Speaking of steam in Tennessee...

Steve Freer · **Joined:** Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:24 pm **Posts:** 380

How 'bout this?

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=227812

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:59 am

Steve, I trusted you would get a photo of the 610 switching freight, and you came through as always. A tip of the hat to George, Al, Ryan, David, and everyone else at Soule Shop who pitched in to get 610 through her winter maintenance and get the firebox patch installed.

Alan Maples

jd johnson · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:50 am **Posts:** 399

Steve,

Is there any update on the Southern Railway 630? She should be pretty close by now?

Thanks,

JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Steve Freer · **Joined:** Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:24 pm **Posts:** 380

Quote:

Is there any update on the Southern Railway 630? She should be pretty close by now?

Well, she's getting there. The 630 restoration at times suffers from shortages of MONEY and MANPOWER. (Of course this is a common problem...insert the name of your favorite museum or project here! Alternate response: "Imagine that!?!") Progress is "slow, but sure" with several employees and contractors working as time and money allows on a near-daily basis, with a dedicated band of volunteers toiling most Saturdays as well. I can't really give an appropriate update as I'm more of a documentarian than a restoration craftsman.

(PAGING: Mark Ray for an update!)

I can however relay that the roller bearing modified lead truck is ready to be installed and the driving wheels have been prepped for installation (repairs, new tires, pins trued, etc.) The cab has been placed and some appliances are on the backhead. Quite possibly the biggest challenge left will be having a new tender tank fabricated.

Recent photo (by Mark's brother, none the less): http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=222550

Anyone wishing to help the project along can do one or more of the following things: (1) Join TVRM as an annual supporting member, (2) make arrangements to help with the actual work, and (3) make a tax deductible donation. (Can I suggest a large contribution?)

Here is the printable membership/donation form: http://tvrail.com/includes/Membership_Form.pdf and membership solicitation: http://tvrail.com/pages/explore/membership.php

Oh yeah, another way to help is to buy a ticket! You have many options for 2008 including Missionary Ridge Local service, Chickamauga Turn, Day Out With Thomas, Dinner trains, Steam All The Way, Autumn Leaf Specials, North Pole Limited, and Hiwassee River Rail Adventures along the Hiwassee River (Ride the Loop!)

Websites of interest: http://www.tvrail.com and http://www.tvrail.com/hiwassee