By Railfan & Railroad Staff
REVENNA, Ky. — A small 0-6-0 steam locomotive will be headlining Kentucky Steam Heritage Cooportation’s Ravenna Railroad Festival on September 11. Lehigh Valley Coal Company 126 will be leading short excursions through Kentucky Steam’s property.
Although steam is in the group’s name, this is the first time Kentucky Steam has put on an event with live steam power. The group is currently restoring Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 2716.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the 2021 Ravenna Railroad festival and give the general public the chance to see what we have in store for the region,” said Chris Campbell, Kentucky Steam founder and president. “The addition of public train rides is both exciting and humbling, knowing that this community can trace its origins and early history to the steam locomotive era of American railroading.”
Lehigh Valley Coal 126 is owned by the Grammling Family of Indiana and was built by Vulcan in 1931. The excursions will take place during the annual Ravenna Railroad Festival, an event centered upon the region’s railroad history, and featuring food, crafts, arts and music. Tickets for the planned excursions will be available to the public beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, and will start at just $5 each. Train rides, featuring family-friendly open-air seating, will begin at 10 a.m. on September 11. The public will also have the opportunity to run the locomotive the following day on September 12. Tickets will be limited.
Further information about Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation, including ticketing, donation and membership opportunities may be found by visiting www.kentuckysteam.org.
