Southern 2-8-0 #722

SteveRG · **Joined:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:28 am **Posts:** 270

Just curious as if 722 is undergoing restoration or not? I heard a while back that restoration would start once a few other things were taken care of, but haven't heard anything yet. Anyone have their ear to the ground on this one?

Ryan Scott · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:46 pm **Posts:** 149

Both the 1702 and 722 are still patiently waiting for funding at the Dillsboro Shop. I have been told the yea or neigh should be known by railfest. At this point it looks good that we will get moving on these projects again.

The 1702 will get a new firebox (interior sheets), and will likely take about 18 months to complete. I would estimate a late 2009 season with the '02.

The 722, well, it needs everything. Whatever we don't spend on the '02 we will spend on the 722. I would estimate the 722 coming up in 2010, give or take. . . .

All of this is in conjunction with the shop project, which we will also get an answer on this Sept. There is always plenty to keep us busy, and these are three very big projects to add to the work.

At somepoint I hope to have the '22 and the '02 doublehead over Red Marble for railfest. Time will tell.

By the way, the Ex SOU FP-7 6133 will be visiting for Railfest from the North Carolina Transportaion Museum. It will be operating on the TuckRiver Excursion. Flagg Coal #75 will also be here with some short trips out of Bryson City. Come out and see us if you can.

Ryan

Stephen S. Syfrett · **Posted:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:06 am

Ryan,
What are the Railfest dates, please?

Ryan Scott · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:46 pm **Posts:** 149

September 14-16, 2007

Ryan

Stephen S. Syfrett · **Posted:** Tue Aug 28, 2007 8:42 am

Thanks, Ryan. Looks like I will not be able to make it this year. I hate it when work gets in the way of fun!

Mgoldman · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:41 pm

While both steam engines are out of service will there still be excursions and if so, what will be the motive power? I have seen the 1702 a while back - a great looking engine and scenic line. Enjoyed my visit!

/Mitch

Sully · **Joined:** Thu Dec 01, 2005 2:24 pm **Posts:** 76

Ryan, I look forward to hearing that an effort will be made to restore both. Either way that the organization decides, do you think they will take steps to preserve the engines in the near future? When I saw them last fall, they were starting to look dangerous rusting outside.

Sully

Ryan Scott · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:46 pm **Posts:** 149

Glad you enjoyed your visit!

We have been operating a full schedule with four GP7/9 locos.

The 1702 will likely recieve a slightly modified cab when it returns, although that decision is a bit down the priority list!!

Ryan

Ryan Scott · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:46 pm **Posts:** 149

I wish we had a place to put both inside, but the single stall in Dillsboro is it. We have covered many of the threads and seats on the 1702 to protect it. It is not as bad as it looks. Sometimes tarps hold more moisture in than they keep out. I have held off sand blasting the boiler on the 1702 until we are ready to get going on it. If the funds do not come through then more work will be done to protect the locos. These are two of those many 12 month projects that stretch to 5-7 years.

Ryan