IRVINE, Ky. — Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp., the organization restoring Chesapeake & Ohio Kanawha-type 2-8-4 No. 2716, has announced an agreement to bring the locomotive to the Railroad Museum of New England as the first stop of a year-long “residency program” following completion of the restoration project.
Announcement of the plans to operate at the museum in Thomaston, Conn. — a goal Kentucky Steam says is “several years off” — coincides with a fundraising drive seeking to raise $10,000 by the end of 2021 for the work that continues on the locomotive built by Alco in 1943.
The museum will be a “months-long” host for No. 2716, which will operate on its 19-mile tourist line between Waterbury and Torrington, Conn. It will be the first and longest stop on the planned year-long program; other stops will be announced at a later date.
“We’re pleased to be hosting C&O 2716 on our railroad, as it will be the first large steam locomotive to operate in New England since 1976,” museum Chairman Howard Pincus said in a press release. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to partner with a capable and visionary group like KSHC. Moving operational steam locomotives between heritage groups is quite common in Great Britain,but has only been done a few times in the United States.”
Kentucky Steam President Chris Campbell said the operating plan boosts the restoration process, which has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The 2716 residency program can be an opportunity to both let new generations of people experience the sensory overload that locomotives like this provide,” Campbell said, “as well as to promote our own tourism endeavors here in Irvine to others that may not know about us. We are thrilled to be kicking it off with a first-class institution like the RMNE.”
Specifics of the locomotive’s stay will be announced sometime in 2022. Kentucky Steam must reach several key fundraising and restoration goals before plans can be finalized, Campbell said.
“But with announcements like this, we hope people who have considered contributing to the restoration can see an end goal in sight,” he said. “We are excited to get the engine fully operational and bring people to us in Kentucky. But we are equally as excited to get out on the road.”
Tax-deductible donations to Kentucky Steam, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, can be made at this page on the Kentucky Steam website, or by mail to Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp., 499 Kirkland Ave., Irvine KY 40366. For more information on the locomotive and museum, visit the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. and Railroad Museum of New England websites.
N&W 611 was towed twice from Spencer NC to Leaman Place PA for operation and mechanical work. Engine moved with rods on and under steam. Leaman Place-East Strasburg was under its own power. 611was towed over NS and AMTK account lack of PTC on the engine.
NKP 757 (an AMC-designed 2-8-4 as is 2716) was towed cold from East Strasburg to Bellevue OH with main and eccentric rods removed. Movement was at reduced speed account running gear was unbalanced with the main rod removed.
With 19 miles of track, will be allowed to go above 15mph?
Also KY to CT is a long commute for the people who did the restoration work to see it run. Hopefully, they have other stops closer to home.