PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The Dollywood theme park has parted with a steam locomotive that had been on display at the park, and has aided hurricane victims in doing so.
Former Southern Railway 2-8-0 No. 107, built by Baldwin in 1887, had long been on display at the Dollywood entrance. Now, the engine is on its way to the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad, which had approached the park about acquiring the locomotive for preservation. Dollywood representative Wes Ramey told WATE-TV that the park did not sell the locomotive.
“In exchange, we asked them to make a donation to support the Mountain Ways Foundation and its direct assistance of those affected by Hurricane Helene,” Ramey said.
The Knoxville & Holston River, one of four Gulf & Ohio Railways short lines in the southeast, operates 26 miles of track in Knoxville, Tenn. It also operates the Three Rivers Rambler, which offers the Christmas Lantern Express holiday steam excursion.
Look at the picture there is a lot missing. Partial list. Smokestack, Whistle, safety valve, bell, all driving gear, coupler(?), who knows what else. Is the tender available? All these lost parts hope they can be located. Then is K & H RR planning to restore it to operating condition.?
A picture I found online suggests the engine still has its stack, running gear, and tender at least. Those were probably removed for transport; other parts might be in storage (to avoid theft) and would presumable go with the engine.
Wouldn’t have expected any less from anything associated with Dolly Parton.