IRVIN, Ky. — The sound of dozens of steam whistles will echo across Estill County as the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation is set to host the 2023 Whistle Blow on Oct. 7. This free-admission event will take place at the non-profit organization’s campus in Irvin, which is currently home to the ongoing restoration of steam locomotives Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2716, Nickel Plate Road 2-8-2 No. 587, and Louisville & Nashville 4-6-2 No. 152.
“We are thrilled to invite everyone to enjoy and appreciate one of the most recognized sounds of our past and celebrate the steam locomotive,” said Chad Harpole, Kentucky Steam vice president.
The public festivities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with 2023’s largest public gathering of steam whistles in the United States serving as the headline. The whistle blow itself will occur from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and live steam will be provided by visiting locomotive, Jeddo Coal Co. No. 85 of the Gramling Locomotive Works. The 0-4-0 tank engine is scheduled to provide both throttle time sessions and train rides at the campus beforehand. Additional activities include games for kids, local food, and craft beer.
Lead sponsorship to the 2023 Whistle Blow is provided by the Railroadiana Collectors Association Inc., whose mission is the education of railroad memorabilia and antiques, according to Raymond “Bo” Brown, vice president and membership coordinator. “There is no better way to educate folks on steam locomotive whistles than being able to hear them blown on steam from an actual locomotive.”
Visit the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation website for more information and to purchase tickets.
The event will feature dozens upon dozens of antique steam whistles blown on live steam from railroads around the country. To date, it is the only announced public whistle blow in the United States for 2023.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Another steam heritage event not to be missed! Let the good old whistles blow!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün