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The Big South Fork Scenic Railway 6/18/2017

I left the Parkland Motel and headed toward the depot, pulling over after the bridge and walking out onto the bridge over the Norfolk Southern mainline. Then I started to take my pictures. But first, a little history of this exciting railroad.

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns, Kentucky. The route runs for 16 miles through lush countryside in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. There is a stop in the historic coal mining town of Blue Heron, Kentucky which can be toured. There is also a gift shop and snack bar with picnic shelter as well as hiking trails in Blue Heron. The railroad is restoring a large 0-6-0 steam locomotive from the Union railroad built by Alco in 1944 and uses diesel locomotives for its excursion trains. The adjacent McCreary County Museum (admission included in train ticket) demonstrates life in Kentucky's coal company towns during the first half of the 20th century.

In 1902, Justus S. Stearns of Ludington, Michigan bought 30,000 acres of virgin timberland in southern Kentucky. When coal was discovered soon afterwards, the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company was established. The company built the town of Stearns to serve as the hub of a logging and mining empire that would control over 200 square miles of land, build the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, erect the first all-electric sawmill in the United States and employ over 2,200 people living and working in 18 coal and lumber camps.

Most of the buildings in the Stearns business district were painted in company colors – sage green with white trim. The Company office headquarters building and surrounding Company houses were painted white with dark green trim. Residents enjoyed services provided by the Company, such as water and sewage, electricity and steam heat for their homes. Recreation amenities included a golf course, tennis courts, pool hall and baseball field for their leisure time.

The Kentucky & Tennessee Railway (K&T) once stretched over 25 miles into the Big South Fork River valley and operated 12 steam locomotives. It served as the primary passage not only for timber and coal, but also for workers and supplies going to camps along its line. The K&T, like many shortline railroads operated steam locomotives several years after the mainline railroads had switched to diesel power. One of the more notable steam locomotives, Southern Railway No. 4501 was purchased by the K&T, re-lettered K&T No. 12, and operated until 1964. The only original K&T steam engine still in existence today is the K&T No. 10. Both No. 4501 and No. 10 are now located at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga.

In the 1950's, the Stearns Company closed several coal mines and the K&T discontinued passenger service. By 1976, the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company had sold its mining operations to Blue Diamond Coal Company. The Company’s vast land holdings transferred to the National Forest, the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and private ownership. Coal mining ceased along the K&T in 1987. Today, the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, has taken on the task to preserve, protect and interpret the rich history of one of the few company towns in America still surrounded by its coal, lumber and railroad roots. The National Historic District of Stearns, McCreary County Museum and Big South Fork Scenic Railway provide the venues necessary for the Heritage Foundation to keep this thriving history alive.

From the bridge, I shot these pictures.

The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Train cars that the Big South Fork Scenic Railway purchased.

The train from the bridge. Then I parked the rental car in the parking lot and went inside to pick up my complimentary ticket for today's trip.

The rear of the train before boarding took place. The consist of this train was Big South Fork Scenic SW9 106 (built by Electro-Motive Division in 1951 as Atlantic Coast Line 701), coaches 1006 and 1005, which were built from flat cars. We were all boarded then I heard a horn on the Norfolk Southern coming my way.

My view of SW9 106. I really missed the S-1 105 that was on the train in 2007 when Chris Parker and I rode it for the first time.

Norfolk Southern 7534 North at Stearns, Kentucky. The train started to move and we left the depot before the end of the train arrived, so I could show you the end of the freight train.

The Circus Train cars once again, this time from the train.

Passengers aboard the train.

Views along the tracks.

The train goes into the tunnel.

The train exiting the tunnel.

Our train travels along Paunch Creek.

View looking back up the grade.

The view ahead.

The natural forest of southern Kentucky.

Interesting rock formations along our route.

Views of Paunch Creek.

Approaching Barthell Coal Camp.

Barthell Coal Camp.

Union Railroad 0-6-0 14 built by Alco in 1944. In 1955 it was sold to Morehead & North Fork Railroad Company 14 at Clearfield, Kentucky then later sold to dealer George Silcott and in 1969, became the property of Cumberland Falls Scenic Railway. Later the engine was sold to the Tombstone Junction Amusement Park and renumbered 77, where she operated until 1989. The amusement park then burned down and 77 was sold to the Kentucky and Tennessee to be restored and operate on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway.

Barthell Company Store Number 2.

Views of Paunch Creek as we continue our journey.

View ahead of the train.

The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River.

This was as far as our train went. We used the switchback to change direction and we flipped the seats.

The main line back up to Stearns.

We ran along the road to the station at Blue Heron.

The coal tipple at Blue Heron. On this trip, I did not have to walk up on top because I had done that previously.

Rear view of our train.

Big South Fork Scenic SW9 106.

The train at Blue Heron.

A final picture of the coal tipple at Blue Heron. I bought a Coca-Cola and sat at the table under cover and enjoyed it then re-boarded the train and rested. Once everyone was back aboard, we headed back to Stearns, ending an excellent trip aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. A special thank you to the Big South Fork Scenic Railway for having me here today to ride their train. I left the parking lot and drove to Arby's where I bought my dinner for the evening and watched an "NCIS" marathon before calling it a night.

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