C&O 2789

I was there in 2009 and was surprised to hear "Progress" was being made.  I assume it's all a matter of funding.  Surprisingly, there is very little publicity in regards to the project.  Most I assume are not even aware of it's mere existence.

http://www.railpictures.net/vi...id=287139&nseq=5

Looks like some pictures from HVRM site that they have built what appears to be a good engine repair building, to finish the 2789 in. Maybe Rich Melvin could add something as far as up to date info?

From what I read on a couple different places, it's cosmetic only.  I assume the poster that wrote what I read was a museum worker.  He said the museum has a new set of flues on site for a full restoration, and that's the eventual goal, but management currently can't justify the cost of doing it due to the fact that PM 1225 and NKP 765 (both somewhat similar locomotives) are already operating not so far away.

I grew up not too far from HVRM and spent some time in my teens working on the engine. Everything to that point was cosmetic only, although some of the appliances have been rebuilt. For the engine to operate it was estimated that it would need around $200,000 of firebox work and that was back in the 1990's. The engine has been under cover for many years, but with many pieces off the engine. Finishing the cosmetic restoration sure would be nice.  

Hah!  A real K4 ....now we're talking BERK !   She's got an all welded boiler, tons of weight, and a booster !   How yummy can it get ?    Flame suit on.

Don't forget Timken roller bearings on the drivers!

I have an idea that has been lingering in my mind for a while now. Upon full restoration to operational status, mask the 2789 as a Virginian 2-8-4 and use it to pull excursions on NS since Virginian 2-8-4s were basically exact copies of the C&O K4s (plus CSX won't allow steam again anytime in the foreseeable future.)

-JE