Published August 07, 2008 02:38 am - JEFFERSON — The piercing whistle of a steam-powered railroad engine will echo again on the Ashtabula, Carson and Jefferson Scenic Line.
Steam engine featured at special AC&J event 1925 engine will pull four restored cars on 12 trips open to the public
By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
JEFFERSON — The piercing whistle of a steam-powered railroad engine will echo again on the Ashtabula, Carson and Jefferson Scenic Line.
Through a special arrangement with its Dunkirk, N.Y., owner, a 1925 Baldwin steam yard switch engine will be at the head of several excursions scheduled for Aug. 30 and Aug. 31. The engine will pull four restored cars on 12 trips open to the public over the two days.
The engine is scheduled to arrive aboard a flatbed truck a day or two ahead of the weekend, according to a press release.
Planning for the event began in March, when the engine’s owner contacted AC&J officials, said Daryl Metcalf, a railroad spokesman. Officials are enthused about the engine’s arrival, he said.
“It will be the first time we had steam on this line in 55 years,” Metcalf said. “I think it will bring some excitement to the town.”
The engine, built by Baldwin Locomotive Co. in Philadelphia, was scrapped in the early 1960s. Scott Symons of Dunkirk, N.Y., purchased the machine and restored it between 2004 and 2007 with the help of private funds and friends, according to a statement.
The engine is no giant, but it has more than enough muscle to tug cars, Metcalf said.
“It’s a small engine, but it’s pretty beefy,” he said.
Metcalf, who will be at the controls of the engine, said he has plenty of experience with steam engines.
“I grew up around steam tractors and steam shows,” he said.
The steam engine will chug on the 12-mile AC&J Scenic Line Aug. 30 and Aug. 31. One-hour trips will leave the railroad’s East Jefferson Street ticket booth both days at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Cost is $15 for passengers 13 years and up and $10 for kids 2 to 12. Children under 2 years old ride free if held. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call the railroad office (576-6346) between 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit on weekends to save a seat.
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
