By Railfan & Railroad Staff

NORTH JUDSON, Ind. — Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation and Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum have teamed up to push the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 2716 a little closer to completion. 

Last week, Kentucky Steam announced it had purchased a set of boiler tubes and flues from the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, Ind. The museum had the unused tubes and flues on hand because at one time it had planned to restore its own C&O 2-8-4, locomotive 2789, to operation. The purchase was made with the help of the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust. 

“This purchase keeps funds within the rail preservation community, and helps out two motivated and progressive non-profit organizations,” said Chris Campbell, president of Kentucky Steam. “The transaction will help us continue the restoration of C&O 2716, and will aid Hoosier Valley in their endeavors to create an excellent museum and operating tourist railroad.”

Kentucky Steam had originally planned on buying tubes and flues in 2020, but price increases derailed that plan. So instead they reached out to Hoosier Valley to inquire about their set. 

This is not the first time Kentucky Steam has partnered with other groups. Earlier this year, the group purchased air pumps that had been used on a Santa Fe steam locomotive on display in Colorado.