The Clinchfield No. 1: Tennessee's Legendary Steam Engine

Transportation

by Mark A. Stevens, A.J. 'Alf' Peoples

As general manager for Erwin, Tennessee-based Clinchfield Railroad, Thomas D. Moore found an eighty-six-year-old vintage 4-6-0 ten-wheeler steam engine--the Clinchfield No. 1. Miraculously, the engine had escaped the cutter's torch when, in the mid-1950s, the railroad retired its steam fleet, shuttered passenger service and embraced the diesel era. Moore wanted the No. 1 fully restored and its long life on the rails--which had included being the first train to reach the victims of the 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood--celebrated as a goodwill ambassador for the railroad. The revived Clinchfield No. 1 led beloved excursion trains that visited seven state capitals, bringing joy to passengers from the Appalachian Mountains to Tampa, Florida. Join authors Mark A. Stevens and A.J. "Alf" Peoples on the journey of the real-life little engine that could.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Stevens & A.J. Peoples' "The Clinchfield No. 1: Tennessee's Legendary Steam Engine" tells the story of one of the oldest locomotives in history as well as the history as to why it's so famous. The engine itself has had multiple designations over the years, but also gained fame initially with it being the engine that delivered the 1st round of relief to the victims of the Johnstown Flood in 1889. Over time though it fell into disrepair and eventually though was restored and used trips across East Tennessee and elsewhere. Granted the majority of the story is focused on that period of restoration as well has the brief life after the fact, but for fans of railroads in general the story of this locomotive is an interesting one. I also appreciate the fact that the authors ultimately tell of the engine's final destination which is a good way to preserve the memory of this particularly important piece of railroad history.

[ExLibris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Highly recommend

Eloquently written. I would consider this a "must read" for any railroad fan. It actually made me cry. If you have any interest in railroad gistory, this steam engines story is for you.