Shane Meador – Nashville Steam Preservation Society
Born and raised in Nashville, TN and graduated from Nashville Christian School as a member of the National Honor Society, Shane began his railroad carrier as a summer steam locomotive fireman at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in 1994 and qualified as a locomotive engineer in 1996 on both steam and diesel locomotives.
After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy, Shane began working for Norfolk Southern as a Machinist Gang Leader in Chattanooga as well as continuing part time duties at TVRM coordinating the restoration of Southern Railway steam locomotive No. 630. Starting in 2010, he was given the opportunity for a 3-year leave of absence from Norfolk Southern to manage the steam locomotive projects for use on Norfolk Southern’s 21st Century Steam program at TVRM. During that time, he successfully led the extensive restorations of Southern steam locomotives No. 630 and No. 4501 and return them to mainline service. By creating a safe, positive, and educational atmosphere, he was able to recruit and retain volunteers throughout the project which helped to significantly reduce labor costs. Shane has operated all 4 steam locomotives that participated in Norfolk Southern’s 21st Century Steam program on 6 Railroad Divisions traversing thousands of miles on mainline track. Most recently, he has co-founded FMW Solutions, a Railroad professional services company which he holds the title of Vice President Mechanical.
Shane’s background, leadership, and experience in locomotive management, personnel management, restoration project management, maintenance, and safely operating these unique and historic machines will prove to be a valuable asset to NSPS and the projects it will take on.
Thanks to Barry Allen and TCAT Lebanon for hosting our last meeting in September. We always appreciate their hospitality.
Special thanks to Alex Stout of Hamilton Machine for giving a great talk and demonstration on sweating bearings, as well as answering questions.