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Not more than a couple of weeks ago in the thread about steam locomotives in 2014 I lamented the sudden demise of original Norfolk Southern Steam Excursion program in 1994.
Specifically I was saying that if Norfolk Southern ran an excursion between Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC using locomotive #4501 in 2014, that I would jump at the opportunity to buy a ticket and not "wait till next year".
Well ---- last week Norfolk Southern added a slate of four additional 21st Century Steam Excursions to close the 2013 season. This afternoon I 'put my money where my mouth is' and purchased a seat in the former Seaboard observation car 6604 for the November 16th Knoxville-Asheville trip. Power will be the #630 with diesel assist and, while this is not the 4501, I did resist the urge this time to 'just wait till next year'!
palmland Member # 4344
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Sounds like a great trip. But I think I'll wait for 4501's renaissance.
I suspect I saw 6604 roll by on the Meteor many times the summer of 65/66 when I had a summer job in Camden.
George Harris Member # 2077
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What is the run time? It was four hours for the Carolina Special in the 1960's if I remember correctly. Without the higher (OK, only slightly higher) passenger speed limit I think this would have to be longer.
notelvis Member # 3071
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They are allowing 5 hours each direction.
Dp Knoxville 7:30am - Ar Asheville 12:30pm
return
Dp Asheville 3:00pm - Ar Knoxville 8:00pm
With uneventful running, I could see them making it in about 4:45 but would be amazed by anything faster.
This will be about the longest 21st Century Steam excursion to date. Most of the previous ones have been half day trips or carded to tie up by 5 or 6pm.
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