Status of GTW 6325

[railfanespee4449]

What is this locomotive's status? The most recent photos I have seen of it running are from 2004. I know that OC cancelled the steam program, but could what happened to 1293 happen to the 6325?

I'd love to see her run again!

[tim o'm]

What is this locomotive's status? The most recent photos I have seen of it running are from 2004. I know that OC cancelled the steam program, but could what happened to 1293 happen to the 6325?

I'd love to see her run again!

You are correct that the last time she ran was in 2004, specifically at the TrainFestival 2004. This was meant to be a bi-annual event, but things changed once the 2004 event was over. 6325 experienced firebox problems, I believe, that left her out of service. The work by the steam crews has since been dedicated to 2-8-0 no 33, and 4-6-2 no. 1293. With the Nickel Plate 763 joining the steam roster, it may push the 6325 further to the side, but all it takes is someone to choose it as a priority to make this change.

What happened to 1293 that you would like to happen to 6325? I don't understand that enough to answer.

[pmsteamman]

Tim, I think you have it opposite. 1293 has firebox problems and the 6325 has (or had) problems with a bearring on one of the drivers. I do agree that the Consol and Berk have more then lickley taken center stage.

[Dampfmann]

1293 has a "fire box" problem? When did this develop? She just ran on the Cuyahoga Valley Line and at Byesville.

Hey, PMSTEAMMAN, do you have "PM1225" on your OH license plates? If so, we were both following 1293 two summers ago. We met up at some grade crossing in the middle of a corn field. I think it was during the NRHS convention. If this isn't you, well, my mistake.

Martin

[88Mikado]

1293 does not currently have a firebox problem. During TrainFest, she encountered a mechanical failure that effectively took her out of service for the remainder of the year. The locomotive has been repaired and has has operated continuously since 2005.

6325 is considered "serviceable"--but the bearing issue will take several months and thousands of dollars to fix, and that's without knowing what other issues could crop up in an inspection. Without a proper steam facility to service and work on all of the operable locomotives, it is unfortunate that the locomotive has been sidelined as flue time ticks away.

However, the owner has recently purchased and moved a turntable to the area with the intention to install it and build a roundhouse specifically for the steam department--which is still in existance and not "cancelled"--only their passenger department and regular passenger services were cancelled.

Indeed, the 763 and the 2-8-0 #33 have taken center stage. The former being the fullfillment of a long standing goal of the owner, and the latter an unfortunate haunting.

-Will 

[railfanespee4449]

I was referring to 1293's recent excursion work.

[pmsteamman]

DAMPFMANN, sorry it was not me. I have not been able to chase them since Steamfest. I am glad to hear that they are building a roundhouse for the collection it deserves it.