In 1993, Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #765 was transformed with a few modifications into a C&O 2-8-4 as both
Lima-built locomotive types were similar. We begin with a brief background segment with Rich Melvin
explaining some of the changes. Then the action begins, as 2765 departs Cincinnati and historic Cincinnati
Union Terminal for a trip to Russell, Kentucky and return. There is a nice sequence pacing the engine over
the C & O (road & Railroad) bridge crossing the Ohio River, and several nice speedy runpast on this cold damp day.
Then on the return trip we are given a rare treat-a cab ride from Russell for several miles and the speedometer
hits 60 mph, something rarely seen on steam in the United States these days. After the Cincinnati trip, we see
2765 on a one-way trip to Huntington, where it operates on the New River Train in October. These are the usual
fine trips, with great weather and fall colors. The 2-8-4 looks good and sounds great as it blasts along on the
former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway trackage now part of CSX. The tape wraps-up with a lovely fall color vista shot
at Hawks Nest overlook, deep in the New River Gorge. This is one of our favorite videos and we think you will
like it also. This was the last time the engine operated before being stored.
60 Minutes
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