It’s Sunday, June 24, 1956, and Louisville & Nashville M-1 class number 1962—one of the memorable “Big Emma” 2-8-4s that worked the eastern side of the system, in Kentucky only—slowly backs toward its consist of heavyweight passenger cars spotted up at Cincinnati Union Terminal. The occasion is an all-day round trip to Ravenna, Kentucky for Louisville and Cincinnati-area railfans. The revenues from this trip will launch the Kentucky Railway Museum. The 1962 was one of four M-1s (numbers 1960-1963) equipped with steam and signal lines for passenger service. From their delivery in 1942, the quartet worked the war-heavy Flamingo, Southland and Southland Express main line passenger trains between Cincinnati and Corbin, KY, as well as the local passenger runs at times. At the time, the M-1s represented the last active steam on the L&N, and their runs were limited to Ravenna to DeCoursey, KY coal drags. In fact, the 1962 and her remaining sisters still in steam would work until November 3rd, 1956, when M-1 number 1950 would roll into DeCoursey for the last time. The L&N has freshened the 1962’s paint, polished her roller bearing rods and striped her tires for this special movement. Alas, she would be retired less than six months after this trip, and scrapped across the river in Covington, KY two years later. For those who visit the Cincinnati Railroad Club’s Tower A (visible at the far right, above the station’s concourse), the 1962’s headlight and number plate are on display. Sadly, none of these 42 wonderful locomotives were saved, and only three L&N steam locomotives of any type are extant today (Pacific 152 and two 0-8-0s). On a Sunday afternoon in 1956, however, the 1962 looks simply stunning. The two E6s at the left will leave ahead of the special with train 33, the Southland, for Atlanta. (original slide by Charles B. Castner, Jr.)
Mostly known for bad professional sports teams, Cincinnati is also known for its railroad heritage. These are some of the best and most interesting photos depicting railroads in Cincinnati.
An attempt to put the best picture of engines that represent each of America's railroads. When a better picture of an engine/type is found, it will be added.
