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671 staybolts down, 886 to go! Learn how we install radial, flexible, and crown stays on steam locomotive No. 576. Thanks to the National Railway Historical Society for their $5,000 contribution towards the staybolt work.
We are restoring No. 576 as fast as we can, but sometimes that's just not fast enough. We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of NSPS volunteer Tom Knowles. Tom was a great friend to Nashville Steam and No. 576. He was one of the leading experts on the NC&StL Railway, a classic car aficionado, talented musician and artist, and a master model railroader, even going as far as to recreate the entire 1947 streamlined City of Memphis train in HO scale from scratch. Tom was a mentor to so many people and was always happy to answer any question with his vast knowledge of seemingly limitless subjects. ![]()
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Tom had a lifelong passion to see No. 576 steam again that started during his adolescence. Local lore says that he is the youngster on the pilot of 576 in the black and white photo taken shortly after the engine rolled into Centennial Park in 1953. He was involved with several efforts to restore 576 over the years and was a founding member of the NC&StL Preservation Society. In 2004 he helped lead the effort to construct the shelter over the locomotive. Tom was there when 576 took her first "step" after 60 years and he walked alongside the locomotive as it rolled out of the park in 2019. Tom will always be a part of 576's story. Rest well, dear friend. Green signals ahead.
Looking for something to do this weekend? The Nashville Steam mobile Company Store will be set up at the American Legion Post 44 Model Train Show! Select 576 items will be available for purchase so come on out and say hi! And you're only a stone's throw away from the Cowan Railroad Museum! Cowan is the former home of the NC&StL's pusher district on the mainline to Chattanooga and a place that 576 passed through on a regular basis. Don't miss this incredible piece of Tennessee history!
