Mark, will 630 go right back into weekend service at TVRM after this round of trips, or will there be some down time to finish the lubrication conversion? I'm trying to plan ahead to take a trip to Chattanooga on a weekend when 630 is operating.

She won't be back to TVRM for quite a while

On the subject of grease lubricants, does anyone know what they use in the UK? I would imagine they have a good supplier of well-tested grease for high speeds given their extensive mainline excursions. Also, I think Morris Lubricants in the UK claim to still be making original grease for locomotives. Is it the same stuff that was used here back in the day?

Oil.

dave

Since we're on the topic of NS Steam, any updates on 4501?

I would expect 630 to roll right back into the shop after she returns in mid-July. It will take about a week and a half to convert the last set of boxes from grease to oil. I will know more when I get a chance to talk with the guys in the shop and will post an update.

Newspaper article from Martinsville, VA from Sunday's excursion from Winston-Salem to Roanoke. There were a bunch of locals out in Bassett, VA, and similar crowds in Boones Mill. Congratulations to whoever got the word out, and to NS and TVRM for bringing steam back to the southeast.

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/art ... k=archives