The 4501 was the pioneer locomotive in Norfolk Southern's initial steam excursion program, which operated from 1966 to 1994. After seeing service on the museum's railroad in Chattanooga the strong lady sat idle from 1998 to 2012, patiently awaiting a complete overhaul. After a three-year restoration, she made her public debut in September 2014. This fall she will be powering excursions on Norfolk Southern main lines with two weekends of excursions originating in Macon and Atlanta, Georgia.

The Nancy Hanks Special ~ Saturday & Sunday, Sept 26 & 27 ~ Macon, Georgia to Tennille, Georgia (two round trips per day; 8am & 2pm) - This train will be pulled by steam locomotive #4501 with diesel assistance over the Savannah District of Norfolk Southern's Georgia Division (former Central of Georgia Railway) on a 112-mile round trip.

Departure location will be the Macon Terminal Station. The station is located at 600 5th Street in Macon, Georgia 31201 (free parking is available in lots in the immediate area.) Departure times from Macon are 8:00am and 2:00pm, returning around 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm respectively. A commissary car will be included on the train selling snacks, soft drinks, and light food items. A gift shop will also be featured on board for those wishing to purchase souvenir items.

Standard Coach: $50 per ticket for everyone age 3 & up (under 3 is no charge if not occupying a seat.) Standard coach seating is provided in temperature controlled modern cars with fixed back seats.

Deluxe Coach: $60 per ticket for everyone age 3 & up. Deluxe Coach seating is provided in temperature controlled vintage cars with reclining back seats.

Observation Seating: $110 per ticket for everyone age 3 & up. Observation Seating is provided in the round end observation area at the back of the train. Seats rotate allowing viewing to the side or towards the receding rails behind the train. Passengers in this car will have access to complimentary snacks and drinks.

The Piedmont Limited ~ Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4 ~ Atlanta, Georgia to Toccoa, Georgia: This train will be pulled by steam locomotive #4501 with diesel assistance over Norfolk Southern's Piedmont Division main line (former Southern Railway) on a 180-mile round trip.

Passengers can detrain in Toccoa at the Amtrak platform for a two-hour layover to seek out lunch, shop at local stores, visit the Currahee Military Museum (housed in the Toccoa Railroad Station), or explore the area. The Currahee Military Weekend will be in full swing, honoring the "Band of Brothers" paratroopers who trained at Camp Toccoa. Free parking will be available at the departure location behind the Old Southern Railway Spring Street Office Building located at 285 Garnett Street SW (at the intersecton of Garnett Street and Ted Turner Drive). Departure time from Atlanta is 9:00am, arriving in Toccoa between 12:00 noon and 12:30pm for at least a two-hour layover, Departure from Toccoa is scheduled for 2:30pm, with return to Atlanta planned between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. A commissary car will be included on the train selling snacks, soft drinks, and light food items. A gift shop will also be featured on board for those wishing to purchase souvenir items.

Standard Coach: $95 per ticket for everyone age 3 & up (under 3 is no charge if not occupying a seat.) Standard coach seating is provided in temperature controlled modern cars with fixed back seats.

Deluxe Coach: $105 per ticket for everyone age 3 & up. Deluxe Coach seating is provided in temperature controlled vintage cars with reclining back seats.

Observation Seating: $195 per ticket for everyone age 3 & up. Observation Seating is provided in the round end observation area at the back of the train. Seats rotate allowing viewing to the side or towards the receding rails behind the train. Passengers in this car will have access to complimentary snacks and drinks.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tvrail.com or call the museum at 423-894-8028.