Southern Sisters

[ACY Tom]

I would be very concerned about ANY steam locomotive that remains in a disassembled state for an extended period of time. This includes 722, PRR 1361, and a number of others. It hints at a lack of resources or interest to finish the job. I hope our concern isn't warranted.

[southern154]

Alan Harper, president of American Heritage Railways, sent a statement out that he is doing his best to protect Steam Locomotives 722 and 1702, if you look on google maps you can see that at this time tarps have been placed over both locomotives for more protection from the elements. Also 1702 has been an oil burner ever since she arrived at GSMR and if 722 were to be restored, I would think she would be oil too.

[Anonymous]

no matter who u are even the union pacific steam program which has deep pockets, there is never enough time or money. stop complaining and contribute time or money?

[friend611]

That is a very good statement. If we want to see these things preserved, we must do our part to make it happen. lois

[Anonymous]

the first three words of OUR constitution IS" WE THE PEOPLE". it is up 2 u to do it. it is not done behind a computer screen. join a historical railroad museum. donate time, money or even get ur hands in the mud, and share some hard work. no one will do it if "WE" do not.

[friend611]

If we had more railfans with the spirit you and I have toward preservation, a lot more things would get done. In the meanwhile, do any of you have an update on 630? I have not heard much from her since she went into the shop for staybolt replacement.
lois

[friend611]

I have just received an update on 630, she is due out of the shop soon to begin this year's excursion season. 4501, recently having been fired up for the first time since the 1990's, is also nearing completion. As regards the original condition of these two locomotives, both have multiple-bearing crossheads which were part of the improvements Southern made to its steam locomotives. The other improvements include new valve gear (is the Walschaerts on 4501 original or added later?) power reverse, stokers (never applied to 630 or 722 and to 4501 only with the recent rebuild). The Southern steam locomotives also had the distinction of having identifying markings of which shop did the rebuild on a certain engine, those more familiar with Southern steam would know what these identifying markings are.
lois

[friend611]

I found an interesting photo site of Southern steam locomotives. The link is:
southern.railfan.net/images/archive/southern/steam/steam.html
On this site, I found an early photo of Ms 2-8-2 #4506 with high-mounted headlight, number plate on the front of the smokebox, and alligator crossheads, as well as a small tender typical of early steam. There also appears to be an extension to the piston rod in front of the cylinder. There is no date to this photo, but it does seem to tell us much about 4501's original appearance.
lois

[friend611]

To add some interest to this thread:
How many passenger cars has Southern 630 pulled by herself?
lois