The historic Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway steam locomotive No. 576 has successfully passed a major milestone in its return to steam: its hydrostatic test.
This essential verification confirms that the boiler, following the completion of major repairs, is sound under pressure, bringing No. 576 one critical step closer to full operation.
This achievement marks the latest milestone in a series of key restoration steps: the removal of No. 576 from Centennial Park, major wheel work between 2022 and its re-wheeling in 2023, the installation of tubes and flues earlier this year, and now the verification of these repairs through hydrostatic testing. The test confirms the structural integrity of the boiler before moving on to live steam trials, safety inspections, and final commissioning.
“The hydrostatic test isn’t just a mechanical benchmark, it’s a declaration,” Shane Meador, president of the Nashville Steam Preservation Society, said. “This success means that No. 576 is very close to a reawakening, just in time to take part in a once-in-a-generation moment. As our country celebrates its 250th birthday next year, and we plan to mark 200 years of American railroading in 2027, this locomotive will represent not only Nashville’s proud past, but a living symbol of our nation’s resilience, ingenuity, and heritage on the move.”
With the hydrostatic test completed, the path is now cleared for reassembly work and additional tests. The next major milestone will be a stationary steam test, followed by final assembly and its first test runs in more than 60 years.
Before that, an additional six to nine months of heavy reassembly work and fundraising efforts lie ahead. Concurrently, the organization has also begun exploring long-term options for expanding or creating a dedicated space for No. 576 — a facility that could support both its current operations and educational potential for future generations.
For more information or to donate, visit NashvilleSteam.org.
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