Monday, August 5, 2024 Join Tweetsie Railroad in celebrating the golden age of steam at its annual Railroad Heritage Weekend on August 24 and 25. Historic Significance of Locomotive No. 12: Tweetsie Railroad’s Locomotive No.
12, often referred to as “Tweetsie,” is a narrow-gauge steam engine with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1917 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 3-foot gauge locomotive originally served the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), operating in the mountainous regions between Tennessee and North Carolina. No.
12 is one of the few surviving narrow-gauge steam engines in the United States and holds the distinction of being the only remaining engine from the ET&WNC line. Its preservation and continued operation make it an iconic symbol of the early 20th-century steam era in the Appalachian region. Restoration and Preservation: After the ET&WNC Railroad ceased operations in the 1950s, Locomotive No.
12 was acquired by the Tweetsie Railroad, a heritage theme park that opened in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in 1957. The locomotive underwent extensive restoration to return it to working condition, allowing it to serve as the star attraction of the park’s scenic railway. Over the years, dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to maintain and preserve the locomotive, ensuring that it continues to operate safely and efficiently.
The restoration efforts have included rebuilding its boiler.