Farewell for Now to New Hope Valley 17

On February 11, 2017, the New Hope Valley Railway made one last series of trips with their 0-4-0T #17 before its 1472 rebuild. The 17 ran three excursions from Bonsal, North Carolina, near Raleigh, to the end of the line in New Hill. Uncharacteristically for February, the skies were clear and the temperature was in the 70s, absolutely perfect weather for the little tank engine to make its temporary farewell. This was my first visit to the New Hope Valley line, and 17 did not disappoint as it climbed the grade into Bonsal. I wish the best of luck to the NHV crew during the inspection and hope to see #17 under steam again soon.