Ex LS&I #33 ventured on the rails several times during 2007, once for the film crews of the “Tracks Ahead” to be used in a late 2008 airing. The 33 never tied on to a passenger car, but she did move freight on numerous occasions. These runs were never planned long in advance, usually only by a few days. The trips were made on the Ohio Central and the Columbus & Ohio River Railroads. Most work was to assist the everyday freight operations that will add to a record number of cars moved by the Ohio Central Railroad System this year. The #33 has been winterized and currently is receiving light running repairs to be available in early 2008.
Ex CPR #1293 was the workhorse of the department this year, operating numerous private and company trips and a few local display’s in some towns along the system. The engine spent time on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, running several private and public trips between Peninsula and Akron, Ohio. These were well received by the public, operating safe and enjoyable round trips. The CVSR personnel are excellent railroaders to work with as they have shown their ability to run a first class passenger operation.
The 1293 also spent time with the fine folks of the Byesville Scenic Railway in Byesville,Ohio during two separate weekends of operations in conjunction with local festivals in their town. We look forward to working with them again in 2008. #1293 is now winterized and is getting some small repair’s along with some new tender wheels in preparation of the new upcoming season.
Ex NKP Berkshire #763 arrived safely in early November after a very successful journey across Norfolk Southern from Roanoke Va. to Morgan Run. The 763 will be the main focus of repair this winter as the repairs on the other engines are completed. At present the #763 awaits its turn into the shop that should come after the first on the year. The mechanical planning committee has been discussing the work required to all engines as well as laying out the rebuilding program for #763.
Finally ex GTW #6325 has also been discussed by the mechanical committee, light repairs have taken place, heavier repairs are still the main topic to be decided upon.
All of us from the Department would like to thank all of you for your support and assistance of our operations, we look forward to seeing you next year at Ohio Central Railroad System event’s that are being planned. As these events are finalized they will be posted on the events page of this site.
