Reader RR 2-8-0 No. 1702
Dillsboro, North Carolina, United States 		Location: Great Smokey Mountain RR
Status: Operational
Related Notes
Photo Copyright © Jonathan Eau Claire
Here are the notes for Reader RR No. 1702, a 2-8-0 located in Dillsboro, NC. If you have additional information about this locomotive, and would like to share it, click the Add Note button.
Posted: May 7, 2023 @ 19:05:53 by Gabriel
1702 is run again she only uses the back coupler and not the front I rode behind her last year she was struggling a little but will be read for her 2023 season soon
Posted: Aug 10, 2018 @ 21:08:45 by Jonah Snyder
For the record, 1702 arrived on the GSMR in 1991.
Posted: Oct 14, 2016 @ 17:10:43 by Matthew L
The locomotives status should say operation it debuted in July
Posted: Sep 11, 2016 @ 21:09:01 by Brian Pacos
This locomotive is now operational on the Great Smoky Mountains RR.
Posted: Jul 27, 2016 @ 19:07:23 by
As of July 22nd, 1702 is in operation for the first time since 2004.
Posted: Mar 8, 2016 @ 12:03:40 by James K.
GSMR just announced today that they are taking reservations for steam excursions behind 1702 starting in July of this year!
Posted: Aug 4, 2015 @ 20:08:29 by Gabriel bauman
As of right now 1702 is getting boiler work done and sheet metal redone they have mover her outside to wash it and work on the cilinders after boiler work will be fire box in the tender the old pipe lines have benn replaced and new one installed
Posted: Apr 14, 2015 @ 09:04:55 by James
1702 is currently being restored and will hopefully be back under steam later this year or perhaps next spring. There is a blog with restoration details and photos at restoring1702 dot wordpress dot com.
Posted: Jul 11, 2014 @ 20:07:50 by Chris Huffman
As far as i know 1702 has begun her restoration. She is safely inside the new steam shop at GSMR
Posted: Oct 4, 2012 @ 18:10:35 by Will
Status should be changed to Restoration. http://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/8800-swain-seals-deal-to-bring-steam-engine-to-great-smoky-mountain-railroad-lines
Posted: Mar 21, 2012 @ 09:03:27 by Nick
1702 and 722 for that matter are still not operational and at last check are still sitting in the same condition they have been for the past 6 years or so which is in pieces over near Dillsboro. Please change the status of the 1702 to Static Display... Or better yet please change it to Abandon since that what GSMR has basically done to her.
Posted: Mar 18, 2009 @ 20:03:40 by
This locomotive along with 722 are both in for rebuild, and will not be active for some time
Posted: Sep 14, 2008 @ 13:09:50 by Mark G. White
The latest official publication from GSMR (fall 2008) makes the following comments of 1702. "The Baldwin 1942 Steam Locomotive 1702 is currently undergoing a very comprehensive inspection of the boiler. It is expected that the work needed to be done will take approximately 18 months to complete, which will not permit the locomotive to operate during the 2008 season...."
Posted: Apr 13, 2006 @ 15:04:56 by Jim Kirchman

I sent an email to the director of maintenance at GSMR back on 1/26/06 asking about the status of 1702.  This is his reply:

"Once we get into the season I am going to turn some of our resources to the 1702, which is in need of a very substantial amount of boiler work.  I hope to have the 1702 together by the end of 2007.  I am hoping to do some sheet fabrication and prep work to her firebox this year."

So there you have it.  Looks like another couple seasons of diesel-only excursions on GSMR.

 

Posted: Mar 15, 2005 @ 20:03:16 by Cy Cook

 Right now, 1702 is in the shops for a 10 month boiler inspection that will keep her out of operation until 2006.

 

Posted: Sep 21, 2004 @ 20:09:03 by Bart
1702 is back running again! PSI has been lowered to 210
Posted: Dec 28, 2003 @ 17:12:49 by Bart
Was converted back to Friction Bearings on all axles in 2003.
Posted: Dec 28, 2003 @ 17:12:11 by Bart
Posted: Feb 1, 2003 @ 16:02:03 by E. Hayes Smith, Jr.

This locomotive was converted to roller bearings on all axles in 1998.

Posted: Dec 2, 2002 @ 09:12:11 by John Higginson
Sold to GSMR in 1991.