Southern Railway 4501 Mikado 2-8-2
Southern Railway #4501 “Mikado type” 2-8-2 steam locomotive was 1st in her class!
Literally, she was the 1st of 185 Mikado 2-8-2 steam freight locomotives ordered by Southern Railways from the Baldwin Locomotive works back in 1911. Mainly used as a freight hauler, #4501 saw many years of reliable service until her retirement in 1966 after 55 years of continuous service!
The Southern #4501 worked on many of the divisions of the Southern Railway system including Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana.
Her most recent restoration was completed in 2014, including upgrades to her feedwater heater and a automatic stoker.
Some quick facts about Southern #4501:
- Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works
- Build Date: 1911
- Driver diameters: 63 inches
- Locomotive weight: 272,900 lbs
- Class type: Mikado 2-8-2
- Owner: The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
Let us know if you seen or have ridden on one of the Southern #4501 excursions. We would love to hear about your experience!
