Stepping out over Deep River Creek. Valley Railroad Consolidation #97 rumbles across the steel bridge over Deep River Creek as she hauls the 2PM North Pole Express toward North Chester, CT. Her train is the first of what will be 10 departures this day, utilizing 3, full-size steam locomotives, and three sets of heavyweight cars. Over the course of a month and a half, the Valley Railroad likely runs more steam-powered Christmas trains than any railroad in the country, with 7 departures scheduled Wednesday through Friday and 10 each day on Saturday and Sunday.
Locomotive #97, seen here, is one of three, standard gauge steamers on the Valley Railroad and the only Consolidation type. She's their smallest, lightest and most efficient engine, making her popular with the crews. In the past several years, she's received a lot of much-needed maintenance, including a 1,472 Service Day Inspection, as well as significant running gear work (tires, bearings, spring rigging, etc.) She's in better shape than she has been in decades. Hopefully, we will see her in the regular rotation next season.
