At a Glance
| Locomotives | No. 12 “Tweetsie” and No. 190 “Yukon Queen” |
|---|---|
| Type | Narrow-gauge steam locomotives |
| No. 12 Completed | 1917 |
| No. 190 Completed | 1943 |
| Tweetsie Railroad Opened | July 4, 1957 |
| Railroad Route | Three-mile loop |
| Location | Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
Engine No. 12
Narrow gauge Locomotive No. 12 is the last surviving steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which ran service from Johnson City, Tennessee, to Boone, North Carolina, from 1919 to 1940. When the Tweetsie Railroad theme park opened with its first steam locomotive ride (one mile to a picnic area and back) in 1957, this was its sole locomotive.
No. 12 "Tweetsie" Specifications
Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia
Original Service: East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad
Completed: 1917
Const. No.: 45069
Fuel: Coal
Working Weight: Approx. 82.5 Tons
Arrangement: 4-6-0
Tweetsie Engine #12 Whistle
Engine No. 190
Locomotive No. 190 is a narrow-gauge steam locomotive originally from Alaska’s White Pass & Yukon Railway (WPY), which linked the port of Skagway, Alaska, with Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon. Tweetsie Railroad added the “Yukon Queen” in 1960.
No. 190 "Yukon Queen" Specifications
Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia
Original Service: U.S. Army Transportation Corps/White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Completed: 1943
Const. No.: 69425
Fuel: Coal
Working Weight: Approx. 105 Tons
Arrangement: 2-8-2
Steam Locomotive Shop
Both locomotives are historic narrow-gauge locomotives, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. Before entering service at Tweetsie Railroad, the locomotives were put into operating condition by veteran engineer Frank Coffey, who trained new generations in our on-site steam locomotive repair shop.
How many steam locomotives does Tweetsie Railroad have?
Tweetsie Railroad is home to two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives: No. 12 “Tweetsie” and No. 190 “Yukon Queen.” Each locomotive has a history dating back long before its arrival at Tweetsie Railroad.
Is Locomotive No. 12 “Tweetsie” currently running?
No. Locomotive No. 12 “Tweetsie” is currently undergoing restoration, including firebox repairs and mechanical updates. It will return to service once the work is complete.
Where are Tweetsie Railroad’s steam locomotives maintained?
Tweetsie Railroad operates its own Locomotive Shop, which opened in 1976 to maintain the park’s historic steam locomotives. The shop was expanded to a 5,000-square-foot facility in 1998.
How are historic steam locomotives maintained?
Tweetsie Railroad’s Locomotive Shop performs the specialized work needed to maintain and preserve historic steam locomotives. Since opening in 1976, the shop has supported the care of Tweetsie Railroad’s locomotives as well as steam engines belonging to other parks, attractions, and museums.
Does Tweetsie Railroad restore other steam locomotives?
Yes. In addition to caring for No. 12 and No. 190, Tweetsie Railroad’s Locomotive Shop has supplied parts and provided rebuilding services for steam locomotives at parks, attractions, and museums across North America.
Can guests ride behind a historic steam locomotive at Tweetsie Railroad?
Yes. During regular daytime operations, guests can experience a three-mile train ride behind a historic steam locomotive, complete with live Wild West entertainment. The train ride is included with regular daytime admission and does not require a reserved boarding time. During select special events, including Day Out With Thomas™, Ghost Train, and Tweetsie Christmas, train rides require a specific boarding time.