It has been 16 years since the face of Southern Railway Steam, ran the high iron pulling railfans alike throughout the Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern System for nearly 48 years. Today Southern 4501 get a new lead in life and was restored back under it own power, seen here for its first debut since its absent in 98' Southern 4501 sit and soak up the sun after coming back on it first trip for the 3rd annual Railfest 2014 at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. This 104 year old MS-Class Mikado look good as it did when it rolled out of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1911, but the future is looking bright for the 4501, this 2-8-2 will be part of the number of excursion for the Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam Program Schedule for spring of 2015.
