When TVRM received CN 5288 from Steamtown, I was provided with all the original paperwork dating back to the mid 1950's. Included in this pile of paper were all the monthly and annual inspection reports. What is interesting is after receiving an overhaul in November, 1957, all the subsequent monthly reports state "stored servicable". This continues until one in 1960 that says "Retired". I think that would mean a 0 mileage locomotive.

Unfortunately, a 0 mileage doesn't equate to a locomotive ready to run. 40 plus years of outdoor storage have taken their toll and it'll still take lots of dollars for the 5288 to steam again.

Now, rumors have abounded for years that the 1401 was overhauled completely prior to being placed in Smithsonian. Personnally, I think it was strictly a cosmetic overhaul but it's fun to think of the possibilities.

Well, not exactly a "fleet", but to put in a good word for a short line, Dardanelle & Russellville overhauled their 2-6-0 #9 in 1958 but never put it in service, finally selling the loco to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in 1963.

Alan Maples

John,

I visited the 765 during its "second restoration" in the early 80's. I was told they had gotten the superheater units, not flues, from 757. We later visited their shop area where a crew was hydroing each "new" superheater from 757 to something like 1000 PSI. Quite a few of these 'zero mile" superheater elements failed due to rust which occurred during storage, usually at the return bends. New return bends where needed were made from steel schedule 40 butt-weld 90 degree elbows.

IIRC, 765 suffered quite a few superheater failures during its initial restoration in the late 70's and the FWHS was determined to avoid a repeat of this. I believe they were very successful based on the excursions I saw on the N&W that year.

Well, that jumpstarted the memory! I had my 700's mixed up.

I retract the statement regarding flues and 757 because in actuality, it was the 755 and her superheater units, as Hugh pointed out. The 755, on display at the Conneaut Railroad Museum, recieved a cosmetic touch up in return for the units.

http://www.nrhs.com/chapters/conneaut.htm

Guess it's better to have too many 700s and get them mixed up, rather than have too few and miss them all! My apologies.

KL

Mr. Corwin is on the paid staff @ Steamtown