Billy Byrd of Madisonville, KY was the engineer for the day on #97. Billy retired from the L&N RR. He started out in the steam days on the railroad and it for sure got into his veins. He loved the railroad and railroading. He loved steam most of all. In his collection he had a Nichols & Sheppard steam tractor, L&N caboose in the backyard, steam whistles, bells and all types of related materials. Billy was once featured in a Charles Kuralt "ON THE ROAD" series special on CBS. Always full of wit and wisdom and good nature. Billy was one of the engineers at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, TN for several years. Billy passed away several years back now. He is truly missed. It was an honor being one of his "personal photographers" as we chronicled many rail and steam events over the years.

Photo taken: November 13, 1983

© Photo by : Timothy M. Baggett