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.
Local News
Steam engine featured at special AC&J event
1925 engine will pull four restored cars on 12 trips open to the public
- Local News
-
-
Conneaut’s development headquarters takes shape
A small building two blocks from Lake Erie could become Conneaut’s economic development headquarters before the start of summer.
-
Sheriff’s detectives net two active meth labs
Acting on a tip, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies uncovered an active methamphetamine lab Friday afternoon, according to Lt. Van Robison.
-
Former Ashtabula resident killed in car crash Tuesday
Ashley N. Penwell, 22, formerly of East Fourth St., Ashtabula, was pronounced dead at the scene of a Tuesday car crash on Charleston Pike Road in Chillicothe.
-
Ashtabula County is near top in 2011 bear sightings
Ashtabula County finished second in the number of black bear sightings reported in Ohio last year, according to a report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife.
-
Break-in results in felony charges
A Conneaut man faces two felony charges stemming from a break-in at a vacant Cleveland Court house earlier this week, according to Conneaut Municipal Court records.
-
Conneaut Middle School’s Goodwill drive big success
Students and staff at Conneaut Middle School responded in a big way to a plea for donations issued late last month by Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula.
-
ACMC teams up with Goodwill on Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, area residents are encouraged to show their love by cleaning out their closets and heading over to Ashtabula County Medical Center.
-
Presses stopped: Updated with video
It was June 23, 1969.
-
Murder suspect kills self at mother’s grave
Madison Township police officers found the body of a murder suspect in the Alexander Harper Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, ending a day-long, multi-county manhunt.
-
Commissioners pay to get the business
Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $15,000 contract with Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County to provide business service representation on behalf of the county’s One-Stop job training center.
- More Local News Headlines
-
