The Grand Arrival: Chesapeake & Ohio 614 Arrives at the Strasburg Rail Road

Описание: For over 40 years, Ross Rowland owned Chesapeake & Ohio Greenbrier number 614. During his ownership, the 614 operated on many great excursions, many of which are considered to be among the best displays of steam since the end of the steam era.

Between September of 1980 and November of 1981, 614 operated all along the Chessie System pulling the Chessie Safety Express. These trips featured the 614, along with a colorful string of passenger cars, in an effort to raise awareness about grade-crossing safety.

In January and February of 1985, 614 operated in the dead of winter hauling coal trains between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia as part of Rowland's ACE 3000 Project. The project tested the performance and fuel consumption of 614 in an effort to kickstart the building of a modern, coal burning steam locomotive to combat rising oil costs. Although the 614 proved successful in the fact it cost less in fuel than most diesels at the time, the project was ultimately canceled.

From October of 1996 and November of 1998, 614 operated on its final series of excursions. These trips ran on New Jersey Transit's mainline between Hoboken, New Jersey and Port Jervis, New York. These long runs featured the 614 pulling long passenger trains over steep mountain grades at speeds up to 80 mph. On Sunday, November 1, 1998, the 614 pulled its final public excursion, and it has sat cold and silent ever since.

On Friday, November 8, 2024, at 6:14 AM, RJD America announced they had purchased the 614 from Ross Rowland, thus beginning a new chapter in the locomotive's life. On this day, the group announced the locomotive would be restored to operation by the world-renowned Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Since this announcement, steam fans and railfans alike awaited the move of 614 from its home for the last 14 in Clifton Forge, Virginia to the Strasburg Rail Road. The move commenced on the morning of Saturday, June 7, 2025, and the locomotive was moved all day and night until it reached the Strasburg Rail Road at Leaman Place Junction around 2:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Strasburg Rail Road 90 would do the honors in pulling the 614 on the last leg of its long journey.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing the final public moments of Chesapeake & Ohio 614 until it returns to the public in the near future under steam.

This video was filmed on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Filmed & Edited by Mark Turkovich

This film may not be reproduced or redistributed in any manner.

©MPT Productions 2025