Southern 154: One Last Christmas Ramble

The Christmas season of 2023 would be a bittersweet one for East Tennessee railfans, as after 13 years of service, Southern Railway 154 made what are anticipated to be it's last runs on the Three Rivers Rambler for quite some time. All twenty-one "Christmas Lantern Express" trains across four weekends were sold-out, and a crowd of railfans were following each run from downtown Knoxville to the forks of the river to say goodbye to this 133-year-old workhorse.
Built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1890 as East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia 466, this engine worked an impressive six-decade career before being retired by the Southern Railway upon dieselization in 1953. As the 154 had spent much of its time working in and around Knoxville, it was donated to the city and put on display in Chilhowee Park, where it remained until being acquired by the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad in 2008. The K&HR impressively rebuilt the engine in under two years, and 154 entered service on their Three Rivers Rambler excursion trains in the summer of 2010. 154 worked alongside Washington & Lincolnton 203 "Lindy" until it was withdrawn for a rebuild in 2015, and has been the Rambler's sole steam power for the past eight years. Now 154 is finally due for an FRA-mandated 15-year overhaul, and the 203 is expected to return to service and take over in 2024. Hopefully this won't be the last time we see this Knoxville icon steaming along the Tennessee River.

[@BenBensonStudios]

I’ll miss 154. Wish I could’ve gotten to see her.

[@RailsofMichigan]

Out of all the Restored and Operational Southern Steam locomotives 4501 is my number one and most loved but 154 is also tied with 4501 as my number one loved as well. I also like 722, 630 and 401 but 4501 and 154 have always been my two most favorites. Hopefully 154s rebuild will go well and easy and she'll be back out on the rails filling the air with that beautiful whistle of hers.

[@MiddletownBranchProd.]

I hope it’s just an overhaul and not retirement..

[@bodarville2510]

Steam engines working and whistles blowing by someone who knows how is so relaxing.

[@mattdotsonrailfanproductio266]

Gonna miss this engine. She’s one of my favorites.

[@robscott8296]

Why 15 years

[@mylesspear]

Not entirely sure. The FRA mandated all U.S. steam locomotives that operate under certain conditions have to comply with the 1472 day or 15 year overhaul after the internal boiler explosion at Gettysburg. Not sure how they ended up with 15 years but it’s what they deemed was safe.

[@didyou555]

It's 15 years of operating service, not 15 years for a rebuild. She will be back in about 3 to 5 years.

[@TrainTableRailroad]

Was nice meeting you there! Merry Christmas!

[@didyou555]

@TrainTableRailroad I wasn't there, but I live near by.

[@didyou555]

We will hopefully hear 154 again in 3 to 5 years.

[@lashendawest7509]

Happy holidays merry Christmas and happy new year

[@billyrueckert5113]

Kicking myself for not coming out this year. Hopefully they rebuild her, and finish working on the 4-4-0 they have as well. Glad 203 will be coming back, though!

[@lashendawest7509]

Great catches and awesome video of 154

[@Slv2therhythm]

Another fantastic production. Glad to have caught 154 in years past.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Merry Christmas. Let it Snow. We're all hoping with you.

[@dmcry600]

There is something about a moaning whistle at night, that is so relaxing. That Engineer is in tune with his engine as well!!!! Very Nice!!!!

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

Great video! Sad to see her go down, but she needs it. It sounded like her valve gear was dying near the underpass 😆

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Yeah, I’m just sad the engine was so underutilized the last few years. Hopefully they’ll decide to go through with the overhaul after 203.

[@railfanningwithtydan]

Sick shots! Especially the ones at night! Awesome!! Had fun chasing with ya! 💯

[@rogerlollar4325]

I'd love to ride that train one day

[@mothamus7745]

Merry Christmas!

[@MPT_Productions]

Great video! I loved the nighttime shot with all of the whistling.

[@Ian-qs3fz]

this channel is grossly underrated. your thumbnails, variety, and quality are all just second to none

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thank you!

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@SmokyMtnSteamis the 154 coal fired? Or oil?

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

@@rudycarlson8245 Coal