On January 16, 2000, FWWR 2248 leads the westbound Tarantula passenger train out of the
depot at Grapevine TX. This would be the last day that the 2248 would operate; the locomotive
was sidelined the following day for mechanical work falling under the responsibility of
then-operator Coe Rail. In March,
a collision between a Ft Worth & Western freight and a passenger train operated by Coe
resulted in Coe Rail relinquishing the operation of the Tarantula train and turning it
back over to the Ft. Worth & Western, but the steam engine still awaits the repairs
necessary to make it operational again. The Tarantula train continues to operate, albeit with
FWWR diesel locomotives in place of the steam engine.
