For the first time since Dec. 29, 2001, Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 has a driving wheel underneath. The locomotive was built by the American Locomotive Company in 1904.
On Tuesday, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum shop workers winched the frame over the drop pit using a shop truck under the firebox end (the lead truck, which is now roller bearing equipped, was installed some time ago).
Then on Wednesday, the #1 driver was lifted into place.
It has been 7 1/2 years since the locomotive had any drivers in place and it has been a long road up to this point, Steve Freer of the TVRM said.
New driver boxes were manufactured along with other components. The wheels were cycled through TVRM's Niles machines several years ago and received new tires along with other repairs.
Mr. Freer said, "Yesterday was a significant milestone in the restoration process. Drivers 2,3 & 4 should be installed before the end of the week if everything goes as planned. TVRM continues to march forward on this project daily."
He said all donations toward the 630 Project are tax deductible and can be sent to TVRM, 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.