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A 150th Birthday Present

KENNESAW, GA – The locomotive that was chased down by Confederates after Union spies stole it during the Civil War was reconstructed this year in honor of its 150th birthday.

Three modelers placed their unique versions of the famous locomotive, the General, on display at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History this year. They each resemble the engine as it appeared on the day of the Great Locomotive Chase in 1862, much different from its current coloring in bright red.

“All three models stand alone and speak for themselves as works of art,” said Mike Bearrow, assistant curator at the Southern Museum, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate.

Retired schoolteacher and master wood modeler Wayne Holder carefully selected wood grains for his project since he did not intend to paint it. He carved his version of the locomotive out of dark walnut, maple, and green poplar on a 1 to 24 scale. His 1862 version of the General is displayed alongside two renderings he created previously for the Museum.

The largest model was crafted almost completely of wood on a 1 to 12 scale. Harold Fagon, a 90-year-old retired locomotive engineer spent a year constructing his colorful model in immense detail, down to the lever and gauges within the cab.

A man who has been planning to open a replica reproduction company with his brother for many years created a brass model. David Schneider of Schneider Model Railroading created his 1862 locomotive to run on an “O” gauge track.

“It was no accident they chose the General as their first project,” Bearrow said.

The Southern Museum, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war. 

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273.  For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117.