The restoration of the Texas was a bit controversial. The steam locomotive was originally built in 1856 and was made famous by the "Great Locomotive Chase" of the Civil War in 1862. The Atlanta History Center decided to change its 1860's appearance of the locomotive, from previous restorations, to what it would have appeared as in the late 1880's. In 1870 is was renumbered to "12" from its former "44" and also renamed "Cincinnati".
While the new color scheme is dominated by black, it will boast other secondary hues of 1880s locomotives, including brass details, a Russia-iron (blue-tinted) boiler jacket, a red cab interior, and the Western & Atlantic (W&A RR) lettering on its side in yellow-gold – all choices that research indicated were true to the 1880s. - Atlanta History Center
There was another Georgia train bonus during the event. CSX GP38-2 2702 "The Spirit of Atlanta" was on hand for photo ops.
For the steam portion of the event there were two steam locomotives making trips down the Spencer Shops' tracks. First up was the ever popular Norfolk & Western Class J 611. Originally built in 1950, this Class-J 4-8-4 steam locomotive was restored at the Spencer Shops in 2015.
This was followed by one of my favorites; the Lehigh Valley Coal #126. This 0-6-0T saddle tank engine's name is "Sadie" and was built in 1931 by Vulcan Iron Works.
What else is there to do at the NC Transportation Museum. How about a train ride? This day we were being pulled by the C&O F3Au 8016.
You can also stroll the roundhouse and shops to discover all sorts of transportation related items.
What a fantastic event! The NC Transportation Museum just keeps improving. Keep a lookout for their ever changing offerings and be sure to visit.
