Connecticut’s Valley Railroad announced in January that its Chinese-built 2-8-2 steam locomotive is being converted to burn oil, and if successful, the railroad will convert additional engines. 

Valley 3025, an SY-type 2-8-2 built at the Tangshan Locomotive and Rolling Stock Works in 1989 and made to look like a New Haven locomotive, is presently down for its federally-mandated 15-year overhaul. While the engine is out of service, the railroad has decided to install an oil-burning system. The railroad said it was making the change because oil was easier to acquire and handle than coal. The railroad would also save money by disposing of less ash. 

The Valley is just the latest in a long line of steam operators that have decided to convert to oil, including the Durango & Silverton, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic, and those restoring Reading 2100 and Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 2716. Aside from it being easier to acquire oil, groups have also cited environmental reasons, most notably the desire to continue operating during dry conditions. The trend is also underway in England for the same reasons. 

—Justin Franz