Connecticut's Valley Railroad, now running its 46th year of steam excursions, began operation in July 1971 with former Sumpter & Choctaw 2-6-2 103. This sharp little Prairie type was the VRR's regular engine in 1971 and 1972 although it then proved too light for the railroad's growing trains. A couple weeks after the VRR's startup the 103 smoked it up north of Essex, CT, on its way to Deep River.
