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General-ly Speaking

They say blessings come in threes, and recently, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History received three wonderful and distinct models of the most famous locomotive in American history – the General. All three models were constructed to resemble the famous locomotive as it appeared on the day of the Great Locomotive Chase, during which its claim to fame was cemented into our nation’s historical lore. Each unique model was constructed in honor of the General’s 150th birthday. Each model was constructed to a different scale, using different materials and each by a different craftsman. All three stand alone and speak for themselves as works of art.

David Schneider’s 1862 General

One of the models was constructed entirely of brass and made to run on model railroad “O” gauge track.  It was constructed by David Schneider of Schneider Model Railroading. Dave and his brother Bruce, rail fans since childhood, had always dreamed of starting a business to reproduce highly detailed replicas of famous locomotives. It was no accident they chose the General as their first project.

Wayne Holder’s 1862 General

The second of the three new models on display of 1 to 24 modelers scale is made almost entirely of wood. Its creator Wayne Holder, a retired school teacher and master wood modeler, showcases his skill by careful selection of natural wood grains to match each project. His model of the General features unpainted dark walnut, maple and green poplar. His latest creation is on display alongside two previous renderings of the General that he created specifically for the museum.

Harold Fagan’s 1862 General

The third of the three different models currently on display is also crafted almost entirely in wood by a master craftsman. This 1 to 12 modeler’s scale version of the 1862 General is the largest of the three and has a unique story behind it. It was crafted entirely from scratch by a 90-year-old gentleman named Harold Fagan. He is a retired locomotive engineer of 35 years for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad. Fagan constructed this model over a year’s time while cooking, cleaning house and taking care of his ill wife. His approach to creating his version of the General was based on his many years as a railroad engineer. He wanted the viewer to be able to see the small details right down to the levers and gauges within the cab. His version of the 1862 General is showcased along with a same scale modern version of the famous locomotive. Visitors are invited to discover how much the locomotive has changed since its birth in 1855.

The Southern Museum 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 call (770) 427-2117.