Hi all,

This upcoming Saturday (June 24, 2006) a 15-year-old and his mom are traveling to TVRM. He is autistic-albeit at the higher functioning end of the spectrum-and his life revolves around steam locomotives. Hardly a week goes by where he doesn't email me or call me, asking about the latest in restoration activities for (fill in the blanks-either museum or a specific locomotive number). This is the highlight of the summer for him and his mom-the annual pilgrimmage to a location with operating steam. He peruses numerous steam-oriented websites and loves nothing better than nuts and (stay) bolts talk about steam-such as I can pass along!

My information request-in addition to riding the train at TVRM, is there a public viewing spot where he can watch the morning and/or evening hostling taking place? Are shop tours available?

Any information is greatly appreciated. I can be contacted offline, if you like, at jcpdeke@NOSPAMadelphia.net (I think you can read between the lines)-or you can post here-whatever works best.

I think this is going to be the greatest summer trip he's had-at least since the good folks at NCTM welcomed him with open arms a few summers ago-they are a hard act to follow, guys!

John DeCarolis

If it's the same individual, I met this young man at the B&O Museum when he was 9. He came up to me and started talking to me about C&O #490, and I had no idea he was autistic until his mother told me. He loves steam locomotives, and his parents take him to as many railroad museums as they can in the hope that something or some conversation about trains will unlock the rest of his mind.

I'm sure that the people at TVRM will look after him. They will be well blessed for opportunity to do so as was I six years ago. It was one of my happiest volunteer experiences at the B&O. Maybe if the folks at TVRM mention #490 to him, it might get him talking even more.

Even if the gate is closed at East Chattanooga engine servicing can still be seen from outside. When the guests see someone working ask for a closer look and explain the situation. The conductor often gives a formal shop tour during the layovers at East Chattanooga. Asking for a more complete tour will probably get you one. The folks at TVRM are normally very friendly and like to show off their railroad.

Having not been in Chattanooga in several years I am not sure of current procedures. I assume 610 is running. Hopefully by bringing the topic back to the top of the list someone at TVRM will be sure to see it and give you better answers.

John Bohon

Kevin and John-many thanks for your comments!

I was hoping that a teaser line about TVRM rising to the challenge of the welcome this young man (he's my nephew) got at NCTM (North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer) would be sufficient bate for G. Mark Ray and others....maybe I need to throw in some comments about the superiority of the local NC barbecue plus Cheerwine (Salisbury's version of Dr. Pepper) over anything offered in Chattanooga!

John D

Speaking of TVRM. I was just curious if there was any word on the progress of former Southern Ks-1 2-8-0 630. I know that it has been under restoration since about 1999 and I try to check out the TVRM's official website for shop photos, which haven't been updated in a little while. I was curious if there was a time estimate, say anywhere from another 2-5 years? I know that steam locomotive restorations and repairs take a lot of money and that the musuem has other priorities and obligations besides returning the 630 to operation. I'm anxious to see this engine running again since it will be one of the only steam locomotives from the Southern and Norfolk Southern steam program to be operating in the 21st century, the others being SP 4449 and NKP 765. I've never had the opportunity to see the 630 or it's sister 722 in steam, though my dad saw the 722 in steam in the 70's and saw 630 in steam in 1988 and 1989 when he went to Chattanooga on some excursions behind N&W 611 and 1218 that the Greenville Chapter NRHS operated. I rode several of the Dixieland excursions, once behind 4501 and three times behind a 610 and 4501 doubleheader, the last one being 4501's last trip in 1998. I haven't been to TVRM or Chattanooga since November 2000 when I rode behind 610 on the local train from the Grand Junction station to East Chattanooga and return. Just want to commend Mark Ray and Steve Freer on the fine operation that TVRM is and also to wish belated condolences on the passing of Robert M. Soule earlier this year.

Steven,

When I was in Chattanooga in November, the TVRM crew was making good progress on 630. I think they've still got some work to do, but it's not going to be as long now as it was before. Jim

Well, lots of things are being done at TVRM these days, including progress on 630. I believe the boiler braces are done or nearly so, as well as getting ready for flues. New tires are here. On the outside, studs, brackets, and some items (low water alarm, sight glasses) are mounted that won't get in the way of other work. One sees progress every week.

In addition, coach 1037 is fully restored and now in service in a Southern green paint, looking very sharp on our trains. RDC's are getting rebuilt power plants, ROW tampping and weed spraying has been taken care of, and probably a dozen other things I just have not heard about. And of course my attention has been with 6914, also seeing steady progress as well. Its a 70 foot monster that will be tamed with time by its dedicated team , of which I enjoy being a part. And we are running; running our daily trips and plenty of extras this year.

I will see if we can get our web maintainer to add to or change out some things in our photo gallery to help showcase whats been going on.

Stop by if you can. Better yet, 'sign up' and we'll twist your arm to help and add you to the distibution of weekly info updates.

Mike Overlander
TRVM Backshop Gang