A roving ambassador for railroad history! Steam locomotives represented a significant advance in human achievement. They were the first man-made objects that could move under their own power and they played a huge role in the success of the industrial revolution in the 1800s and 1900s. Unfortunately, with only about 150 operable examples left, it's a good bet that many Americans have never seen one run. It seems that a father and son from Indiana have made it their life's work to change all of that. John and Byron Gramling restored the 40-ton saddle tanker that you see here and over the past 10 years, have taken her on the road to tourist railroads and museums around the country, becoming very visible ambassadors for the preservation these historic machines. Not only do they provide the public with a chance to see and ride behind steam, they also provide the crews at each stop with actual, hands-on experience. When Flagg Coal #75 visited the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, CT, most of the actual running and firing was done by museum volunteers, with training and supervision provided by the Gramlings. Virtually all couldn't say enough about how educational and motivating this experience was. The Gramlings are already at work expanding their operation. Their displays at Thomaston indicated that they are in the process of restoring two more saddle tankers. Here's wishing them a bright future in their very worthwhile endeavour.
