Old Smokey

Today we stepped back into the past. We witnessed the inaugural run of R.J. Corman’s Old Smokey on the old CSX line between Louisville and Lexington. We caught our first glimpse of this big iron beast in Shelbyville at KY-53. A good size crowd was there to great Old Smokey as it breezed by us. We captured a couple shots, then heard the announcement that it would be stopping in Bagdad. We quickly drove to Bagdad where they were using fire engines to fill the water, add sand for traction and stoke the fire. We were able to walk all around the massive engine. The big red wheels were taller than my husband or I. The sights and sounds were incredible. As the engine steamed away you could hear a beautiful cadence chugging down the rail and as it disappeared from sight I could hear that mournful whistle that made me feel like I was in some distant ghost town of the past. I loved seeing this part of history. The pictures only tell part of the story. You had to be there to smell the coal, feel the steam and hear Old Smokey’s song. Enjoy…