My wife grew up right beside the track . There were many children in her neighborhood, but she was the smallest. At Christmas time the engineer would slow down and throw candy to the kids, but when he came, she wasn't ready and knew the other kids would get all the candy if she didn't hurry. So out the door she went almost barefooted. When the old engineer saw her with no shoes in the snow he stoped completely, and got down off train and with tears in eyes he gave her a whole bag of candy ! Every Christmas she tells me the story....60 years later.

This documentary is better than 99% of the garbage on regular TV. I grew up in Pennsylvania in the 70's and 80's, and it was always a treat to go to the Strasburg Railroad Museum and ride No. 31, No. 89 & No. 90. They now have No. 475, and one of the highlights of my life was taking my kids there and ride in the dining car. I'd like to visit the TVRM one day and ride 4501.

I'm 68 years old and ever since I was a kid, I have had a love of steam engines. Until tonight, I didn't know that my little H.O. gauge #4501 in green Southern livery was so famous. It's always held a special place on my layout which is set in the late 30's/early 40's Southern Railway with steam and first gen diesels. Now I know why. I felt a certain pride watching this amazing documentary. I couldn't look away. Thank you so much. Great job.

This film brought tears to my eyes repeatedly. It is essential that the 4501 not be forgotten. The sight of her cruising along spewing steam everywhere when she came out of retirement was a dream come true. The glorious sound of the conductor blowing her whistle is like no other sound in the world. I reside in California now but intend to go to Tennessee to ride on the 4501. God bless all the caring folks who helped keep her in existence all these years, and I am very grateful to y'all for doing so.

I'm 72 years old and I grew up in a house near a railroad crossing on the Central of Georgia Line. The men on the steam locomotives used to wave at me when I was a kid waving at them. Back then there was always a caboose at the end and they would wave to. I was still a kid when they started switching over to diesel engines. I hated to see the steam engines go. I remember feeling sad back then. It is great to know that I was not the only one who loved steam engines. This was a great video. I sat here and watch the whole thing from start to end. The people who did this did an excellent job. I would love to ride on a train one more time. Last time I was on a train I was in the Army back in 1967. It was from Fort Gordon, GA to Fayetteville, NC on my way to Fort Bragg, NC.

As a child I would be thinking about my life and the world around me before falling into restful sleep, but knowing the steam train would be coming about 10pm as usual I would listen and while the wonderful sound of the train horn blowing letting all know of its travelling through town. It was always a blessing to me, that all was well as I faded into deep sleep...

Seeing the 4501 run made me smile. She carries the love of 1,000's of volunteers and fans. What a great legacy. I bet it has a soul from all who ever loved her.

Thank you to all that helped to create this video and put it on KZfaq! It's so greatly appreciated! If you only knew how much I wish I could go back and be a part of those times. At almost 62 years old, it don't seem very likely.

I had the opportunity to visit the steam shop in 1993. It was a very impressive operation. I am so ecstatic that we have these craftsmen to bring back these magnificent machines and not let Steam die. Believe it or not, this is one of the many reasons I am a Norfolk Southern stock holder!! Excellent work guys!!!

I have no particular interest in rail and I have no idea why I watched this, but this presentation filled me with emotion and pride in the skills of the men and women that made it all possible. I’m a 66 year old Brit and remember traveling by steam locomotive when I was in my teens. There’s a few restored locos running on limited private lines in the UK, and I had no idea that in the USA steam locos we’re playing any part in the 21 century rail system. I agree that unless you’re aware of from where we’ve come in the past, it’s impossible to comprehend where we should go in the future. This movie should be shown in every school and educational facility, it encapsulates all that it is essential for a worthy work ethic, pride in your product and the very reason why each and every one of us should develop our skills for the collective good of the product. A superb presentation, which is beyond adequate words of praise.

The last thing we did together before my wife died was to ride a steam train. I am very grateful to those folks who keep steam locos running. This video was excellent. Best I ever saw. Thank you from another Old Fart.

I can still remember watching the steam trains roll by while I held my father's hand. I was four years old...it was1959. This show made me feel four again!

You know it's gonna be good when Danny Harmon is narrating.

Where I grew up there was a rail line nearby (could see it from the front yard) that was a going concern - diesels by that point). There was a level crossing nearby and, on the hill above, lived a retired engineer who most certainly worked in the age of steam. A lot of the engineers, when approaching that crossing and doing their required series of horn blows, would add a little toot as a salute to this guy. Says a lot about the brotherhood of railway men. That railway shut down decades ago and most of the track was torn up (much of the right of way is now part of the Trans Canada Trail). But for some reason the track through and a ways past my hometown was left. Now there's a steam excursion train running on it and it is the most heart warming sight and sound. Kudos to all the thousands of dedicated volunteers all over North America who keep these beautiful and complex engines alive that we may recapture the past in a away that a static display cannot. Also, tremendous respect for the makers of this documentary - a true labour of love and one of the most professional works I've seen a long time. For anyone interested, the steam railway I mentioned is in Summerland, BC, Canada. They're running a 1912 engine (don't know the make). Just search for Kettle Valley Steam Railway.

As a small child, in the mid 1940's we lived in Seymore, Indiana. There were four railroads running through the area and I can remember the sound of their steam whistles and the smell of coal smoke. The memories are still pretty clear. The last steam engine I saw on the rails was in 1963 and it was being towed into a steel mill to be cut up for scrap. It left a sad feeling which comes to mind often, even today. Unlike the diesel locomotives, the steam engines seemed to be a living, breathing, thing.

In 1963 they were closing the longest wooden trestle in Canada and the last train across was a steam train that was also making it's last trip. I still remember my friends father filling his station wagon with kids and making the excursion on a Sunday afternoon. I had no sense of the history I was seeing at the time but I have come to appreciate it much more since.

As a young child, I remember pressing my nose against the screen windows of my upstairs room in the middle of the night, inhaling the scent of spring lilacs, and hearing the mournful whistle of the steam locomotives calling from the rail line several miles to the north. I can hear them even now.

Wow! Better made than many "made for tv" documentaries, and to find out it was created by volunteers without outside funding...Five Stars*****

I, living far away in Tamilnadu, India, chanced to watch the documentary. For some strange reason I could not control tears..! Absolute congratulations to those wonderfully sensitive minds that created this brilliantly researched-executed production.

Seeing a steam locomotive fire up for the first time and move under her own power following a rebuild is one of the most beautiful things ever

The last half of an hour I was constantly wiping tears away just to be able to see to the end. I am 62 years old, always thought myself to be a tough guy, but this beautiful locomotive 4501 just broke me. I love you 4501.

That shot of her coming over the bridge into Chattanooga is enthralling

Long live 4501 and long live steam. There is just such a romantic nostalgia riding on the back of a steam powered train. I had the privilege of riding in a steam locomotive. There is just nothing like it.

My Dad rode the rails to work for 35 years,I can hear the train horn in the distance with my bedroom window open in the summer,along with the ding of the boats mast rigging with the bay close by,best life as a kid

"It is a good thing to let another generation know what a steam locomotive is." - W. Graham Claytor, Jr. Truer words have never been spoken. Fantastic work!

Thanking God I'm old enough to have been in the last days of steam. What a thrill it always was, if not riding then just watching them pass by. You all have done an incredible work, restoring, documenting the history, and the production of this project. Thank you.

Outstanding story! Loved trains since s kid. 72 yrs old now and I hope to ride on her before I leave this 🌎 well done my friends! Hope to see you soon.

As a lifelong railfan I'm used to being awestruck by the quality of restoration and the dedication of restorers. The staggering thing here is the film, such a great production and all by amateurs! Well done!

Man what a fantastic documentary! This deserves to be on television. Alot of history on this engine that was never known because she was shoved aside for the 611 and 1218. A+ to all that contributed to this!

One of my best friends loved all things trains. The year before he passed we toured the train museum yard in Golden Co. it was a memorable time seeing, touching, exploring, and reading about the trains that built this country. Earlier that day my friend, his son, and I took a ride behind a steam engine up to the silver mines to explore. I will never forget that weekend.

I knew the fireman of the 4501 he was a family friend. He has passed on now, but he shared with me some great memories when he was working and keeping that engine alive. I know he would've loved to see this video. RIP Ralph you are missed. #4501

My dad was a steam locomotive engineer pulling iron ore out of open-pit mines in Minnesota to a Great Northern spur. As a pre-teen lad, I was privileged to sit on dad's knee and blow the whistle. Yes, I am 80 years old. Wonderful memories.

My grandfather, Herschel Gilbert, would wave at every Northern Pacific train as they passed the homestead (at the bottom of a steep hill that led down to the Columbia River). He would wave from the apple, peach and apricot orchards he carefully tended during the day, then from the farm house at night. I remember as a two year-old boy seeing him reach over, grasp the kerosene lantern that rested atop the bedroom buffet and make three passes back and forth in front of the bedroom window at night. He would then return the lantern to the buffet as the engineer would return his salute using the train's whistle/ horn. Grandfather Gilbert's body did not move during this greeting except for that right arm. As such I could not ever tell if he really woke up when he did so, but he did not in 45 years miss his greeting of a passing Great Northern train. Over the years the family fought many grass fires to save the house, fires started by the train wheels slipping on the rails as the train would struggle up the grade above the ranch house. Shovels and wet blankets were the only tools we had to extinguish the fires that exploded through the cheat grass, sagebrush and sumac that covered the basalt and sand. As kids we would count the cars, the number of engines, and, with special glee, the caboose. During the winters, my grandmother _a teacher in one-room schools that serviced the ranch children living along the Columbia as it split the volcanic cliffs South and East of Wenatchee, WA_ would walk her four daughters up the hill to the rail line and wait for the train to pass. She had no money, but the engineers were gracious enough to stop the train, allowing this group of ragtag females to board and deliver them to the little school house. When the blizzards obscured all visible terrain features past fifty feet from the rails, paying passengers were amazed to see these five women appear from the 25-below-zero "nowhere" to board the train. On the days when Northern Pacific officials were aboard, the engineers could not make this unscheduled stop. Those days the school kids had no school. Note: as one crosses the Columbia River into Wenatchee there remains a steam engine resting on a few tracks poised to greet you, a telltale reminder of the years when the fruit, grain, and gold from the Columbia River valley, hills, and basin were transported by rail to the outside world. Thank you for this well-done presentation. The memories evoked were special.

A very emotional journey even for an old guy watching from Australia

I am 88 years old the rock island railroad went through our farm I grew up with the sound of the steam engines thanks for this work

I grew up in Ogden Utah, up on the east bench. In the summer months we would sit on the porch, enjoying the cool evening air, and listen to the whistles blow and hear the bang of the cars connecting. I love and miss the mournful sound on the evening air. Yeah!

1:24:15 I almost started bawlin'...I am gettin' wayyy too soft in my advancing years... Good job people...you saved a real piece of history from being erased...THANK YOU!!!

In all of my days of loving trains I have never seen and heard that much history of the 4501. Back when I was I kid in 2015 I went to tvrm and saw 4501 for the very first time. And when I saw it i thought it was one if the most beautiful sights that i've ever experinced..... I'm so glad the 4501 is still in operation and I hope she never stops running for many years to come

Fabulous story - I was born a month after Southern Rail stopped all steam in June 53 and was lucky enough to have grown up in South Africa where steam still ran on for a good few years after this. We lived quite near to a shunting yard and it was not frowned upon to let kids go walk about amongst these great machines when they were working! Well done to you all for keeping her alive!!

I remember seeing the 4501 as a boy passing through Shannon, Ga. what fond memories.

My father, Alfred P. Rogers, worked as a volunteer at the TVRM for many years. As a teenager, I worked on the dining car serving coffee on the fall excursions to Crossville. One year, I got to ride in the cab of the 4501 for over 40 miles full steam ahead (see 58:52 for example). It was exhilarating, hot as Hades, and rough.... I needed a seat belt and was genuinely afraid I would fall out of the window. It is wonderful to see it still in operation and well-preserved!

I love train travel. Towards the end of this documentary, after a very long restoration period, we see the 4501 charging along and hooting for all its worth, as if its saying, "Hey I'm back". Well done, a wonderful documentary and I too will be watching it again.

I had limited interaction with Graham Claytor, corresponding about some Amtrak issues in the mid-1980s. His responses were personal, detailed, and showed true concern for his customers. He came across as a real class act.

Magnificent tribute to The Southern Railway and to the American 🇺🇸 Steam Locomotives .

I fell in love with the 4501 in your documentary. Tears, smiles, heart moving. What a magnificent proud girl she is! Thank you!

Every time the steam whistle blows it brings tears to my eyes. I just love it. Fantastic documentary. Thank you for telling a great story.

Wonderful Film and I'm an Englishman living in UK who was fortunate to come by accident across this film

I was born into a Railroad Family in 1934 and grew up in Hills Park/ Inman Yard Ga. Next to the NC&StL & Southern Railway Yards in Atlanta!!!!! My DAD worked 48 & 1/2 for NC&StL and My Grandads and Uncles worked many many years for NC&StL and Southern Railway, and OF COURSE!!!! EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT WORK ON THE RAILROAD , I DID HAVE A FANTASTIC CHILDHOOD , AND THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY OF RIDING IN CABOOSES, ENGINES, MAIL CARS , and When I joined the U S Navy, I rode "The Rails" from Atlanta to San Diego Cal. in a Coach/ Sleeper Car for 4 days!!!! I have seen the "Ole 4501" many times , and all Railroad People will understand when I say , I have had " Cinders in my Blood" all my life , when many many fantastic RAILROAD MEMORIES.

Now that's a train. Long live the 4501.May God bless her and keep her. For she is a part of American history that should not be overlooked or forgotten. I would much rather hear the chug chug chug.of a steam engine than the lug lug lug of a turbo-diesel any day.

Here in the UK we, and I include myself in this, tend to think that Britain is the only country with a sufficient number of eccentrics to carry out work of this kind, but I am heartened to see that there are enthusiasts all over the world who can gather the skills needed to ensure that the great, historical engineering which has lead to today's technological era, is preserved. Well done for making an excellent documentary and for the wonderful preservation work you have carried out.

1964? Happens to be my birth year. I so love trains and the stories surrounding the steam engines. So sorry I was born so late. I'd love to be able to have ridden around the southeastern US by train. Born too late. Thank you for the documentary! Congratulations to those that were a part of bringing her to life and to witnessing this fantastic voyage!

EXCELLENT!!! An excellent documentary about an excellent, enduring steam locomotive...4501👍

I WAS SO PLEASED TO FIND THIS VIDEO... because I visited the Tennessee Vally Railway Museum during a visit to the United States of America in 2008. I still have the photographs I took of 4501 which at the time was in a very sorry state, and it's so great to know that it was finally restored. In the workshop was a sign on the wall.... "No Loafing".... The instruction was obviously heeded by those who restored the locomotive. Sadly I have lost the picture I took of the sign. Have a great 2020 from Anton In Cornwall, England.

This documentary isn't just a film about an old steam engine, it's a film about love and respect and goodwill. I'll return to this documentary again and again. Thank you to all involved! As Richie Havens sang, there's something about a train that's magic.

I was born in Springburn ,Glasqow ,Scotland...they built these beauties for the British Empire ...you name it they shipped them there...Sudan, India,South Africa , Australia...and South AmericA......and North America...and as a baby i breathed in every polution that industry produced...but it was honest pollution and i am still here...great video...thank you.

I never would have imagined experiencing such a heartwarming story about a “locomotive” until this documentary showed up for me this morning. What a treasure to have 4501 restored and running-not to mention folks who care as well! Bravo!

So proud I caught this video. I've always admired the men that ran the railtrains. I love the steam engine and am so proud these Americans still remember and still take care of when America 🇺🇸 was great. Thank you

I remember riding behind her in 1966 at the NRHS convention out of Richmond, VA. I was 11 then and she was the star of the show. Thousands turned out at trackside to honor her. What a memory. I was able to climb into her cab and blow the whistle!

This was absolutely wonderful. My heart is full and overflowing. People were so in love with trains and trolleys. It is such a shame that politicians did not continue to support public transportation. Ah well ... we musn't cry over spilled milk. This helps a lot. I live within hearing distance of railroad tracks in NC and love hearing the train whistle. My brother and son loved their HO trains

Outstanding. Intellectual and emotional. A whole lot of effort obviously went into its making, and that's a credit to those volunteers behind the production. Wish more videos on this platform had the same dedication and spirit too. Thank you so very much.

We have an old steamer on display in my home town, and I some other towns around montana. I've also seen some amazing steamers in the Ford museum in Detroit... the most amazing part about all of them is the craftsmanship and talent in the hands that those will built those machines..absolutely mind blowing and beautiful.

Very well put together documentary of the Baldwin 4501. Soon after this engine was out there was another Baldwin that was almost double the power of 4501...it was the Prototype Baldwin 5000 that ran almost 1 3/4 million miles and began the Texas class. That was the last of the monumental improvements in rail steam power by Baldwin. Starting in 1930 with the Santa Fe 5000 during the great depression ending with the 5035 during World War 2.

You have to admire people who love the past and Dave a vision for the future.

Thank you for your dedicated work to preserve the operation of this artifact of our country's transportation history

Thankful to the people that put this together and that it has 2.5 million views!

Thank u for this fine film on 4501, fantastic, as a young boy, growing up in fremont,ohio, i was able to witness many streams come thru on N W line. what a fine experiences for this ole man of 81 yrs. young.. i want to say, this was a fine film an want to thank all that put this together. a great job,, God Bless u all, Ron , WB8NMK in N W OHIO this date 3/10/2018

I'm 71 yrs old and grew up on the Gainesville Midland RR as a kid. My Uncle was an Engineer. I got to ride the Decapods they used. . 4 yrs ago I got to ride the 4501 !!! Outstanding !!!!

Thats the best 1.5 hrs of viewing I`ve done this entire year

My Dad was a Steam train driver here in New Zealand and I try and show him as many of these sort of programs as I can find. Thank you for letting him see this. We have a steam train that travels every summer and the tourists and locals love hearing it go out of town.

In the clip where they did the test run to Cleveland and back when they show that one little piece at Cleveland where a few people are standing at that crossing I was one of those people! I had no clue until a year ago how special that run was but I knew when I saw a steam train I needed to get as close as possible and remember it fondly.. always trust your gut folks

This is an exemplary documentary history. It clearly states the facts in a linear narrative with only a voiceover to explain and graphics to explain and illuminate and illustrate. I wish they were all like this.

One of the most heartwarming, beautiful, and best documentaries ever created by mankind. It must be an extremely fun experience to see the 4501 running in front of your own eyes. I hope I get that experience one day.

She's like I ain't dead yet!

Worked with the Memphis, TN group in the 70's and early 80's and enjoyed 4501 and I have carried that love into my e-mail address with 4501 being part of the address.

I have read many children's books about the age of steam as a child. The one detail from many of the books that I took away is that each engine had it's own distinct sound. From the way it ran on the tracks to the sound of the steam whistle (not a horn), one could tell at a distance which engine was passing through. It may even be a subject of discussion at the local diner the next day if a different engine brought the 10pm freight! I am certain I would have been one to know these details. Many thanks for your well done work on this documentary and to those running the organization. May you be blessed in these endeavors to keep history alive for we who missed this special part. Much is relegated to reading about it. How special it would be to join one of the excursions!

Superb Documentary. Great to se spirit of America through this restoration journey. Hats off to all Engineers of restoring team and the Msnagement to take this historic decision of revival of 4501

Being able to see the heavy machines used to make our world helps us understand what our parents and grand parents went through. It is very difficult to imagine how big a 90 ton steam press is if you cannot stand beside one .

Wow, Danny Harmon did the commentary! That is awesome and so is this video! Everyone make sure you thumbs up this video!

O My God, even at 62 I love these steam engines, watching them in the movies, I always wished I could take a good long trip on one, I am so proud of the dedicated people who love these engines they are so much a part of our history in the USA!! Much Love!!

So very well done > well written, and Danny Harmon's narration is perfect. It captured the romance of steam perfectly! Thanks so very much, to all involved. Truly a 'labor of love', that is greatly appreciated.

This film was so emotional, so real that I got cinders in my eyes. Awesome job to all in producing this film and a hearty thanks to all of the visionaries and countless volunteers in the history of 4501. Perhaps the promising economy in 2017 will bring 4501 back to the main line.

Gives me goosebumps, there is an honor among those whom worked the old girls and those that dedicated themselves to preserve em' God Bless the crew and ol' 4501.

Back in my teen years (I'm 81 now), I lived in a small town in eastern WV where the Norfolk & Western ran those huge Mallet 2-8-8-2 locomotives. The run was down grade from each side of the Potomac river so they got up a lot of speed. When they got on the bridge the roar was unbelievable. There seemed to be no end of freight cars being pulled. Love this video.

Just think the the 4501 was saved from certain death by a handful of men with a love for trains. Job well done. Simply amazing

Such a wonderful tribute and surprisingly emotional. Thanks so much to the countless people that must have contributed to this wonderful glimpse into our shared past.

I'll be riding behind her and 630 this November for the Summerville steam special. I truly think 4501 is the pride and joy of TVRM.

Simply LOVED this video! Danny Harmon’s narration makes Mike Rowe look like a rank amateur! PLEASE! ! ! ! Make more of these documentaries....... This was way better than 99% of the documentaries on TV! A truly excellent job, and very informative and extremely entertaining!

Excellent documentary, very heart warming to see these men who clearly loved and wanted to preserve these old engines. Steam locis are a big part of our history and are full of character. Puts a big smile on my face to see them doing what they were built to do all these years later.

Wow, great documentary! THIS is the kind of stuff I come to youtube for; real content that's worth watching. I first saw 4501 pass through my hometown at the age of 4, didn't see her again until almost 40 years later while she was under her most recent rebuild, then FINALLY got to ride behind her two years after that, to Summerville from TVRM last October. It was so worth the wait.This film does an admirable job telling her story!

One of the best documentaries I have ever watched. Evan you and your team did a stunning job.

An absolute gem right here for any rail fan...BRAVO!!

Love this story. Already lost count of how many times I've watched it. The story is that of romance in the sense of love of history and passion to keep history alive and well.

I remember the first moves, and watching her take her first trip on the TVRM mainline in person. You have captured the story, the people, and the magic of the moment. This video literally brought me to tears. Thank You!!!

What a fantastic sight seeing 4501 come back to life after so long. Really stirs the emotions. Well done to everyone involved with the project. I live in the UK and thankfully we have more than our fair share of wonderfully preserved steam locos, many of which are certified for mainline running. With a country the size of the USA i think it's great to see another steam loco brought back to life, such important parts of our history that must be preserved.

I'm not an engineer but I love trains and listening to this program and seeing that steam engine still running was great at full power too thanks for sharing it

Well done , thanks to all , and God bless all.

Preservation is not just about the tangible objects themselves; it is about the history and story too. This documentary is a wonderful contribution to the preservation of 4501's story. Bravo!

Quite possibly the greatest film ever produced on a steam locomotive.

I love this film. I remember riding on that train at the Tennessee valley railroad museum. It was a lot of fun to hear those steam whistles blow and see the smoke coming from the stack.

This documentary was great.thank you to all the people that restored this locomotive and those that made this documentary about 4501 and the steam era.