Frisco 1522, an absolute star of midwest steam excursions in the 1990s, backs past the photo line on the third of five (yes five) run bys on the Nancy Hanks special, the marquee excursion of the 1994 NRHS Convention. 1522 handled the consist out of Atlanta and met N&W 611 in Macon, double-heading back. 1522 performed three run bys on the southbound excursion, while the doubleheader performed two northbound. As I recall, we were perched under a row of weeping willows in a very bucolic GA location. I caught the beautifully-proportioned mountain-type locomotive backing past the photo line in this June 23rd, 1994 shot. The sun found its way behind the clouds for the forward move, making the lighting much less striking that it was here. Ill never forget the sharp exhaust, echoing off the Georgia pines. Little did my 16-year old self know, but 1522s northbound doubleheader partner had only 6 months to live - at least in her second career. - Photo by Chris Campbell |