerald mentions the TSRR on his website for Nov.18&20th.