Southern Sisters

[friend611]

According to what information I have, Southern K class 2-8-0's were originally delivered with slide valves and Stephenson valve gear. They were later given superheaters, and reclassed in the Ks series, with subclasses Ks-1 and Ks-2 being added. "Universal" or similar types of kits for converting locomotives from slide to piston valves were used. Sometime later, 630 and 722, as well as some of their sisters, would have been fitted with piston valve cylinders and Southern valve gear. How we see 630 today is quite different than from when she was first built.
lois

[Deggesty]

I do not know if this is still true or not, but when the 4501 was in the Washington area in the late sixties, the whistle was taken on the Smithsonian engine and put on the 4501--and recordings were made of that whistle as it was blown, and then the recordings were played in the museum. So, the whistle you heard as you were by the engine was her own whistle. 

[friend611]

For clarification, A&WP 290 wasn't used on Southern/NS steam excursions until 1991, and that being because 290 was having work done at the shop at that time. Beforehand, according to "Steam's Camelot" the excursion arrangements prevented her from being used by Southern/NS. Of course, in early 1991, 611 was out of service, as well as 4501, and 290's services were sorely needed to assist 1218 for the early excursions that year. 290 did only a few excursions for NS, but soon 4501 and later 611 were ready for the 25th anniversary festivities.
lois

[ACY Tom]

The chances of removing 1401 from the Smithsonian are slim & none.  The building wasn't actually built around her, but that's almost what happened.  She was moved over Washington streets and placed inside the open side of the building; then a glass wall was built to close her in.  Since then, the Washington Metro subway was built.  Any attempt to remove her would involve a move above subway tunnels, and it's been suggested that the engine's weight might collapse the tunnels.

She was not restored to her original appearance. Southern replaced her Baker valve gear with Walschaerts' ,. and the rods were given some sort of bright plating.  The running boards were also revised at some point.  Except for the plated rods, I actually prefer her this way, although others are welcome to disagree. 

Tom

[Firelock76]

I've seen the 1401 at the Smithsonian myself, years ago, and NorthWest is correct, it's a stunning and absolutely gorgeous locomotive, takes your breath away to see it.  No wonder Mr. Secretary Claytor loved it so.

Still, I suppose life "stuffed and mounted" beats no life at all. 

[NorthWest]

friend611

As to the locomotive in the Smithsonian, it is Ps4 1401 and (as I have read) the building was built around it, the reason why it cannot be brought out.

Having been there, it looks almost impossible to bring it out. There are no doors, and it sits in a pit, being taller than the automobiles that surround it on two sides (a tiny window and station replica are the other two). A shame, as she is a beautiful locomotive that is almost obscured by other displays. At least she is covered and in climate controlled rest. 

[friend611]

However, there is one mistake in these articles. According to the book, "Steam's Camelot" 630 was retired from the original Southern excursions in 1978 and 722 in 1980. Jim Wrinn, among others, can confirm this.
As to the locomotive in the Smithsonian, it is Ps4 1401 and (as I have read) the building was built around it, the reason why it cannot be brought out.
lois

[U-3-b]

I am really not trying to be a smart alec, but I Googled Southern 722 and there is a Wikipedia page for it 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Railway_722 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Railway_630 

While it doesn't answer all your questions, it does some.  

[Firelock76]

I can't answer your questions about the others, but 4501 was finished in "Virginia Green" during its excursion career by direction of Graham Claytor, basically as an "ersatz"  Southern PS4 passenger locomotive.

Mr. Claytor tried for years to get a Pacific type he could re-do as a PS4, but the closest he got was an Atlanta and West Point Pacific, but the owners insisted it retain A&WP markings.

There is a real PS4 in existance, but it's in the Smithsonian in Washington, and it's never coming out.

[friend611]

This thread is a series of questions regarding Southern 2-8-0's 630 and 722. First, I'd like to know some background information on 630 and 722, and how they came to be sold to the ET&WNC. Also, I'd like some updates on 722's present status, and if she could be saved. I'd also welcome some opinion on why 722 and "big sister" 4501 spent their excursion years in green paint, though it is obvious now that 4501 will be black when she returns to service.
lois