Steam on the former CofG - Early June 1991

On the morning of June 2, 1991, we're on the former Central of Georgia Line outside of Toccoa GA to chase A&WP P-74 Pacific #290 on her trip from Atlanta to Hawk Mountain GA & return. We were on our way to chase N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 #1218 on the former NKP from Buffalo NY to Erie PA & return, when we got word of this trip to Hawk Mountain. Soon, at the Chattanooga River Bridge, we caught the 290 & her train cruising along at track speed, heading for Hawk Mountain. The 290 was only 2 years into her excursion career, but was making a name for herself as New Georgia's New Steam Star. Earlier that year, the Pacific had ran 2 round trips for the NS Steam Program, while N&W Class J 4-8-4 #611 & Class A 2-6-6-4 #1218 were undergoing maintenance. The 1st trip was for the Heart of Dixie Chapter NRHS from Birmingham AL to Chattanooga TN & the 2nd was the Suwanee Steam Special from Jacksonville FL to Valdosta GA for the North Florida Chapter NRHS. After those trips, the 290 returned to Georgia for more New Georgia Trips. The train would arrive in Hawk Mountain, that afternoon, where the consist would be turned & serviced. Today, the locomotive is undergoing a cosmetic restoration at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth GA.

@evangaines 2026

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