Live Steam Returns to Tavares, FL

[Paulman]

Freshly arrived to central Florida is the second Baldwin steam locomotive to roll Lake County rails from Reader Railroad (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.readerrailroad.com">http://www.readerrailroad.com</a><!-- m -->)

Reader Railroad’s Number 4 made the Mount Dora/Tavares run a decade ago. It was built by Baldwin in 1913 as Laurel River Lumber Co. No. 22. Its liveries have included the Carter-Kelley Lumber Co, the W.T. Carter and Brother Lumber Co, the Reader RR, and the Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis RR.

The new kid on the block is Reader’s Number 2. It was built by Baldwin in 1907 as Lufkin Land & Lumber Company No. 2. The small locomotive served on the Shreveport Houston & Gulf RR, the Carter-Kelley Lumber Co, the W.T. Carter and Brother Lumber Co, the Scott & Bearskin Lake RR, and now the Reader Railroad. This locomotive has appeared in many movies.





Number 4 begins its runs in early October. In these photos it isn't fully assembled yet. More info about the new tourist line here:
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Does anyone know of a close match in HO for this locomotive? I’ve been watching eBay and sites that sell vintage brass, but I haven’t found one yet.

[BR60103]

Dangnabbit, the year we'll be there with no car available!

That is a very scenic area, worth a visit even without the train.