Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis 576

{{Infobox locomotive

|name = Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis 576

|powertype = Steam

|image = File:Steam engine, Centennial Park, Nashville, TN, US.jpg

|caption = NC&StL No. 576 on static display at the Centennial Park in December 2008

|designer = Clarence M. Darden

|builder = ALCO's Schenectady Works

|serialnumber = 69786

|builddate = August 1942

|rebuilddate = 2019–ongoing

|whytetype = 4-8-4

|gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}

|driverdiameter = {{convert|70|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

|minimumcurve = 19°

|wheelbase = Overall: {{convert|86|ft|6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

|height = {{convert|15|ft|5|in|m|2|abbr=on}}

|axleload = {{convert|66622.5|lb|kg t|abbr=in|sp=us}}

|weightondrivers = {{convert|228000|lb|abbr=on}}

|locoweight = {{convert|400500|lb|abbr=on}}

|tenderweight = {{convert|285000|lb|abbr=on}}

|locotenderweight = {{convert|685500|lb|abbr=on}}

|fueltype = Coal

|fuelcap = {{convert|36000|lb|t|abbr=in}}

|watercap = {{convert|15000|usgal|abbr=on}}

|consumption = {{convert|4|t|abbr=on}} of coal per hour
{{convert|7000|gal|L}} of water per hour

|boilerpressure = {{convert|250|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on}}

|feedwaterheater = Worthington Type SA
9,000 US gal/hr cap

|superheatertype = Elesco Type E

|firearea = {{convert|77.30|sqft|m2|1|abbr=on}}

|cylindercount = Two

|cylindersize = {{convert|25|x|30|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

|valvegear = Walschaerts

|maxspeed = {{convert|90-110|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}

|poweroutput = Estimated {{convert|4000|hp|abbr=on}}

|tractiveeffort = {{convert|57000|lbf|kN|1|abbr=on}}

|factorofadhesion = 4.01

|operator = {{ubl|Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway (NC&StL)|Nashville Steam Preservation Society (leased)}}

|operatorclass = {{ubl|J3-57}}

|numinclass = 7 of 20

|fleetnumbers = {{ubl|NCSt&L 576}}

|locale = Tennessee

|firstrundate = August 18, 1942

|retiredate = September 2, 1952

|preservedunits = September 20, 1953

|restoredate =

|nicknames = {{ubl|"Yellow Jacket"|"The Stripe"}}

|currentowner = {{ubl|Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation|Nashville Steam Preservation Society (leased operator)}}

|disposition = Undergoing restoration to operating condition

|notes = References:{{Cite web|last=Ibata|first=David|date=April 26, 2016|title=Team to restore a 'Dixie' 4-8-4|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/26-ncstl/|work=Trains|publisher=Kalmbach Media|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814224523/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/26-ncstl/|archive-date=August 14, 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Morgan|first=David P.|date=December 1963|title=Gliders, Yellow Jackets, and Stripes|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/history/|work=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123193647/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/history/|archive-date=January 23, 2021}}{{Harvp|Prince|2001|p=119}}.

}}

Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis 576 is a 4-8-4 "Dixie" (Northern) type steam locomotive built in August 1942 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York, for the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway (NC&StL). The locomotive was part of the technologically advanced J3 class.

During World War II, the J3s hauled heavy freight and troop trains. After the war, they were used in freight and passenger service until the early 1950s, when dwindling traffic and the onset of dieselization led to their retirement and scrapping by early 1952. No. 576, the only surviving mainline NC&StL steam locomotive, was donated to the City of Nashville, Tennessee, and put on display at the Centennial Park.

In 2019, No. 576 was moved to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRM), where it is being restored to operating condition by the Nashville Steam Preservation Society (NSPS) for use in excursion service on the shortline Nashville and Eastern Railroad. The restoration work is expected to be complete around 2025.

History

=Design and appearance=

During World War II, the NC&StL found itself unable to order more diesel locomotives to handle the increased passenger traffic. Officials decided to go for steam power; they accepted a proposal by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) for a streamlined 4-8-4 J3 locomotive similar to the Norfolk and Western J class locomotives, (a design rejected by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) as too expensive).

The NC&StL's Superintendent of Machinery, Clarence M. Darden, designed ten J3 (Nos. 570-579) locomotives delivered between July and August 1942 from ALCO in a non-streamlined design with yellow skirting panels, a bullet nose cone, boxpok drivers, and a large semi-Vanderbilt tender holding {{Convert|16|t|kg}} of coal and {{Convert|15,000|gal|l}} of water.{{Harvp|Prince|2001|p=125}}. Although other railroads called their 4-8-4s the Northerns, the J3s were nicknamed Dixies. They each consumed {{convert|4|ST|lb}} of coal and {{Convert|7000|gal|l}} of water per hour.

The NC&StL locomotive crews nicknamed the J3s as the Yellow Jackets after to their yellow skirting. In 1943, ALCO built ten more J3s (Nos. 580-589); wartime restrictions prevented the yellow skirting, so their running board edges were painted yellow and these locomotives were dubbed Stripes.{{Harvp|Drury|2015|p=228}}. In 1947, the skirting was removed from the 1942 J3 locomotives for easier maintenance, and the bullet nose cones were removed on all of the J3s.

=Revenue service and retirement=

No. 576 was built at a cost of $166,500 and delivered to the NC&StL Railway, which put it into revenue service on August 18, 1942. Along with the other J3s, No. 576 helped move arms, materiel, and troops during the rapid buildup and mobilization of the American war effort during World War II. They initially ran only between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, because at 100 feet long, they could not fit on the 90-foot turntables in Atlanta, Georgia until 110-foot ones were installed.

When the war ended in 1945, the J3s were reassigned to dual freight and passenger service, in which they ran between Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, via Bruceton and Martin.{{Cite web|title=A Brief History Of #576|url=http://ncstl.com/576/576.htm|publisher=NC&StL Preservation Society|access-date=January 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211024832/http://ncstl.com/576/576.htm|archive-date=February 11, 2021}} They also worked in Cowan, Tennessee, banking trains up in the Cumberland Mountains.{{Harvp|Prince|2001|pp=185-187}}. The J3s ran up to {{convert|11000|mi|km}} per month. As the NC&StL began to dieselize, the J3s were retired and scrapped between 1951 and 1952. The lone exception was No. 576, which was chosen for preservation and donated to the City of Nashville, where it was put on outdoor display at the Centennial Park on September 20, 1953.{{Cite web|title=Challenge Coin, Centennial Park Commemorative|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/product/challenge-coin-centenial-park-commemorative/|work=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=November 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108220653/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/product/challenge-coin-centenial-park-commemorative/|archive-date=November 8, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Huddleston |first=Edwin |date=September 28, 1953 |title=Rails Now Lead To Memory Land, But Engine 576, Pilot Still Are Going Strong |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nashville-banner/150225975/ |access-date=December 4, 2024 |work=Nashville Banner |page=17 |via=Newspapers.com}} The locomotive subsequently slowly deteriorated from constant exposure to outdoor weather.

= Restoration =

Attempts to restore No. 576 to operating condition were first made in late 1978, when the Clinchfield Railroad (CRR) hosted a steam excursion program, using 4-6-0 No. 1, and they were in search of a larger locomotive to expand the program at the request of the Family Lines.{{Cite magazine |date=June 1979 |title=News & Editorial Comment - Tom's new engine |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/magazine/archive-access/trains-june-1979/ |url-access=limited |access-date=December 3, 2024 |magazine=Trains |publisher=Kalmbach Publishing |page=12 |volume=39 |issue=8}}{{Cite magazine |date=October 1979 |title=News & Editorial Comment - The Clinchfield Conclusion |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/magazine/archive-access/trains-october-1979/ |url-access=limited |access-date=December 3, 2024 |magazine=Trains |publisher=Kalmbach Publishing |pages=3-4 |volume=39 |issue=12}} The CRR's general manager, Thomas D. Moore Jr., and L&N executive Colonel Philip Hooper negotiated with the Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation to lease and restore No. 576, but the board decided against their proposal.{{Cite magazine |date=January 1979 |title=News & Editorial Comment - NC&StL 576…another miracle? |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/magazine/archive-access/trains-january-1979/ |url-access=limited |access-date=December 3, 2024 |magazine=Trains |publisher=Kalmbach Publishing |pages=3-4;7 |volume=39 |issue=3}} In late May 1979, the Nashville board members changed their minds, and they re-entered negotiations with the CRR to lease and restore No. 576, but to no avail; by that time, the Family Lines had cancelled the steam program after Thomas Moore was accused of participating in a scandal.{{Cite magazine |date=August 1979 |title=Arrivals & Departures - Clinchfield Commotion |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/magazine/archive-access/trains-august-1979/ |url-access=limited |access-date=December 3, 2024 |magazine=Trains |publisher=Kalmbach Publishing |page=12 |volume=39 |issue=10}}

In February 2001, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRM) proposed to obtain ownership of No. 576 and to restore it for excursion service, citing them doing so would end the locomotive's exposure to the weather. The director of the Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation at the time, Jim Fyke, was reluctant to relinquish ownership of the locomotive to the museum without additional knowledge of their plans, and the board quickly denied the proposal.{{Cite news |last=Paine |first=Anne |date=February 12, 2001 |title=New life for locomotive? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-ncstl-576-restoration-at/160517068/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |work=The Tennessean |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2001 |title=All aboard on preservation |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-all-aboard-on-preservatio/160517173/ |access-date=December 8, 2024 |work=The Tennessean |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 2004, a shelter shed was built over the No. 576 locomotive to protect it from the weather.{{Cite web|last=Moriarty|first=Megan|date=January 30, 2004|title=Park Train To Get Protection|url=http://ncstl.com/576/shed1.htm|publisher=The Nashville City Paper|access-date=January 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726192717/http://ncstl.com/576/shed1.htm|archive-date=July 26, 2008}}

In April 2016, the new Nashville Steam Preservation Society (NSPS) made their own proposal to restore No. 576 and run it on the shortline Nashville and Eastern Railroad (NERR), pulling the Tennessee Central Railway Museum's excursions.{{Cite web |last=Wrinn |first=Jim |date=April 15, 2016 |title=NC&StL No. 576 Proposed Restoration Announcement |url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2016/04/576-restoration-proposal/ |publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126151655/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2016/04/576-restoration-proposal/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020}} Two months later, the Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation approved the lease of No. 576 to NSPS.{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2016 |title=Park Board Approves Lease of No. 576 |url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2016/06/park-board-approves-lease-of-no-576/ |publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society |access-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926165840/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2016/06/park-board-approves-lease-of-no-576/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022}} In April 2017, the NSPS volunteers inspected No. 576's boiler and found it to be in good condition.{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=April 2, 2017|title=NSPS Performs Boiler Inspection, Pleased with Condition|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2017/04/nsps-performs-boiler-inspection-pleased-with-condition/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928115009/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2017/04/nsps-performs-boiler-inspection-pleased-with-condition/|archive-date=September 28, 2022}} By October 2018, the NSPS had raised $500,000 to move No. 576 to the TCRM's restoration facility{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=October 11, 2018|title=NSPS Steam Reaches Initial Fundraising Goal|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2018/10/nsps-steam-reaches-initial-fundraising-goal/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123205708/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2018/10/nsps-steam-reaches-initial-fundraising-goal/|archive-date=January 23, 2021}} and begin a restoration effort projected to cost a total of $2.5 million.{{Cite web |title=Nashville, Chattanooga, & St. Louis Number 576 |url=https://www.tcry.org/576 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331083304/https://www.tcry.org/576 |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |publisher=Tennessee Central Railway Museum}}

On January 13, 2019, the No. 576 locomotive was moved from Centennial Park on a flatbed truck. It was placed on the Nashville & Western rails on February 6, where it was prepared to be moved to CSX trackage.{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=December 13, 2018|title=No. 576 to Leave Centennial Park on January 13th!|url=http://www.nashvillesteam.org/2018/12/no-576-to-leave-centennial-park-on-january-13th/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123193927/http://www.nashvillesteam.org/2018/12/no-576-to-leave-centennial-park-on-january-13th/|archive-date=January 23, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=February 6, 2019|title=No. 576 Move Out of Centennial Park A Success!|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2019/02/no-576-move-out-of-centennial-park-a-success/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126233539/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2019/02/no-576-move-out-of-centennial-park-a-success/|archive-date=November 26, 2022}} The No. 576 locomotive made its final public appearance at the former Nashville Union Station on March 9, 2019, and the next day, moved to the TCRM's workshop where restoration work began.{{Cite web|last=Hilt|first=Eric|date=March 10, 2019|title=Locomotive No. 576 moves to old home|url=https://www.newschannel5.com/news/locomotive-no-576-moves-to-old-home|work=WTVF|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621162327/https://www.newschannel5.com/news/locomotive-no-576-moves-to-old-home|archive-date=June 21, 2021}}{{Cite web|title=Historic steam train arrives at Nashville museum for restoration|url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/historic-steam-train-arrives-at-nashville-museum-for-restoration/|work=WKRN-TV|date=March 11, 2019|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303092120/https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/historic-steam-train-arrives-at-nashville-museum-for-restoration/|archive-date=March 3, 2021}} In June 2019, the NSPS received two boxcars from CSX to store restoration equipment and materials.{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=June 17, 2019|title=CSX Donates Two Boxcars for 576 Restoration|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2019/06/csx-donates-two-boxcars-for-576-restoration/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161033/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2019/06/csx-donates-two-boxcars-for-576-restoration/|archive-date=September 26, 2022}} During the work, a new cab was fabricated from scratch to replace the deteriorated original.{{Cite magazine |last=Bryan |first=Joey |date=March 2021 |title=Nashville Steam Preservation Society - NSPS - 576 Update |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e704e9d9fc3e82f87aba533/t/60647145d59e0e1fbf24697a/1617195340693/2021+Mar+Order+Board.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111031729/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e704e9d9fc3e82f87aba533/t/60647145d59e0e1fbf24697a/1617195340693/2021+Mar+Order+Board.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |magazine=The Order Board |publisher=Tennessee Central Railway Museum |page=8 |volume=41 |issue=3}}{{efn|No. 576's whistle was temporarily used on the Nickel Plate Road 765 locomotive.{{Cite magazine|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=November 2021|title=Nashville Steam Preservation Society NSPS - 576 Update|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e704e9d9fc3e82f87aba533/t/61d48aea91578460303d14e6/1641319147434/2021+November+Order+Board+Final.pdf|magazine=The Order Board|volume=41|issue=11|publisher=Tennessee Central Railway Museum & Model Railroad Club Nashville Chapter NRHS|page=11|access-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617131914/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e704e9d9fc3e82f87aba533/t/61d48aea91578460303d14e6/1641319147434/2021+November+Order+Board+Final.pdf|archive-date=June 17, 2023}}}}

On March 25, 2021, a storm damaged the TCRM restoration facility, but No. 576 was found to be undamaged.{{Cite web|date=March 26, 2021|title=Nashville Steam facility, museum damaged by violent storm|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/nashville-steam-facility-museum-damaged-by-violent-storm/|work=Trains|publisher=Kalmbach Media|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326150713/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/nashville-steam-facility-museum-damaged-by-violent-storm/|archive-date=March 26, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Overdeep|first=Meghan|date=March 30, 2021|title=Steam Shop Restoring Historic Nashville Train Suffers Serious Damage in Storm|url=https://www.southernliving.com/news/local-news/nashville-steam-locomative-576-restoration-storm-damage|work=Southern Living|access-date=June 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331020632/https://www.southernliving.com/news/local-news/nashville-steam-locomative-576-restoration-storm-damage|archive-date=March 31, 2021}} The workshop was quickly rebuilt, and the restoration work resumed.{{Cite web|last=Nolan|first=Davis|date=April 21, 2021|title=Restoration of Old Locomotive 576 resumes after March storm damage|url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/restoration-of-old-locomotive-576-resumes-after-march-storm-damage/|work=WKRN-TV|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426131042/https://www.wkrn.com/news/restoration-of-old-locomotive-576-resumes-after-march-storm-damage/|archive-date=April 26, 2021}} On April 15, Trains magazine donated $600,000 to the NSPS to renovate No. 576's driving wheels and trucks. The boiler required hydrostatic testing.{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=April 15, 2021|title=Trains Magazine Announces Nashville Steam as the Next Preservation Partner|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2021/04/trains-magazine-announces-nashville-steam-as-the-next-preservation-partner/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=May 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627214753/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2021/04/trains-magazine-announces-nashville-steam-as-the-next-preservation-partner/|archive-date=June 27, 2021}} On June 17, 2021, No. 576's boiler and frame were removed from its wheels and running gear.{{Cite web|last=Bryan|first=Joey|date=June 17, 2021|title=NSPS Completes Engine Lift and Wheel Removal|url=https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2021/06/nsps-completes-engine-lift-and-wheel-removal/|publisher=Nashville Steam Preservation Society|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620025026/https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2021/06/nsps-completes-engine-lift-and-wheel-removal/|archive-date=June 20, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Freeman|first=WaTeasa|date=June 18, 2021|title=Progress continues to restore former Centennial Park locomotive to operation|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2021/06/18/progress-continues-restore-centennial-park-locomotive-operation/7716299002/|publisher=The Tennessean|access-date=January 13, 2022}} The driving wheels were repaired at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On July 12, 2023, the reassembly of No. 576 began.{{Cite web|date=July 12, 2023|title=Nashville Steam Begins to Reassemble NC&StL 576|url=https://railfan.com/nashville-steam-begins-to-reassemble-ncstl-576/|work=Railfan & Railroad|publisher=White River Productions|access-date=July 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713010139/https://railfan.com/nashville-steam-begins-to-reassemble-ncstl-576/|archive-date=July 13, 2023}} In October 2023, TVRM donated a former NC&STL tender to NSPS, which would restore and convert to an auxiliary water tender for use behind No. 576.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2023 |title=Bestowing a Legacy: Gifting the NC&STL Tender from Our Collection |url=https://www.tvrail.com/2023/10/18/tennessee-valley-ncstl-tender-gift/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018222159/https://www.tvrail.com/2023/10/18/tennessee-valley-ncstl-tender-gift/ |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2023 |website=Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum}} The restoration of No. 576 is expected to be completed around 2025.{{Cite web|date=March 1, 2023|title=Nashville Steam launches matching campaign to complete restoration of No. 576|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/nashville-steam-launches-matching-campaign-to-complete-restoration-of-no-576/|work=Trains|publisher=Kalmbach Media|access-date=July 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713011911/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/nashville-steam-launches-matching-campaign-to-complete-restoration-of-no-576/|archive-date=July 13, 2023}}

Gallery

File:576 Being Painted.jpg|September 16, 2016: No. 576 is repainted at its Centennial Park display site by the Nashville Steam Preservation Society.

File:NC&StL 576 looks alive at the open house.jpg|October 14, 2016: No. 576 on display with light and smoke effects during an event mounted by the Nashville Steam Preservation Society to fund its restoration.

Notes

References

Bibliography

{{Cite book|last=Drury|first=George H.|year=2015|title=Guide to North American Steam Locomotives|edition=2nd|publisher=Kalmbach Media|isbn=978-1-62700-259-2}}
{{Cite book|last=Prince|first=Richard E.|year=2001|title=Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway: History and Steam Locomotives|edition=2nd|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=978-0-253-33927-0}}