Hopefully this doesn't start a flame war; over on another forum I read that WMSR 734 is coming out of service as soon as the end of next month for it's inspection. Didn't it have its 1472 within the last year or so, or am I thinking of another engine?

Just looking for information here, maybe I can help squelch a railfan rumor or two.

Last I heard it was going out of service at the end of the 2015 season for the 1472 over haul.

I had asked on the Foundation's Facebook page during the winter and they replied that 2015 is the year for the 1472. Don't know if that's early or late in the year though. Gonna make efforts to get there this season.

Greetings:
I believe that No.734's last 1472 Service Day Inspection was early in 2002.
I helped on the project, installing the tubes and flues along with some folks from Catskill Mountain Railroad.
J.David

WMSR is in the process of doing a running gear overhaul. If you look on their Facebook page they just put the wheels back under the locomotive this past weekend. I wouldn't expect that they would do that much work just to retire the locomotive next year.

Thanks for the information on 734; I just posted it over on the other forum. Hopefully it will help stop a rumor or two.

From what I've been told the Running Gear work along with new wheels for the tender were done at the end of the 2013 season / this winter so that "all hands" could concentrate on the boiler work at the end of the 2014 season. 734 had it's driver's machined off site with new tires applied when they returned.

#734 made the first run of opening day this morning.....

Taken at Woodcock Hollow.

How did she sound? I know in the recent past, there were some timing issues that I assume they corrected during the running gear work.

David; In my opinion she sounded really good. The mushy exhaust and pounding rods from past seasons were not evident today. This morning her exhaust was sharp and throaty and there very little noise from the motion work. The #501 was on the rear but the train was only five cars. It didn't sound like the GP-30 was under load.......

I like sitting at Woodcock Hollow as you get to hear #734 working long before you get to see her... Today even her whistle sounded great.

Depending who you talk to, 2014 is the last season before #734's boiler inspection and then they aren't looking for her to be down very long.

Take my comments with a grain of salt, it's been 15 years since I worked on a steam locomotive........

Tim ( I build Firetrucks) W.

The curve at Woodchock Hollow........

Thanks for the photos, she looks great!

Just wish I could have been there. . .