No. 3440 was the locomotive on display in Ravenna when CSX announced its partnership with the nonprofit last month.
“We are thrilled that the good people of Ravenna and Estill County are being honored with the herald on the side of 3440. Gestures like this are helping to publicize the initiative while exhibiting the true spirit of the endeavor,” Kentucky Steam Heritage President Chris Campbell tells Trains News Wire.
Tyler Hardin, a Kentucky rail photographer, graphic artist, and longtime supporter of the Kentucky Steam Heritage group designed the herald on No. 3440. He says the logo speaks volume to the railroad’s commitment to its heritage.
“Here you have a Class I railroad, a multi-billion dollar company, taking the time to honor their heritage and the heritage of the town they serve,” Hardin notes.
He says the idea to design the herald came up in a discussion after the initial Ravenna announcement in May and knowing that the locomotive and its herald will be seen across much of the East Coast is an awesome feeling.
On May 19, CSX and Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp., officials gathered in Ravenna to unveil the group’s plans to purchase nearly 50 acres of former CSX property to build a rail-based tourist and community development center.
The nonprofit plans to establish a multi-use facility on the site of CSX’s retired Ravenna car shops. The railroad’s yard office building, yard tracks, and modern railcar facility are included in the purchase. Kentucky Steam Heritage officials say the infrastructure will be used to showcase the rehabilitation and operation of C&O Kanawha-type No. 2716 and other rail equipment.
The group is raising money to make improvements to the property and stow funds for matching grant programs.
For more information, go to www.kentuckysteam.org.
