The Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis railroad locomotive 576, was built around 1930, and was put into service soon thereafter. These particular locomotives, are known as "Dixie" locomotives, due to their large size. 576, is the last of its kind. She weighs 31,000 tons, and has a 15,000 gallon water tank. During its time in service, it was used to haul various cargo, most notably oil. During World War II, it transported soldiers to and from war. 576, was eventually retired and in September 1953, it was put on display in Nashville's Centennial Park. The Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway, in 1957, was absorbed by the Louisville and Nashville Railway. There have been many efforts to restore 576 to its former glory. Just this past week, the Metro Nashville government has approved an 8.5 million dollar project to remove 576 from the park, and restore it. It will be restored at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. It should remain in the park until further notice, so I encourage those who are in the area to stop by and pay her a visit. When completed, it will be a great addition to the city of Nashville.
Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway marker in Centennial Park.
This picture should give the reader an idea of just how big 576 is.
When 576 was retired, and the NC & STL merged with the L&N, locomotives like the one above were put into service. They were simply more cost effective.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2016/08/19/nashvilles-centennial-park-train-okd-restoration-operation/88966110/
Click the link above for an article detailing the plan for 576 to be restored.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond, and also for my big announcement.
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