Clewiston, Florida and Chattanooga, TN
Sugar Express, LLC and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum today announce the donation of Locomotive 1504 to TVRM.
The locomotive is a United States Railroad Administration light Pacific type built by the Richmond Locomotive Works in Richmond, Virginia in August of 1919 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It was displayed in Jacksonville, FL beginning in 1960 before being acquired by U.S. Sugar and relocated to Chattanooga for planned restoration to service by Sugar Express, LLC.
Statement by M. Scott Ogle, Railroad Superintendent of the Sugar Express, Regarding Steam Locomotive No. 1504
“U.S. Sugar continues to provide a world-class excursion train in America’s Sweetest Town, with Steam Locomotive No. 148 serving as the Sugar Express’ primary motive power and ambassador to us here at U.S. Sugar. After considering the Sugar Express’ future, we have decided that Steam Locomotive No. 148 is sufficient for meeting the overwhelming demand of guests that ride on our one-of-a-kind, scenic excursion line that traverses hundreds of miles through the core of Florida’s pristine farming communities. For this reason, along with rising raw material and labor costs, we have decided to change course and not pursue the restoration of the Atlantic Coast Line Steam Locomotive No. 1504. In light of this decision and in recognition of our need to be good stewards of the locomotive, we are gladly donating No. 1504 to our friends at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum located in Chattanooga Tennessee. We appreciate all of the unwavering support the Sugar Express has received and look forward to continue serving guests now and in the future. For more information about tickets and schedules, please visit www.sugarexpress.com.”
Statement by Penelope Soule Gault, Senior Director Marketing, Communications and Guest Experience, Regarding Steam Locomotive No. 1504
“TVRM is pleased to be the recipient of this magnificent example of southeastern passenger locomotion for our collection. While plans for display, or possible eventual operation, remain to be developed, as custodians of this locomotive TVRM will place the locomotive components into storage. Once a thorough evaluation has been completed TVRM will announce its conclusions and next steps.