For the first time in 15 years, New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Alco RS-3 529 is expected to roll through Connecticut’s scenic Naugatuck Valley. Volunteers at the Railroad Museum of New England are feverishly working to complete an operational restoration of the locomotive, which includes returning it to its original orange-and-green New Haven livery. 

The 529 has been a staple at RMNE and the Naugatuck Railroad for 30 years. The engine was built by Alco in August 1950 and upgraded in 1959. It worked across the New Haven’s entire system, including the line between Waterbury and Torrington, which is now operated by the Naugatuck. The locomotive later worked for Penn Central and Conrail before being retired in August 1985. The following month, it was purchased by RMNE. The engine was later restored to its New Haven colors and has been working on the Naugy since September 1996. The locomotive is the sole survivor of the New Haven’s 62 RS-2 and RS-3 type locomotives. 

A number of cosmetic changes are currently being made to the locomotive, perhaps most notably, the restoration of its original headlight. Officials expect to have the locomotive ready for the Naugatuck Railroad’s 30th anniversary celebration the weekend of September 25-27. The event will feature night photo sessions and special excursions. For more information, visit RMNE.org. 

—Justin Franz