There were some big freight hauls made a few years back, pulled by steam. At least one made the TV news - which means it was probably 20 years ago now.
And IIRC there was some chatter about the possibility of turbine steam development.
Looking on the 'net, came across no old news stories but a few video from the 1980s and 90s with some big hauls. Norfolk & Southern and Union Pacific apparently both would use 'em for freight as needed or requested even though not in regular service.
