In 1986, an ambitious restoration project began on the engine to bring her back to operation. She was stored in the Southern’s Inman Yard for close to a decade before the Atlanta Chapter of the NRHS had her moved to their museum in Duluth Georgia. Seven years later, the engine was in need of a new home, and was rescued by W. The 190 fell victim to the scrappers torch a few years later, while the 290 was saved by a group called: “The 290 Club”, and was placed on display at Lakewood Park in Atlanta, GA in 1958. They were rated at a maximum speed of 90 mph. With 74 inch drivers, and a tractive effort rating of 47500 lbs., these engines could burn the rails when turned loose. For the most part, these engines were extensions of the USRA design, and although they were produced a few years ahead of Lima’s Super Power revolution, they did sport a firebox combustion chamber, a feature that dramatically increased her steaming abilities. Sister engine #190 served on the Western Railway of Alabama, and the 290 was assigned to the A&WP. She was one of only 2 heavy 4-6-2 P-74 Pacifics built for the West Point Route. The 290 was original built in 1926 by the Lima Locomotive works in Lima Ohio.
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