Of course, this is unofficial, but it looks like 618s drivers are down in Salt Lake for machining work, and the little bit of firebox work that needed to be done is being wrapped up. Last time I was up, it looked like they were testing the superheater units and polishing the socket ends of them. I've also noticed a bunch of "little" projects being completed, like repacking the throttle rod, injector inspection, etc.

The other big difference I noticed from the photos from the TO thread is that the cab is back on.

After talking to the CMO, the current tender will be used, with an oil tank inside the bunker.

I wouldn't be surprised if she was running next year.

I'm far from being an official representative of the railroad, but I volunteer working in the shop twice a week so I get to see updates a little more frequently than most people. I didn't see any drivers yesterday so they still must be in Salt Lake. I'm not sure if they've been turned or not yet. I was gone for a few weeks so I'm not 100% up to date.
The frame has been completely needle scaled. I did most of that myself. Another 60% or so has also been wire brushed in preparation for re-painting the frame. I personally suspect that the frame hasn't had this done since UP actually owned it.
People keep saying that it won't be keeping it's original tender. That is not true. Yes, it will be converted to oil, but it will merely be using some parts off of SP 982's tender such as the trucks and some oil-specific stuff. I'm not nearly as knowledgeable on the technicalities of this stuff as most of you guys are, but if anyone has some specific questions I could try finding some answers straight from the source.
Bringing steam back to Heber is their #1 priority right now. They still won't set an exact date for 618's return, but I think everyone would be very surprised if she WASNT ready sometime in 2015.

That Headlight that was used to sit up top the smoke box was borrowed from UP 197. Or at least that is what I have heard anybody wish to back this up.

Back after the Winter Olympics, John R. was moving on to some additional ventures. Being the odd kid on the block from the great arctic north, I wanted to thank him from the crews and I,...and the HVRR crew for allowing me to spend time with them over the years and during the Olympics. This was a tribute paid to him, and I know he still has it! and Thank You to Ken, Kent, Craig, Robert, Mike(s), Doc, Big Mac, Doug and many others.

I did this pencil on parchment. Feb/2002.

It will be wonderful to see her in steam again.

Art

That's correct, and the light is now back on the 197 in Portland.

I can not confirm or deny this, but it is going around that the 618 will be running again by Memorial Day weekend. Somebody who works at the railroad told me this, and now our local grocery store has set up a cake display of the 618. The baker was told it will go "back on the tracks" on Memorial Day. I know this is hearsay, but it feels difficult to gain information from the railroad. Of course, those in charge have good reasoning, I am sure.

The railroad has been doing track work lately that could have set back the expected finishing date for the locomotive. I would appreciate if someone would reply as to the accuracy of the above information (and I hope the baker's work wasn't mistimed).

Art -

Beautiful pencil drawing of the 618! This is the way I think she looks her absolute best, but to each his own! I have a photo of her hanging in my computer room from one of the photo freights in years past. I agree that it will be great to see her back in steam.

Les

[quote="F40PHR231"]I can not confirm or deny this, but it is going around that the 618 will be running again by Memorial Day weekend. Somebody who works at the railroad told me this, and now our local grocery store has set up a cake display of the 618. The baker was told it will go "back on the tracks" on Memorial Day. I know this is hearsay, but it feels difficult to gain information from the railroad. Of course, those in charge have good reasoning, I am sure.

I can tell you the date has been postponed. You are right that work at the RR is what postponed or so I hear. Mike never gives an exact date. He says hopefully or mayby by then. I once heard that Doyle McCormick swore he would never finish a steam engine by a certain date ever again. But I might be getting stories mixed up.