I remember reading that TVRM had plans to put a different headlight bracket on it similar to 630 when it lived at TVRM, but this was never done.

I don't see anything wrong with one of the then 5 operating SOU steamers being in green paint.... especially when it wore this look since 1968 or whatever.

It will be fascinating to see how far they go with the restoration, in terms of following in 630's foot steps. Such as a babbitt oil main journals, new welded look tender tank, non lifting injectors etc.

It's already set up with a non-lifting on the fireman side, original (at least to pre-excursion days) lifting on the engineer side, same as 630. 4501, 630, 722, and 750 all had two lifting when in regular service. Mr. Purdie scrounged non-lifting injectors for the fireman side of all of them.

It looked to be in pretty rough shape when I rode past it a couple years ago. Tender had trees growing in it. I wonder how much will have to be newly made. Anyone know if the boiler is still useable?

Posted on Facebook today from the Strasburg Mechanical Services FB page……”Recently, we've started on a big project helping to bring a well-loved excursion locomotive back to life. The boiler, driving wheels, and driving boxes from Southern Railway steam locomotive #722 are now in our shop for overhaul. Watch our page for updates as work progresses.”

This is such good news!!!

While it's always great to see operating steam, there is something special about a steam locomotive operating on its home rails, and that's pretty rare for standard gauge steam in the USA. (Other than Nevada Northern, I'm trying to think of another place it happens on a regular basis. I'm sure I'm forgetting some).

The 722 at home on the Murphy branch is going to be SO great to see!

Southern 4501, 630 and 154 all operate on home rails. Although, 722 was truly stationed on the Murphy branch for a period, so it does make it extra special.

What may be the most modern engine to stay on its home road would be Union Pacific's 844. In fact, it's never been officially retired, something even more unusual than some of the others.

Of course, we also have to include UP's 4014, and until pretty recently, 3985--though both came back after a fairly long absence.

Also, in regard to standard gauge steam on home rails, we must include two of Cass Scenic's Shays, No. 4 and No. 5.

No. 4 was not delivered new to the railroad, but if I recall correctly, was purchased second hand from another line around 1940. She's called Cass home from well back into logging days, which I think qualifies her here.

The real jewel there is No. 5, delivered NEW to predecessor Greenbrier, Cheat & Elk in 1905. How many engines, in particular logging engines, have had only one home in their lifetimes--and in this case, a lifetime going back almost 120 years?

How about the engines of the Sierra Ry?

As well as The Nevada Northern's 40, 81 and 93...

Also CPR 2816. Does US Sugar's system include any former FEC trackage?

John

I believe it does. Also, 148 previously worked for US Sugar between its career with FEC and before it was purchased by Samuel Freeman and moved to the Black River & Western.

Milwaukee Road 261 also occasionally ventures onto home rails, since part of the Twin Cities & Western is a former Milwaukee Road mainline.

?

Thanks o484. Yes, 148 is a particularly interesting case as it is kind of running on double home rails, both U.S. Sugar and former FEC also. Surprising I overlooked this as it's probably my favorite locomotive operating today, but Reading & Northern 2102 also runs on some former Reading lines as well.

John