Re: Rebuilding 497 - Short Answer

Back in the 1980's 484 was returned to service by using the drivers out of 495. Other than the fact that one ot two pairs of 495's drivers were out of quarter, the swap was possible. It was done as an economy move as 484's drivers tires were condemned and the Commission did not want to pony up the $$ for new tires. 495 still had good tires, so the swap was made. I don't know who has the 495's drivers any more. Look for the eccentric crank with 2 bolts holding it to the main crank pin, that is the only physical difference between 480 and 490 running gear.

The the case of 484's overhaul in the 1980's the drivers out of quarter made it very difficult to get the side rods on, and the engine had a perpetual pound under it, that never would go away. It also tended to have hot driving boxes and rod brasses, because of it. It wasn't until Bush and Madjack Campbell overhauled the running gear and got the quartering fixed in the early 1990's did 484 get straightened out and running well.

Simply putting new tires on 484 would have been a much sounder plan.