Hello everyone,


I know this question may have been asked a thousand times before, but what is the TVRM planning to do with 4501? I've heard a lot of people say on youtube (not the best source of info ;) ) that the TVRM is planning to return her to operation for her 100th birthday next year. Others, like me, feel that 4501 should at least be put back together and put on display for next year, if restoration to service doesn't happen. I'm not trying to downplay the TVRM shops by anymeans, as they are superb in their restoration efforts, but I think that restoring 4501 to operation will take much longer than a year to do. As a person who has only seen 4501 once, I feel that she is a very important part of our steam locomotive society and history, and should be restored either for display or operation.

Martin

I have 4501 on 8mm on past fantrips

The TVRM website lists a 100th birthday celebration for 4501 in October 2011. No details are given. I guess we will have to stay tuned.

John Bohon

It's cheaper to buy a big cake than to steam her.

She's part of my past too. I grew up reading DPM's book from our local library and finally saw her when she visited Chicago in 1973. So I'd love to see her run again too.

Steve

My first steam fantrip was with 4501 from Chicago to Fort Wayne in 1973. I had bought DPM's 4501 book and had it with me; met DPM and he signed the book for me. The pages are still filled with cinders from that day. When we arrived in Fort Wayne; the newly formed local group had the NKP 767 (765) open for viewing. And there started a wonderful life-long (continuing) adventure!

I got hooked on trains growing up in Virden, Illinois courtesy of the GM&O, IT, CB&Q and C&NW. We moved to Maryland in 1963 when I was starting high school. For a number of years, cars and girls (I'm not sure in which order) got the majority of my intention.

I graduated from college in 1973, and went on an excursion from Alexandria to Front Royal behind the "green machine." She got my priorities properly reordered. When I met my wife 3 years later, I was a confirmed ferroequinologist, and she has been very supporting (although non-participating).

Thank you 4501.

Good stories....keep them coming if you have them.

I have a series of pictures with me on the front of the engin ranging from age 3 to about 20 or so. She is also the first steam engine I got a chance to work on.... cutting coal on part of the Kingsport to Richlands May 1993 trips. I asked by a crew member if I could help out. Uh, let me think about that one!!

On a side note, I just found a copy of Green Board South on Ebay for $23. Managed to get it onto my Ipod. Whoever would have thought you could have that on a digital device the size of a deck of cards. And yes, it still sounds as good as it always did.

Went to TVRM last summer, never got off at East Chattanooga, because I did the Chickamauga Turn. Here are current pictures of SOU 4501:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoPi ... 13&Page=12

Also found this on the TVRM website: http://www.tvrail.com/50th/

4501 was heading a move between SRR steam program sites and for some reason, came through my hometown of Tallahassee, Florida. This was on SCL track, so there were only two ever SRR steam moves through the town (750 popped through a few years later, totally unannounced). 4501 came through I guess in 1974 or 75. I was a little kid at the time, but my Mom indulged me by us going down to the overpass over the SCL main. Of course, it was very late (I recall sweltering in a vehicle with the window rolled down while cars went by, all of straining to hear a whistle) and the air whistle on a diesel switcher down a “B” yard a few miles away didn’t help. But she came eventually, thundered underneath us and stopped in town within sight of the state Capitol building. We parked what seemed like a very long way off but well within sight of the train while they had a service stop. I seem to recall my brother getting out and walking down to see it up close but I was considered too young (which was odd to me because I was the reason for being there). Even at that early an age, I knew I’d not likely see this happen again, which I never did. 4449 was the only other steam locomotive I ever saw passing through. I missed 750 years later and to this day am unsure if Clinchfield # 1 ever came through the area.
I never saw 4501 again, even though I’ve ridden various NS steam program excursions, that engine was not being used anymore by then and it wasn’t at TVRM the one time I was there in the 80s (or it was and I didn’t realize it). I certainly would go back to TVRM to see her in steam again! My dream would be to see her double heading with 630 (which was my first cab ride, at age 11).

Well, I had to dig this out, I guess we all know what is being done with 4501 now. Can't wait to see her run again. Is it just me or does 1 year turn around time seem a bit of a strech given her current condition?

it can be done...just needs people and money. Depending on how extensive the plans are, you have two ways of doing it. Option A is the extensive teardown and rebuilding and make her brand new, and ready for many years of service. Option B is do what has to be done to get her running for 2011, and plan more work during the offseason to get her in tip-top shape for the next year. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

With 630 nearing the end of an overhaul, and 610 with very few remaining days on it's boiler (I heard September if only run weekends when I was there recently), I would presume 4501 would need a full-time crew on her for any steaming in 2011 for the 100th birthday celebration.

We'll just have to sit tight and wait to this whole thing to play out. I'm sure we'll know more in the coming months once the website gets activated.
Kevin

Here's the link:
http://www.nscorp.com/nscportal/nscorp/ ... again.html

Alleluia! Amen! ^_^