9/21/2013: Texas State Railroad

Texas State Railroad
Palestine / Rusk, TX
So for our first anniversary, my honey Deborah and I went on a steam excursion at Texas State Railroad. As I am very fond of steam locomotives, this was a real memorable trip. Deb however made it even better by arranging for a cab ride for me on the return leg (Rusk to Palestine).
As I am on occasion involved in the cosmetic restoration of BEDT 14 and BEDT 16 (both H. K. Porter 0-6-0T), the opportunity to observe an oil fired steam locomotive in action from the cab was a definite experience! The crew was really outgoing and very willing to share their knowledge and experience in answering my questions, their experiences working for Class 1's, as well as sharing a few jokes!
The real star of this video is #316:
It is the only operating Texas & Pacific steam locomotive in existence. The engine was designed for freight service and proudly wore the number 316 during its career with the Texas & Pacific.
In 1949, the Texas & Pacific sold #316 to the Paris & Mount Pleasant Railroad, (which was a T&P subsidiary).
In 1951 the locomotive was saved from the scrapper's torch by a remarkable woman who wished to remain anonymous. She purchased the engine and with the help from the T&P, donated it to the city of Abilene in honor of its seventy-fifth anniversary as a city.
This locomotive remained on display at Oscar Rose Park in Abilene, TX for many years, wearing the number "75" to symbolize the seventy-fifth Jubilee Celebration of the City of Abilene.
In 1974 the citizens of Abilene donated the locomotive to the newly formed Texas State Railroad. After extensive repair and refurbishing, the locomotive was returned to active service.
In October 2006, #201 was refurbished, renumbered #316 and unveiled. It is the oldest locomotive in operation by Texas State Railroad.
road number: #201 / #316
builder: American Locomotive Co - Cooke Works
construction number: 26142
build date: November 1902
built for: Texas & Pacific, #316, sold 1949
Paris & Mount Pleasant #316, sold 1951
display at Abilene, TX as #75, donated 1974
Texas State Railroad, 201
renumbered/relettered Texas & Pacific #316 (2006)
wheel arrangement: 4-6-0 "Ten Wheeler"
weight: 158,000 lbs.
boiler pressure: 200 p.s.i
cylinder size: 20" x 26"
wheel diameter: 63"
tractive effort: 28,000 lbs.
tender capacities: water: 5,350 gallons / oil: 2,500 gallons.
valve gear: Stephenson
classification: D-9
new boiler: Jerryco, 2004
Please address any errors / corrections to [e-mail]
Keep in mind, I had to condense a 90 minute excursion into something more manageable for CZcams.
Many thanks to Scott (engineer), Chad (engineer trainee): Robert (fireman) and Chris (Conductor), Debbie Tankersley (office) and all the staff at Texas State Railroad!
I really recommend visiting the Texas State Railroad. It is a real class operation.
Please give their website a visit at: www.texasstaterr.com
Videography by
Deborah M. Pickering
Philip M. Goldstein
© 2013
Pidgeon Street Productions

[@Loudmouth1934]

Hey, wound out why he firebox was flaring, was talking to the crew, (as I had a cab ride yesterday in 28 which was AMAZING! But I never got to ride 316, who's my favorite, I'll tell you what was up with her 'coughing' if you're interested.

[@Deborah7944]

It was a fantastic trip. Highly recommend a visit to TSRR if you come to Texas.

[@petopentka]

...je to krása...

[@texasandpacific610]

Bet the cab ride is not that comfortable without any room

[@JamieBeauxis]

A blast from the past: czcams.com/video/OmpcAnJmi7Y/video.html