TVRM's Steam Locomotive 4501 to Receive Boiler Survey Chattanooga, TN – July 31, 2008 On August 1, 2008, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's former- Southern Railway steam locomotive 4501 will enter Soule Shops for a Federal Railroad Administration Part 230 boiler survey. This inspection will provide, for the first time, a detailed map of the 4501's boiler and is required for steam locomotives operating in the United States. The survey will help determine the feasibility of future operation for this now-retired star of the steam excursion operations on the former-Southern Railway throughout the Southeast during the late 1960s, 70s and 80s. This survey, while required for any future operation, should not be taken as an indicator of the locomotive's impending return to service. Coupled with additional inspection data, the survey is solely intended to determine the scope of work and financial requirements of any future restoration. The survey and inspection is funded by donations from a small group of TVRM members and benefactors who wish to make available data for future restoration projects. The donations will fully fund this effort without requiring any TVRM financial resources. The survey will be performed by TVRM's steam restoration team and will take approximately two months to complete. TVRM intends to complete restoration of former-Southern Railway steam locomotive 630 prior to beginning work on any other steam locomotive. This project has been ongoing for almost five years and, barring any unforeseen difficulties, 630 will return to service in 2009. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is the premier operating railroad museum in the Southeast, operating a variety of scenic and historic rail passenger trains and offering other rail-related activities throughout the year. TVRM is a not-for-profit educational organization; donations are tax-deductible. For more information on any of TVRM's activities, track us down on the Web at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - chattanooga, TN
What wheel configuration is the 4501, Ray? If the loco has been properly protected from the elements, there should be no 'unsurmountable' problems with her. Boilers are tough and can take alot of abuse. I hope to see it run again.
SRR 4501 is a 2-8-2. Beautiful locomotive, but I have heard there is some serious scoring of the piston cylinders. It would be great to see this locomotive back in service. Lets hope the report is a good one.
Ouch! That could be serious! But I know of a foundry in Sacramento, CA that can cast a new steam cylinder if needed, (and if they can afford it). Thanks for the info, Jerry. Mikes are one of my favorites.
Isn't there also some kind of frame issue with the 4501? Last time I saw her, she was back in black and looked good. However, I really had a soft spot for the green scheme.
