Coming back down on its wheels at the Clifton Forge, Virginia backshop, where it was the last steam locomotive overhauled there, in 1955.

http://www.chessieshop.com/gallery/show ... l?id=38954

We have heard that 2789 did some running after this overhaul during the "coal upturn" that saw a number of C&O steam locomotives returned to service in 1955/1956. Not sure if that is true or not, but if so, we'd like to find out how many miles she ran before she was put back into storage.

Today, Kanawha #2789 sits inside our Shop building at the museum. She has been undergoing a slow cosmetic restoration. A couple of years ago, her cab was sent out and completely rebuilt (rust was showing through in too many places.) Our MM-Steam has recently built new wooden footboards for her; the first time she has had any since she arrived here. One of our new members has been painting the drivers and applying white paint to the tire rims (engineers side is done and he is just starting on the firemans side). The engine is pulled out of the Shop on the days when we operate our caboose train for visitors, so that she can be photographed.

Les Beckman (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/North Judson, Indiana)

Les, when did the restoration become "Cosmetic", I thought you folks were rebuilding her to steam again?

Well, the HVRM "official policy" toward the 2789 is to restore her to active service. But there has been no move toward actually doing that for a good number of years. We actually have a complete set of new flues sitting in a couple of our storage box cars. And just this past month, we finally got the 2789's dynamo back from one of our members in Ohio where it has been for over 10 years (he was supposed to rebuild it, but was never able to do it.) A number of years ago, we actually did an ultra sound on the boiler. So why the change in attitude? Well, for one reason, our current Board is not committed to a restoration of the Kanawha (without THAT, you can't even begin the process). And truthfully, there are reasons for their current attitude. First, we are located in northwest Indiana and there are two Van Sweringen 2-8-4's (Pere Marquette 1225 and NKP 765) in the rough appoximate area that have been restored, and frankly, just don't operate very much, or not at all. Secondly, even with a set of new flues, there is a large amount of money that would be needed to get the `89 running. There are other reasons, but these two factors in themselves, are probably decent reasons for our Board to not make the committment to begin work on the 2-8-4.

Personally, I think that a change of attitude toward the locomotive can only come IF the museum was able to acquire a smaller steam locomotive and start the effort to get her running. A Mogul, Ten-Wheeler, 0-6-0, Consolidation (or similar) that the membership could work on with the idea of using her on our caboose train, could have the snowball effect of having those members look at the 2789 with a different eye. The steam people who have looked at the Kanawha have all said that she is a very good candidate for restoration. She has a welded boiler and overall, is in good condition. Unfortunately, there is probably no chance that the museum will ever acquire a smaller steamer. And so, the best we can hope for, is to slowly continue the 2789's cosmetic restoration.

Hope that answers your question.

Les

From an outsiders standpoint, I think the members of HVRM have made tremendous progress over the years. The signals, grounds, extended trackage, and the push to create a Port Authority to keep rail service to the community. I can't think of too many groups that have done as much with similar resources. It must be the people that make up the difference!

I'm not sure that the present HVRM budget could do very much to make 2789 operational, but the people there are often full of surprises. They've been creative in many areas that have allowed them to have facilities, such as their shop building, for minimal cash outlay. Who's to say that they won't come up with something.

David Farlow
Whitewater Valley Railroad

Keep your fingers crossed that I win the Indiana Lotto and maybe that will change :) ...unfortunately, my tickets have failed to generate winnings necessary for restoration.

Hey Bob, those of us at the museum are pulling for you!

Les

I applaud the fact that your Board is looking at making hard decisions like this. They are often never popular, and a lot of flack will probably come ---- but so will too the long term survival of your facility. I have a feeling more Boards and organizations will begin to move in this direction --- either by their own will or the will to stay alive. Sadly, some groups might not make it through it; somehow I think you guys will.

Its not as if your saying it can never happen. Its simply saying its not in the best interests of either you or the loco right now.

And its DEFINITELY in the best interests to have all her pieces back together, rather than to be one of the countless restos that never gets finished (and yes, those in glass houses......)

Steam is steam is steam ---- in small packages as well as large ones. A certain engine and father-son I'm kind of partial to has proven you don't necessarily always need a Berk to give people the "wow" factor AND serve your mission....

TJG