RJ Corman looking to build new housing for QJ steam engine NEWSWIRE

MIDWAY, Ky. — R.J. Corman Railroad Group’s Chinese QJ-class 2-10-2 No. 2008 may soon change locations. The locomotive last operated in 2013, and since then has been inside a glass-walled structure the railroad built in 2012 to house it in Lexington. The complex was part of the Lexington Dinner Train, which Corman began operating in 2013. That service ended in December 2015, and the railroad said the lease it had with Lexington Center Corp. on the property in Lexington expired at the end of 2015. As a result, Corman will tear down the structure that houses the locomotive. It has until June to disassemble the building.

Now the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has approved a $193,000 grant to build a new structure in Midway to house the engine, nicknamed “Old Smoky.” The engine has a connection with Midway, since it has made appearances at the annual Midway Fall Festival. The structure would be similar to but smaller than the building that now shelters the engine in Lexington, local officials tell the Lexington Herald Leader. Officials say they hope the building would be built near United Bank in Midway, where a Louisville & Nashville caboose is now located. He hopes to meet with bank representatives to discuss getting an approval or easement. The total cost to erect the building is $241,000.

The locomotive was built in 1986 in Datong, China, as No. 7040. R.J. Corman bought the engine in 2008.