GSMR 2-8-0s #1702 and #722: updates?

John D · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:28 pm **Posts:** 484

Hi folks,

Can anyone post some updates on the progress towards return to service on these two locomotives?

Thanks!

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

I hear the railroad is working on building a shop in Bryson. With money allocated for that project work on the steam engines is on the back burner for now. Don't expect the 1702 out for another year or two. I would assume the 722 may be further away than that. This information is third hand so take it for what it is.

John Bohon

rogerdelafield · **Joined:** Sat Feb 18, 2006 12:07 pm **Posts:** 39

The 1702 is without all inside firebox sheets, seems there was a water treatment issue that hurt the new side sheets and lower flue sheet patch put in 7 years ago and the balance has been in there since who knows when.
The 722 has had nothing done to it since disassembly back when Greg was still running the show up there. Since his departure it has sat and parts scattered to the wind. There is question as to wether or not it will ever be returned to service.

Ryan Scott · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:46 pm **Posts:** 148

The 1702 is going to have a interior firebox replacement. This includes the rear flue, sides, crown, and door sheets. The current goal is to have the new sheets formed and fitted by the end of the year. I also hope to have the bulk of the staybolt holes in the outer sheets prepped for threading. Most of the bolts, other than some of the crown and backhead, were welded bolts. I am going back with threaded bolts. I am also going to add about 3-4 times as many flexible bolts as the boiler was originally built with.

The 722 is currently disassembled, but the parts are certainly not scattered to the winds. They are stored so that they will be available when the time comes to put it back together. The boiler has been removed from the frame, and the boiler survey completed.

Most of our resources are going to operating trains and moving forward on the new shop building in Bryson City. Fortunately, the trains must keep moving whether there is a steam loco on the point or not. Steam will return to the GSMR when the time is right. At some point in time I intend to offer a double header over Red Marble with both the 1702 and the 722 on the point, with no dismal assistance.

Ryan Scott

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Sat Feb 18, 2006 4:58 pm

Are either of these locos the former Army loco with unusual valve gear (Caprotti or Franklin Poppets)? The last I saw of one of these locos, it appeared totally abandoned. Glad to know that is not the case.

Kevin Gillespie · **Posted:** Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:49 pm

Richard,

I believe that the locomotive you are thinking of is ex-US Army 2-8-0 #611 at the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum.

Kevin

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:54 pm

Thanks Kevin. I still think its a pretty sexy locomotive. Would be a shame to never run again.

John D · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:28 pm **Posts:** 484

Ryan (and others)-thanks very much for the info! Not only am I interested (living close to and volunteering at NCTM; I'd like to visit GSMR some day), but I also have an autistic nephew who is passionate about steam, and asks for updates on steam restoration projects every time we speak on the phone!

John

Dougvv · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:52 pm **Posts:** 914

It is odd, 35 years ago, I was riding the 722, 630, 4501, and (my favorite) S&A 750 up and down the Southern's tracks. I recall many times timing 750 at 50-65 seconds between mileposts.

750 is now at SERM probably not to run again in my lifetime if ever (too much competition from 290 and 97).

722 is now at GSMRR not going to be steaming anytime soon.

4501 is still at TVRM. Anyone know her status?

630 was at TVRM for a long time but I think she moved to Spencer Shops. Anyone know where she is and how she's doing?

Thanks.

Doug

John D · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:28 pm **Posts:** 484

630 is at TVRM, not Spencer. I'd love to see it at Spencer, but it's in good hands at TVRM.

John D

Dougvv · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:52 pm **Posts:** 914

Was 722 at Spencer for a while?

Thanks.

Doug

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

Neither 630 nor 722 were ever part of the collection at Spencer. TVRM is in the middle of an extensive overhaul of the 630. Like most projects it is progressing slowly but the work is being done right. The 630 will be good for many years when they are through.

John Bohon

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

I forgot 4501 in my other post. It is on display at TVRM and needs the usual FRA form 4 work before it will run again. It also needs running gear work. The engine is to big for there operation except on the Georgia trains. TVRM chose to work on 630 first because it is more powerful than 610 on the Georgia trains yet still small enough to operate economically on the local train. I am not sure anyone knows for sure which engine will follow 630 in the shop when it is done. At any rate it will be several years before 4501 could be expected to run again. Personally I would like to see it run for a 100th birthday party in 2011.

John Bohon