IRONDALE, Ala. — Doug Karhan, who was master mechanic of steam for Norfolk Southern from 1982 to the close of excursions in 1994, has died. Karhan, who began as a volunteer, became assistant to the late Bill Purdie. He died Thursday, those close to him tell Trains News Wire. No other details were immediately available.
Karhan was master mechanic when NS restored Norfolk & Western 2-6-6-4 No. 1218 between 1985 and 1987 and also oversaw work on Savannah & Atlanta 4-6-2 No. 750 in 1983, as well as ongoing maintenance on N&W Class J No. 611.
Karhan transferred to the diesel shop in Chattanooga after steam operations ended, and later worked in the mechanical department in Roanoke, Va.
