Union City, Tennessee Welcomes Restored 1913 Locomotive: Travelers Experience History Brought Vividly To Life

Published on September 10, 2025

Union City, Tennessee, has a caller logic for visitors to research its taste and practice offerings. Discovery Park of America precocious completed a major restoration of its historical 1913 steam locomotive, No. 1149, and its accompanying rider cars. This project, supported by nan Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation, represents a dedication to preserving history while offering an immersive acquisition for travelers.

Visitors arriving astatine nan parkland tin now spot nan locomotive successful a authorities that intimately mirrors its original 1913 appearance. The restoration not only revives nan beauty of nan alloy and wood but besides brings backmost nan tone of a bygone era of obstruction travel. With a full fund exceeding $500,000, this task underscores nan park’s committedness to heritage tourism and acquisition recreation experiences.

The Remarkable Journey of Locomotive No. 1149

The communicative of No. 1149 is arsenic fascinating arsenic its intricate craftsmanship. Built successful Sweden successful 1913, nan locomotive was portion of nan celebrated B-class of nan Swedish State Railways. Known for its speed, reliability, and elegant design, it transported passengers crossed Sweden’s countryside, from schoolchildren to soldiers, passim its early years.

During nan Cold War, nan locomotive was placed successful underground reserves, fresh to run if lipid supplies became restricted. Later, successful 1995, it crossed nan Atlantic to Maine, acknowledgment to telecommunications pioneer Bert Clifford, to run connected his Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad. It later joined nan Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, but precocious restoration costs constricted its progressive use. Finally, successful 2013, Robert Kirkland acquired nan locomotive, bringing it to Discovery Park of America for its imperishable home.

For travelers, this century-long journey, from Scandinavian rails to Maine and yet Tennessee, adds a unsocial communicative furniture to nan depository experience. Tourists don’t conscionable spot a locomotive; they witnesser a portion of global obstruction history.

A Restoration Project of Historic Magnitude

The restoration process was carried retired by Baynum Solutions, experts successful historical preservation. Their activity focused connected precision, longevity, and respect for nan locomotive’s original design. The process included stripping decades of wear, repairing metallic components, replacing woody cab sections, and cautiously restoring each aboveground wrong and out.

Nearly 300 gallons of industrial-grade coating were applied to lucifer nan original 1913 colour scheme, while vapor blasting removed rust without producing harmful dust. The task besides restored nan roofs of 3 1960s-era rider cars, ensuring a cohesive humanities experience.

For visitors, seeing nan locomotive post-restoration is for illustration stepping backmost successful time. Every detail, from polished alloy to refurbished wood—invites history enthusiasts and visitors alike to research nan craftsmanship of early 20th-century obstruction design.

Visitors Can Experience History Brought to Life

Discovery Park’s ngo has ever been to animate visitors to “see beyond,” and nan No. 1149 restoration exemplifies that vision. Tourists tin walk astir nan locomotive, analyse its restored features, and ideate its powerful runs done Sweden’s landscapes complete a period ago.

The parkland offers a dynamic operation of acquisition and engagement, allowing guests of each ages to link pinch history successful a tangible way. The locomotive’s communicative encourages travelers to admit really technological invention shaped proscription and regular life successful nan early 1900s.

A video recap of nan restoration is disposable connected Discovery Park’s YouTube channel, providing a behind-the-scenes look for visitors readying their visit. Those who position it often find their excitement heightened, making nan travel to Union City moreover much compelling.

Why Discovery Park Should Be connected Every Traveler’s Map

For travelers seeking a operation of heritage, education, and hands-on experiences, Discovery Park of America has go a must-visit destination. The restored 1913 steam locomotive is much than an artifact—it is simply a living testament to history and a centerpiece of Tennessee tourism.

Whether you’re a history buff, obstruction enthusiast, aliases a family looking for an engaging time out, nan parkland offers experiences that connect visitors to world history while showcasing section culture. Union City, often overlooked successful recreation itineraries, now shines arsenic a destination for visitors seeking meaningful, acquisition adventures.

Discovery Park’s meticulous attraction for its postulation demonstrates nan park’s dedication to cultural preservation and tourism excellence. The No. 1149 restoration ensures that visitors, young and old, tin witnesser history brought vividly to life, making nan parkland a item for anyone exploring Tennessee and nan surrounding region.