By Railfan & Railroad Staff

SPENCER, N.C. — Two main line steam locomotives will be under steam in the next few weeks, offering a bit of steam-powered fun in a year that has otherwise lacked it. 

On Sept. 18 and 19, Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 611 will be under steam at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. On Sept. 18, ticket-holders will be able to see the locomotive as it is being fired up and on Sept. 19, it will star in a night-photo session. The locomotive will be poised in various locations on museum grounds throughout the event.

Later this fall, during the first weekend of October, Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 765 will be under steam during the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Autumn Railroad Festival. 

Due to the pandemic, 2020 has been a quiet year for main line steam locomotives. However, most operators are itching to get their locomotives on the road and some are anticipating an exciting 2021.