[N&W] N&W Mailing List - Re: 1218

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

At 08:07 AM 10/29/98 EST, Jim Davis wrote:
 >Ron,
 >
 >I'm curious, when NS closed down the steam operations in B'ham, I understand
 >1218 was there "in pieces".  Was it ever put back together for static 
display?
 >I thought I read somewhere it was eventually going back to Roanoke.
 >
 >I was only on one the A's excursions (between Bristol and Radford).  The
 >memory of that whistle still gives me goosebumps.
 >
 >Regards,
 >
 >Jim
 >
----------------------
Jim,

A neighbor of mine who works for NS mentioned that he just saw the 1218 
stored in the paint shop in Roanoke. This despite rumors that it had been 
scrapped by NS. He noted the number plate was missing from the smokebox but 
otherwise it appeared to be intact.

The 1218 was in the midst of a major boiler overhaul when the NS steam 
program was terminated. It is not anywhere near running condition. The rods 
were even removed for its trip to Roanoke from Birmingham.

NS has not decided whether to send it to Steamtown up in Pennsylvania, or 
donate it to the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke where it can 
reside next to the J611. So while NS merges with Conrail, 1218 sits and 
waits. At least it's safe and dry.

Ron