The Clinchfield No.1 was originally built in 1882 for the Columbus, Chicago, & Indiana Central Railway, which became a predecessor railroad to the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). First known as the No. 423, the locomotive was considered a typical freight engine of its day with 50 inch driving wheels to accommodate the large and low fire box. Its tender was capable of carrying 8.5 tons of coal.
In 1968, the No. 1 was sold back the Clinchfield Railroad and was restored to its original form and operating condition. For the next ten years, it was the main attraction at public service trips and railfan events throughout the Clinchfield territory. At that time, the No.1 became known as one of the longest consecutive running steam locomotives in the United States.
The Clinchfield No. 1 has been owned by numerous railroads. Around the turn of the century, it was sold to the Ohio River & Charleston Railroad and began a career of hauling logs and coal in Tennessee and the Carolina's. In 1913, it received the nickname of "Number One" when it was leased to the Black Mountain Railway. In 1955, the No. 1 was sold back to its original company, now known as the Clinchfield Railroad, who then sold it to the city of Erwin, Tennessee for display in a downtown park until 1968.
The Clinchfield Railroad purchased the locomotive back from the town of Erwin on September 10, 1968 and began rebuilding it on September 23, 1968 in the Clinchfield Shops in Erwin. The restoration of the locomotive was completed on November 18, 1968. The first road trip under steam was made from Erwin to Kingsport, TN on November 23, 1968. For the next ten years, she headed up a popular series of railfan excursions and public-service trips throughout Clinchfield territory, billed as the oldest operating steam locomotive in the country. A cracked frame ended her active life in June, 1979. After a thorough cosmetic restoration, she was generously donated to the B&O RR Museum in March 1981 by the Family Lines Railroad System, Chessie's partner railroads under CSX Corp.
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| Finally one where I could get in the cab! |
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| This is the coolest sight glass I have ever seen! |
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