The May 17, 1980 Southern Steam Special ran from Birmingham to Chattanooga, a distance of approximately 145 miles each way. Texas & Pacific Class I-1a 2-10-4 610 was the power for the trip. T&P 610 was built by Lima in 1927. She had 63" drivers, boiler pressure of 255lbs and could exert 84,600 pounds of tractive effort (sans booster).
This image was taken just after dawn as T&P 610 was being serviced in the Birmingham yard. Note the eagle mounted just above the headlight, a Southern tradition.
