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We were elated to welcome over 200 guests aboard our fundraiser train last weekend! Passengers got to explore the progress on 576 and explore its future excursion route. Thanks to Tennessee Central Railway Museum, R. J. Corman Railroad Group, The Buntin Group, Visit Music City, and our donors and guests who helped raise over $20,000 in a single evening to bring steam back to Music City!
70 years ago today, our own Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis Railway steam locomotive No. 576 was formally dedicated at its display site in Centennial Park. This ceremony not only saved the locomotive from the scrap yard, but it also transformed a common everyday machine into a beloved Nashville landmark. ![]()
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During the railway's transition from steam to diesel in the early 50s, City Councilman and NC&StL employee Wrenne C. Phelps was in Memphis and saw first hand the impact of the preserved Frisco No. 1351 on the local community. The Frisco had donated the locomotive to Memphis as a monument to the steam era and Phelps felt Nashville needed to follow suit. Phelps worked closely with Bascom F. Jones, a Parks Board member and former NC&StL employee, to make this happen. They reached out to railroad President Hackworth who was supportive of the effort. ![]()
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Whether by choice or by fate, No. 576 was selected to represent the thousands of steam locomotives that had powered the NC&StL Railway since its inception in 1845. Centennial Park was the logical choice for display due its location next to the company's New Shops complex off of Charlotte Pike, allowing for panel tracks to be laid down for easy installation. The City of Nashville allotted $2,500 to construct a display site and the railroad contributed $6,000 to cover the moving costs. A diesel switcher pushed No. 576 into place in the summer of 1953, and the locomotive was formally dedicated on September 20, 1953. Because of the foresight and hard work of these individuals, No. 576 was saved from the torch's flame and set the wheels in motion for the current restoration.
No. 576 wanted to dress up for the party. We couldn’t say no. The Music City Limited Excursion is arriving now!
