SPENCER, N.C. — Former Southern Railway FP7 diesel No. 6133 is turning 75 in 2025, prompting multiple events throughout the year to mark the occasion.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, owner of the vintage streamlined locomotive, initially offered “At the Throttle” sessions on June 7, 8, 21, and 28. Participants would have the opportunity to operate No. 6133 at the museum property under the supervision of a qualified engineer. Museum Director of Administration Marcus Neubacher confirmed to News Wire that the 45-minute sessions were sold in just over a day. The museum plans to add more sessions later in the year. In addition, a night photo session with No. 6133 is planned for July 19.
Merchandise will also be offered to mark the 75th anniversary. They will include t-shirts, sweatshirts, tumblers, magnets and more, according to Neubacher. “We expect t-shirts to be arriving [June 6] and other items soon.” Purchases can be made at the museum’s gift shop and online store.
No. 6133 was built in May 1950, and served in passenger, freight, and excursion operations for the Southern. Shortly after retirement, the locomotive was donated to the N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation in 1980. A pristine restoration has made No. 6133 one of the crown jewels in the museum’s collection of operating equipment.
Visit the N.C. Transportation Museum website for more information.
Compared with the E-9 the FP7 was like a spinster aunt who worked all the time w/o thanks.
“Look Ahead, Look South”
MICHAEL — Thanks for that memory. This was a railroad slogan loved by me, a 100% northerner. Before the Southern finally caved and joined Amtrak, cars with this slogan reached Boston on a Amtrak connection.
Happy Anniversary for the Southern 6133, one of the classiest locomotives ever designed or built.
Happy & Active anniversary to you dear legendary rail friend!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
SOU RR’s 6133 spent a lot of time going in and out of Bristol TN – VA. That was due to it being equipped with ATS that was still in service on the Bristol – MEM Tennessean line