The Clinchfield No. 1: Tennessee's Legendary Steam Engine

Transportation

by Mark Stevens, Alf Peoples

As general manager for Erwin, Tennessee-based Clinchfield Railroad, Thomas D. Moore found an eighty-six-year-old vintage 4-6-0 ten-wheeler steam engine--the Clinchfield No. 1. Miraculously, the engine had escaped the cutter's torch when, in the mid-1950s, the railroad retired its steam fleet, shuttered passenger service and embraced the diesel era. Moore wanted the No. 1 fully restored and its long life on the rails--which had included being the first train to reach the victims of the 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood--celebrated as a goodwill ambassador for the railroad. The revived Clinchfield No. 1 led beloved excursion trains that visited seven state capitals, bringing joy to passengers from the Appalachian Mountains to Tampa, Florida. Join authors Mark A. Stevens and A.J. Alf" Peoples on the journey of the real-life little engine that could."

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2014

About the author

Mark Stevens is an award-winning commercial writer, author and blogger (http://www.houseof8balls.com).

His work has appeared on television and radio, in newspapers and magazines, online, on billboards and bookshelves.

His first e-book SHORTSTUFF 1 is a collection of 8 tall stories done short, that are equal parts silly, weird, absurd, funny and far fetched.

He lives with his wife and 3 children in a yurt on a vast plain in Mongolia.

He doesn't really. He lives in a house in Australia. With heating.

Reviews

[Ruppert Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful narrative of an unlikely story. The Clinchfield Railroad, a legendary line that is the only railroad to cross the Appalachians from North to South, resurrected a beat-up, ancient steam locomotive as an advertising icon that went on to nationwide fame. This is that story.
It looks at the history of not only the locomotive, but the people who rebuilt it, who operated it, who managed it, and who rode behind it.
If you're a railfan, this is a good book that does lack much that many of us enjoy. But, it's worth the read. And for those who would enjoy a a good, fun read, you may find this worth the effort, too.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Stevens & A.J. Peoples' "The Clinchfield No. 1: Tennessee's Legendary Steam Engine" tells the story of one of the oldest locomotives in history as well as the history as to why it's so famous. The engine itself has had multiple designations over the years, but also gained fame initially with it being the engine that delivered the 1st round of relief to the victims of the Johnstown Flood in 1889. Over time though it fell into disrepair and eventually though was restored and used trips across East Tennessee and elsewhere. Granted the majority of the story is focused on that period of restoration as well has the brief life after the fact, but for fans of railroads in general the story of this locomotive is an interesting one. I also appreciate the fact that the authors ultimately tell of the engine's final destination which is a good way to preserve the memory of this particularly important piece of railroad history.

[ExLibris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Highly recommend

Eloquently written. I would consider this a "must read" for any railroad fan. It actually made me cry. If you have any interest in railroad gistory, this steam engines story is for you.