By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Carl Jensen, manager of the famed Norfolk Southern steam program in the late 1980s and early 1990s, died on March 25. He was 87.

Jensen was also heavily involved in the National Railroad Historical Society, holding a number of leadership positions within the organization and its chapters. But he’ll be known most within the world of railroading for his tenure as manager of the NS steam program from 1986 until 1984 during one of its most exciting and turbulent eras. Under Jensen, the program saw highs like the return of Norfolk & Western 2-6-6-4 1218 and a dramatic side-by-side run with it and N&W Class J 611 during the 1987 NRHS Convention. He was also there for the lows, including when NS management suddenly decided to end the program in late 1994. After the program, Jensen continued to work for NS until his retirement a few years later. 

Jensen is survived by his wife Carol and two sons. A funeral is set for April 1, in Roanoke, Va.