When engine No. 999 made her famous run in May 1893 that made The Empire State Express the world's first high-speed passenger train she captured the imagination of a generation of men and boys. This fascination, kept alive by steam train enthusiasts and train buffs alike, continued into the twentieth century. She was exhibited at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair and the 1948-49 Chicago Railroad Fair before her retirement in May of 1952 after repeating her historic run between New York City and Buffalo. In 1962, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago acquired the 999 and following a complete restoration she was brought to her present location in November 1993. Sometime before her final trip to Chicago Mr. G. F. Mulvaney of Tinley Park, Illinois began his fascination with this the 999. From an elevation drawing published by the New York Central and the, then, few photographs available Mulvaney began his momentous task to recreate the 999. When the train arrived at its final stop about 30 miles from his home Mulvaney's job became a bit easier. He studied the train, discovered the many changes that had been made over the years and determined to present his version as close to the original as possible. A full and detailed description of how he managed this both in conception and actual construction was detailed in the May 1976 issue of Live Steam Magazine.

Size: 89" l.

near mint