Join Diverging Clear Productions for a look at a classic Norfolk & Western locomotive in action on one of the oldest tourist railroads in the United States.
Former N&W 4-8-0 #475 was built by Baldwin in 1906. The class M 4-8-0s combined a larger boiler with similar running gear to the earlier class W 2-8-0s, resulting in a more powerful and better steaming locomotive. Strasburg purchased #475 from Iowa’s Boone & Scenic Valley in 1991 and she has been one of the railroad’s regular locomotives since the mid 90s. She is the only operating 4-8-0 in the U.S.
We shot #475 in operation over five days in May, 2013. She was lettered for the Strasburg at the time of our visit, with the lettering in the font and style of the latter years of N&W steam.
We filmed many trackside scenes at most of the well known locations along the line between East Strasburg and Leaman Place. In addition, we filmed aboard both passenger and freight trains and filmed aboard the locomotive. Two different whistles were used on the locomotive during our visit; a standard N&W “Hoot” whistle and a higher pitched single note whistle. This is, we believe, the most up close and personal look available of this unique locomotive in operation.
