SSW 819 NRHS St. Louis to Illmo, MO 6-17-90

Train returning to Pine Bluff, AR at conclusion of NRHS Convention.

1) Menard, IL
2) South end of Menard
3) Approach to Thebes Bridge
4) Departing Illmo, MO

VHS Master Recording

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• SSW
• 819
• NRHS
• St.
• Louis
• Illmo

[trainboy94]

@nkproad777 Might it would BNSF loves 4449, 3751, and 261

[CWEX73]

Oh sadly she will never see the rails again, U.P. just won't allow it. And that is a real shame as the 819 is mighty fine engine.

[nkproad777]

It could go to BNSF trackage if they would agree. (might be easy)

[521wurlitzer]

@521wurlitzer The locomotive is awaiting to have manditory boiler certfication work done "someday" It is stored in the shops of the Cotton Belt Railway Historical Society in Pine Bluff, Arkasas. Since the merger of Southern Pacific into the Union Pacific, the engine has nowhere to run. The only hope would be a change of policy by the U.P. to allow non-U.P. steam to run on it's railroad. I don't think anyone expects that to happen anytime soon.

[521wurlitzer]

The locomotive is awaiting to have manditory boiler certfication work done "someday" It is stored in the shops of the Cotton Belt Railway Historical Society in Pine Bluff, Arkasas. Since the merger of Southern Pacific into the Union Pacific, the engine has nowhere to run. The only hope would be a change of policy by the U.P. to allow non-U.P. steam to run on it's railroad. I don't think anyone expects that to happen anytime soon.

[521wurlitzer]

Brings back great memories of this trip. I rode both ways Pine Bluff to St. Louis and return. I well remember how hot the weather was especially on the return trip. My only regret was not being able get more photos and video as most of my equipment was stolen the day before the trip started in Pine Bluff. Our car was broken into and they took everything.

[MaryRaeMcPherson]

Technically, the first location is Menard Junction and the second is Chester. Three of us intended to chase this trip together, and started the day at Gratiot Tower. By the time we realized our error and noted the train was originating in Dupo, it was game over. The closest we got was to see a puff of smoke in the distance. At least we did chase it northbound on the 13th, and we weren't the only ones to make the bonehead move at Gratiot Tower, which is gone today.