News & Reviews News Wire C&O No. 614 restoration to begin after arrival at Strasburg

C&O No. 614 restoration to begin after arrival at Strasburg

By Trains Staff | June 9, 2025

4-8-4 completes 382-mile journey from Clifton Forge, Va.

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Steam locomotives pass by cow at a farm trackside
In the final leg of its ferry move to Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services, Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614 receives an escort from the tourist railroad’s 2-10-0 No. 90 on June 8, 2025. Chris Pollock

STRASBURG, Pa. — Not even the dreary weather put a damper on the arrival of Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614 at the Strasburg Rail Road on Sunday (June 8, 2025). 

The Class J3a 4-8-4 arrived in style during the afternoon, as 2-10-0 No. 90 escorted the locomotive along the tourist railroad’s main line from its interchange with Norfolk Southern Corp. at Leaman Place. This came after a ferry move departing the day before from the C&O Railway Heritage Center in Clifton Forge, Va., 382 miles away.

Steam locomotive being pulled by diesel on bridge
En route to Strasburg’s interchange at Leaman Place, No. 614 is towed over the Rockville Bridge by Norfolk Southern. Michael William Sullivan

RJD America LLC, a group of railroaders and businessmen who purchased No. 614 from the American Freedom Train Foundation, Inc. in 2024, hoped to have the locomotive at Strasburg by early 2025 [see “New group buys C&O 4-8-4 …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 14, 2024]. Winter weather and the Howard Street Tunnel clearance project delayed the move, according to General Manager and Communications Director Jason Johnson. But once the window for a June 7-8 ferrying opened up, it was all business as the Buckingham Branch, CSX Transportation, and NS accompanied the 4-8-4 in about 24 hours.

“With support from C&O Historical Society, CSX Transportation, Buckingham Branch Railroad, and Norfolk Southern Corporation, 614 made her historic journey to Pennsylvania under the protection and precision of railroad professionals who treated the task not just as a move but as a mission,” says an RJD press release. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual involved in this extraordinary operation, especially Zach Hall, whose tireless efforts played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this complex move.”

Older gentleman sits in cab of steam locomotive
American Freedom Train Foundation Founder and CEO Ross E. Rowland, Jr. sits in the cab during No. 614’s arrival at Strasburg. The commodities broker and longtime steam enthusiast operated the locomotive during the 1980s and 90s. Michael William Sullivan

After arriving at the shop complex, members of RJD America LLC and the Strasburg Rail Road posed with the two locomotives ahead of the start of the process of returning the 4-8-4 to service. Initial steps in the process, according to the co614.com website, includes:

  • Component disassembly and detailed mechanical inspections;
  • Initial assessment of boiler, running gear, and frame;
  • Project planning, documentation, and parts inventory.

“The torch now passes to the world-class mechanical team that will undertake her restoration,” the group says. “Under their care, the real work begins — painstaking disassembly, inspections, and eventually, the rebirth of a legend.”

Group photo with two steam locomotives
Crews from the Strasburg Rail Road and RJD America LLC pose for a group photo shortly after No. 614’s long-awaited arrival. Chris Pollock

One thought on “C&O No. 614 restoration to begin after arrival at Strasburg

  1. That’s exciting news indeed… The journey of restoring the legendary, highly cherished, 77 year old Chesapeake & Ohio 614 steam locomotive has officially begun!

    Dr. Güntürk Üstün

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