Louisiana Through My Lens - Louisiana Steam Train Association in Jefferson

 While exploring Metairie yesterday, I used Google Maps to find the old Southern Pacific steam locomotive that I knew was stored nearby. The twisting maze of narrow streets and parking lots led me to the Louisiana Steam Train Association, wedged between two hospital parking lots. This organization's vintage railroad equipment was housed on old railroad sidings.

Though rich in railroad history, Louisiana struggles to preserve its vintage trains, with many left to rust in disrepair. Museums and nonprofits lack the funds to restore these artifacts of historical significance. The Louisiana Steam Train Association relies on volunteers and donations to renovate its collection of locomotives and rolling stock, but these resources fall short of restoring the marvels of rail's golden age to their former glory.

The pride of the Louisiana Steam Train Association's collection is the former Southern Pacific 2-8-2 steam locomotive #745. Until 2019, the locomotive was fully operational, when it was taken out of service for mandatory boiler rebuilding. The Association recently received a grant to fund the repairs, with work scheduled to begin this year. With luck, this grand steam engine will return to the rails in the near future.

Southern Pacific #745 (SP 745) was built at the Algiers, Louisiana shops in 1921 and is the sole surviving Louisiana-built steam locomotive. SP 745 served as a workhorse for the Southern Pacific, hauling freight and pulling troop trains during World War II.

The post-war downturn and the demand for diesel engines cut short the life of most steam locomotives, including # 745. In 1954, with only thirty-plus years of service, she was retired to a display track in Aubudon Park.

After 28 years on static display in the park, in 1984, Audubon’s plan to expand its zoo necessitated the removal of the engine. A group called the Old Kenner Railroad Association (OKRA) managed to get the engine donated to its care and removed it from the park.

Breathing new life into a neglected 70-year-old steam engine is a challenging task. By 1997 some dedicated volunteers formed the Louisiana Steam Train Association to restore 745 and period passenger rail cars. Along with some professional help, private and public grants, they finally got the wheels turning. In December 2004, 745 conducted its first main-line operations in 48 years, running to Reserve, LA and back over the Kansas City Southern Railway. Since then, SP 745 has toured Louisiana, southwest Mississippi, and even one long trip to Kansas City.

- LASTA