For those that would like to see where we are at with the restoration of SRR 2-8-0 #630, here is a recent shot:

From what I understand, it's passed the hydro test, and most of the boiler work is complete. There is plenty left to do, not the least of which is a brake system. The tender frame is being worked on, as well as the tank. The lubrication system is done, the compressor hangs in it's home, insulation is being readied on the delivery pipes and cylinders.

As for my pet project, SRR E8 #6914 continues to move along, just more slowly than 630. Here is a photo of much of its new brake system components: There is new floor in the cab, new sandboxes, new cab heaters are bolted in, and so on. While fewer people work on it, primarily on the weekends, it's still moving along. I hope to have the brakes done by summer.

Thank you for the photos. Glad to see the progress on both the 630 and 6914. Once the 6914 is up and operational, it would be nice to see her get together with Spencer's 6900 (the only operational unit of the four SR E8's still in existance: 6900,6901, 6913 and 6914).

Observations: Friday, Dec.3, TVRM lit another file in 630, to be sure all was fine, and it was. Boiler insulation is being applied. Tender frame now has a set of roller bearing trucks mounted, brakes being installed. Also, its wooden deck has been built, ready for the tank when its ready. I'll see if I can get a couple of pictures next time I'm up.
Mike.

On NS's Facebook page, there is a photo of both engines steamed up next to each other - a sign of great things to come! :)

and if one clicks on the photo, you get a little more information...

At right is engine 610, the Museum’s mainstay for the past twenty years, which later in the afternoon will pull TVRM’s “North Pole Limited”. At left is engine 630, which is nearing completion of a thorough overhaul. 630 is obviously not y...et fully reassembled, since it is missing its boiler jacket and much of its piping and valve gear. Shane Meador of TVRM is making adjustments to the top of the boiler. By early-2011, 630 will be ready to pull TVRM trains, replacing engine 610, which is now out of service and in TVRM’s Soule Shop for major inspection and refurbishing.

TVRM 610, 630, and 4501 should all be operational sometime in 2011, in time to pull special passenger trains as part of Norfolk Southern’s ‘21st Century Steam’ program.



Between 630 coming online, the NS Program, 154 and 203 under steam in Knoxville, and GSMR getting back into the steam business, it seems the south is going to be a good place for steam in the near future.
Kevin

Any news on when 630 will be complete and pulling trains? The lady is itching for a weekend getaway to Chattanooga and I'm going to try to postpone it until 630 is in service. ;)

I believe the aim is for March, as that's when we usually start running steam on the weekends. I'd check back around then, but I can't make any promises that it will be ready by then.

Thanks for the fast reply. I might be down there in a couple of weeks anyway, is there any kind of backshop tour available besides the one on the Missionary Ridge Local? I'd love to get a peek at 630 and the E-unit.