Southern 630 "drives ahead" at TVRM

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

For the first time since December 29, 2001, Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 has a driving wheel underneath. On Tuesday, July 28 TVRM shop workers winched the frame over the drop pit using a shop truck under the firebox end (the lead truck, which is now roller bearing equipped, was installed some time ago) and on Wednesday, July 29 the #1 driver was lifted into place.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=292310

It has been 7 1/2 years since the locomotive had any drivers in place and it has been a long road up to this point. New driver boxes were manufactured along with other components. The wheels were cycled through TVRM's Niles machines several years ago and received new tires along with other repairs.

Yesterday was a significant milestone in the restoration process. Drivers 2,3 & 4 should be installed before the end of the week if everything goes as planned. TVRM continues to march forward on this project daily. Would you like to help? All donations toward the 630 Project are tax deductible and can be sent to TVRM, 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Rob Gardner · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:50 pm **Posts:** 576

Steve,

Congratulations on wheeling the 630. I've always felt the 630 is one of the nicest proportioned 2-8-0's out there next to the big WM Consols. I can't wait to see it on all 8 drivers. You're not that far away from completing this project.

Sincerely,

Rob Gardner

p51 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:30 pm

I’m very happy to hear progress is being made. 630 has a special place in my heart, as my parents saw her running quite often in Elizabethton, Tennessee as ET&WNC # 207 in the late 50s-early 60s. It’s also the first locomotive I ever got a cab ride on, when I was either 10 or 11.

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

That is AWESOME news for the 630! But what about 722? Is she still stripped down to bare essentials?
Pretty much the same kinda engine though, but she's a fave of mine and need to see her back in Southern Green Livery AND under steam. Last picture I saw she was nothing but a boiler with chalk marks...

jwc · **Posted:** Sun Aug 02, 2009 2:27 am

Update on 630, not the drama of the first drivers, but 3 of 4 in place. And an E8 lurking right behind.
http://www.steamvalley.com/rrpix/tvr/tvrm.html

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

To my knowlege nothing has changed with 722. She is still in pieces at Dillsboro. GSMR has, at least for now, abandon steam operations. Personally, I think it is a shame 722 was taken away from her sister at TVRM by NS.

John Bohon

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:43 pm

As of noon today, Monday August 3rd, 630 is "back on her feet" following installation of the fourth and final driver. Brake rigging fit up comes next.

Alan Maples