Kentucky & Tennessee Railway 10

Unveiling the History of the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway 10

This steam locomotive was constructed by the renowned Baldwin Locomotive Works in May 1920. It was initially employed by the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, a shortline developed to facilitate the operations of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company located in Stearns, Kentucky.

The Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, with over 25 miles of track and a fleet of 12 steam locomotives, had the K&T 10 as one of its crucial components. The K&T 10 is a 2-8-2 type, also referred to as a Mikado. It concluded its services in 1964, and a year later, in 1965, it became a proud acquisition of TVRM.

Once relocated to Chattanooga, the locomotive was rebranded and given the new designation – Southern Railway 6910. In October 1965, the 6910 took an exciting autumn excursion from Chattanooga to Cleveland, Tennessee.

Yet, the locomotive’s deteriorating condition curtailed its run. The second round trip it made that day turned out to be its last. Its final operation under steam occurred in the early to mid-1970s. The K&T 10 is currently in storage and out of service. TVRM, however, intends to bring this engine back to life with a cosmetic restoration. Soon, it will become a more visible gem in the Grand Junction Display Yard collection.