Southwest Missouri News--Branson

by Carol Harris

Branson Scenic Railway's newly rebuilt Locomotive No. 98 pulled into the Branson Depot May 11.

The engine was originally built in 1951 for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and was in service until the late '70s. It was then rebuilt in 1981 for passenger service and served until its retirement in 1994. It was sold in 1995 to Branson Scenic Railway and went into service in Branson later that year.

The locomotive was again rebuilt by Midwest Locomotive Co., in Kansas City, after being damaged in an accident last year.

Now renumbered "98" for the year it was rebuilt, the red-and-silver custom-painted locomotive will resume pul-

ling the Ozark Zephyr through Missouri and Arkansas, according to Illa Kamp, general manager of Branson Scenic Railway.

"This engine will be on all excursions. It also coincides with the kick off of our fifth anniversary season serving our Branson guests," she said.