Does anyone know if Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has any future plans for Southern 722?

wallis@netdoor.com

> Does anyone know if Great Smoky Mountains
> Railroad has any future plans for Southern
> 722?

Ryan Scott could give a much more up-to-date account than myself, but here is what I know at the moment....

From the last I heard back in September when I was up there, you are probably looking at 5 years or so before 722 has a chance of turning a wheel
under steam. Simply put, the engine is a virtual basket case and needs a LOT of money and time devoted to her. I think the engine will run
eventually, but it's going to take some time.

Right now, the main focus at GSMR is getting 1702 running again since it totally missed the 2003 season. My guess is work will start again on 722
once the 1702 is back on the road. 722 is at the moment partially dissambled at the GSMR shop with the cab separated, but nearby. I wouldn't
expect this situation to change any time in the near future at least.

As far as painting goes, the original idea was to leave it in the green scheme. A lot can change though, and as to what the railroad will decide
when the engine becomes operational, your guess is as good as mine.

As I have said, the rebuilding is far from being down and out, but it is going to take time. Rest assured, the 630 at TVRM will not be the only
operating Ks-1 for long...
Kevin

k_gilliam@bellsouth.net

Kevin has it about right. The 722 has taken a back seat while the 1702 recieve a major running gear rebuild. In addition, the tourist railroad market has not been stellar over the last couple years as many of you have already discussed on this board.

#722 WILL run again, and I am looking forward to having it operational for many reasons, both personally and professionaly. It's a good mountain loco, and it is a Murhpy Branch native. I wish we could have celebrated here 100th birthday with a trip over Red Marble. Can't win them all, I guess. As to whether or not it will be green or black, time will tell (can't spill all the beans!)

By the way, I hope to have 1702 out stretching her legs week after next. Stay tuned.

Ryan


lima709@usadaily.net

Looks like Ryan sure is going to be busy this summer.. After some initial runs in April, according to www.gsmr.com, the 1702 is booked through the fall just about daily!

www.gsmr.com
Wrinnbo@aol.com

> Kevin has it about right. The 722 has taken
> a back seat while the 1702 recieve a major
> running gear rebuild. In addition, the
> tourist railroad market has not been stellar
> over the last couple years as many of you
> have already discussed on this board.

> #722 WILL run again, and I am looking
> forward to having it operational for many
> reasons, both personally and professionaly.
> It's a good mountain loco, and it is a
> Murhpy Branch native. I wish we could have
> celebrated here 100th birthday with a trip
> over Red Marble. Can't win them all, I
> guess. As to whether or not it will be green
> or black, time will tell (can't spill all
> the beans!)

> By the way, I hope to have 1702 out
> stretching her legs week after next. Stay
> tuned.
i am not a part of any organization, but i know that the 722 is going to need MAJOR work to be done to it.and good luck with the 722!