From an old scan of a June of 1984 Kodachrome, NS arrives in Montgomery, AL on the former CofG with a high hood GP-30 and an all-SOU lashup. Unfortunately, the branch was later removed and NS no longer serves Montgomery.
Whew! I thought I missed this train! A real oldie: IMGP6478A_CPR_144_July_2010 by Mike VE2TRV posted Nov 18, 2016 at 4:50 AM CPR 144, a 4-4-0 built in Canadian Pacific's own Montreal shops in March, 1886. That's the oldest preserved steam locomotive in Canada. She looks pretty good for her 130 years! From my archives, one of my many, many visits to Exporail, July 2010.
Yes, I agree. NS removed the CofG branch in the late-1980s upon its purchase of a former GM&O branch that served Montgomery. The GM&O branch served a large paper mill that was also served by CSX. As the years passed, NS failed to preserve business at the mill and with tonnage receding, they leased the line to Watco's Autauga Northern and retreated 40 Miles away to the NS/AN connection at Maplesville, AL.
Interesting that 144 would have piston valves. I didn't think piston valves came into use until around 1900. Whatever, she's a lovely li'l beastie.
I read that they're doing well. NS left the line in bad shape and Autauga Northern had to spend $2.4 Million to allow train speeds above 25 MPH.
I remember reading somewhere that she was rebuilt ca. 1904, so the piston valves would then make sense. And she's a lovely beastie indeed. There's something about the 4-4-0 wheel arrangement that's compelling, along with the general styling and proportions of the large cab relative to the boiler size.
