At the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, Southern Pacific GS-4 4449 gets a major overhaul. The big Lima-built 4-8-4 is getting its 15-year boiler inspection, and other needed maintenance is being done concurrently. The work was begun in February 2013 and should be completed in Fall of 2015, with the engine ready for use on the Holiday Express in December 2015. When photographed on August 22, 2015, all flues and tubes had been installed, rolling was done on both ends, welding was done on the flues and tube at the rear flue sheet, and firebox work (including installing new steel at the throatsheet and new circular tubes) was underway. A new superheater unit installation will begin shortly, after which there will be a full hyrdostatic test of the boiler. It will be great to see this old Daylight engine operating again - and when it is done, then work begins on Spokane Portland & Seattle 4-8-4 700!
