Retired NS Master Mechanic of Steam Doug Karhan passes away

There must be steam locomotives in heaven.

God's Speed and Rest in Peace, Doug

Job well done......

John N.

Really disturbing information!!!!!  I knew Doug pretty well, and talked with him a lot, especially when the the Southern acquired the former T&P #610 2-10-4, which was an oil burner. Early on in the career of the 610 on the Southern, both my 4449 buddy Dick Yager and I went down to the Southern to assist/teach Doug and his crew the ins-and-outs of firing a larger oil burning steam locomotive. Doug was such a REALLY nice guy!

Plus, he really wasn't all that old, as he was my age!

Surely a great loss, in my opinion.

My sincere condolences to his family and you for the loss of a friend.

Condolences to family and friends.

Jim K

I was so sorry to read of Doug's passing though not among Doug's inner circle. Through the 70s 80s and halfway through the 90s I was lucky enough to live near Norris Yard in Birmingham Al.  I started driving out to Norris Yard some time in the seventies when 4449 came through town pulling the Freedom Train.  After that I would go out there and shot a roll of 220 film about once a week. One day one of the steam crew came up to me. I think he intended to run me off but I asked if he would like to see my portfolio on their operation and he walked over to my car with me.  I told him if he ever wanted photos of anything specific loco, personnel, or equipment to give me a call and I would not charge anything.  Well he did call me one time the day before they fired 4501 and I drove over to make some photos of the loco and the crew who restored her.  I printed a dozen or so of the crew posed in front of 4501.  I took them over a few days later and Doug had all the crew sign one for me. I was looking for that photo and will eventually find it but till then here is one of Doug doing a lube job I think the loco was 2716 C&O Kanawha aka Berkshire,  In Southern livery.  I always thought he was a very special kind of guy no doubt he will be greatly missed.         j

God bless him and Godspeed. We are going to have to teach the younger generation of young men and women to repair and rebuild and run these monsters. I wish i could have apprenticed with these knowledgeable people.