I was recently told that Southern 2-8-2 4501 would need a completely new boiler to ever operate again. Is this true? Also, what would it take to get 2-8-0s 630 and 722 running agian?<p>Thank You<br>

Savannah and Atlanta 750 came down with a bad case of stress cracking all over which has put her out of service. Could this be what you are thinking of? A new boiler is possible but given the new laws governing mechanical connections to new boilers, I think you are much more likely to see massive repairs to old boilers done instead to retain the right for non licensed people to do washouts and run piping from them. <p>Dave<br>



lathro19@idt.net

Here's TVRM's Press release on 4501's retirement:<p>Locomotive 4501 (Steam-Powered). As with all steam locomotives, strict guidelines are followed to ensure safe operation. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issues and oversees operating regulations (codes) and other safety measures for pressurized boilers on steam locomotives. Since it was initially put into service many years ago, its previous owner and the current owner (Tennessee Valley Railroad) have operated #4501 in accordance with these boiler codes. All steam locomotives, no matter how often they operate, are limited to five years on a boiler safety certificate. At present, #4501's boiler certificate expires on the last day of September 1998.<p>As with any business enterprise, historic appeal must be balanced by cost-effectiveness and suitability to purpose. After considering various options, a decision has been made to remove #4501 from service (indefinitely) as other locomotives are available which are more suited to the task which had been previously assigned to #4501. Extensive and expensive overhauling of 4501 would be necessary to obtain another boiler safety certificate for continued operation. So for now 4501 will reside in semi-retirement.<p>We expect that for now #4501 will be replaced by Locomotive #630 and #610. Although the engine numbers are similar (and the 2-8-0 wheel arrangement identical), the locomotives are quite different. #610 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the U. S. Army Corps of Transportation in 1952 and #630 was built by American Locomotive Company (ALCO) for Southern Railway in 1904 (1/2 century apart!).<p>As for 722, see today's Briefs!<br><br>



eledbetter@rypn.org