GG1 4877 posted:As I recall when 1218 went to Roanoke originally that NS had destroyed critical parts to make sure it never operated again. At least that is what I heard from a docent at the time at the museum. This was way back in 1999. That could be completely false as well.
The "facts" were/are; 1218 was in the middle of a major overhaul, in their Birmingham Steam Shop, when the NS "pulled the plug" on their steam program. Thus, 1218 was NOT completed, thus leaving the inside of the boiler completely empty, i.e. no tube sheets, no flues/tubes, and no superheaters. Also, only one engine had been overhauled, leaving the other engine untouched (worn-out). The bottom line is, 1218 looks good on the outside, but is empty on the inside, boiler wise.
