Chesapeake & Ohio RR 2-8-4 No. 2716
Ravenna, KY, United States 		Location: Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp.
Status: Restoration
Posted: Dec 25, 2021 @ 10:12:56 by Russell Newman
It has been annouced that the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. have made a agreement with the Railroad Museum of New England, based in Thomaston, Connecticut for them to operate former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Alco built 2-8-4 No. 2716 on their 19-mile route between Waterbury and Torrington, Connecticut when she returns to steam.
Posted: Apr 24, 2020 @ 07:04:10 by Ricky Freni
Not only is 2716 going under restoration at Ravenna, but so too was NKP 587 alongside the Kanawa.
Posted: Jul 29, 2019 @ 09:07:36 by Swade
2716 has been successfully towed to Ravenna, KY on July 28, 2019 and this location is her new home. She is still owned by the KRM, but is now undergoing an operational restoration by the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp.
Posted: Apr 19, 2019 @ 10:04:49 by Russell Newman
The former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Alco built 2-8-4 No. 2716 will be leaving the Kentucky Railway Museum as it is being moved to the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation site at Ravenna, Kentucky. Where the locomotive is to undergo restoration back in to running order again. No. 2716 is to hauled there by Clinchfield 800 a famous Diesel locomotive that is operated by the Southern Appalachian Railroad Museum on the 26th to 28th of July 2019.
Posted: Feb 7, 2016 @ 16:02:25 by
please change status to restoration as there is confirmation that 2716 is being restored to operating condition
Posted: Dec 21, 2009 @ 10:12:57 by Jeremy C. Schultz
I totally agree that the 2716 looked better in her "Southern" livery. I saw the locomotive pulling those 1981-82 excursions on a National Geographic program called Love Those Trains, and her whistle then was the most soothing, classic one I had ever heard. Although it is still unlikely, I too wish she could somehow be returned to excursion service on various Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama railroads again soon if the firebox and flues are the only things needing fixed.
Posted: Oct 29, 2008 @ 11:10:33 by Chris Hanes
2716 now resides under a covered track at KRM. Thanks to the KRM for giving her a little protection from the elements. As for photos of this engine especially in her beautiful Southern decor, try www.rrpicturearchives.net Lots of good photos there, I think over 30 now. Would love to see her in steam again, but know that it's highly unlikely.
Posted: Jun 28, 2008 @ 08:06:11 by Brady
The 2716 is now on display at the Kentucky Railway Museum. Now you can see it up close. It makes a great display.
Posted: Feb 24, 2008 @ 21:02:38 by Chris Bollinger
This engine was absolutely beautiful as a Southern locomotive. I hated to see it put back as a C&O. If anyone has video or pictures of this engine as Southern 2716, I would love to buy some. Chris Bollinger, StLIM&SRy.
Posted: Jul 23, 2007 @ 11:07:57 by martin
She was restored for excursions on the Southern in 1981 and ran for nine months. She had considerable firebox leakage that caused her own demise. She was stored at the Irondale until the middle 90's when she was given to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. 2716 ran until 1996 and was given back to the KRM.
Posted: May 4, 2007 @ 14:05:18 by Brady
The 2716 was built by the American Locomotive Company (Alco) in 1943 for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. The 2-8-4's were called Kanawhas instead of Berkshires on the C&O for the river the railroad follows for many miles in West Virginia. The 2716 was retired in 1956, and donated to the Kentucky Railway Museum in 1959. It was displayed until 1979 when the Clinchfield Railroad leased it for steam excursions, however the Clinchfield cancelled the excursions before the engine was ready. In 1981 the Southern Railroad leased the 2716 for excursions. In October 1981 the engine was ready and pulled several excursions in October and November. The engine had been made to look like a Southern engine, with the headlight raised to the center of the smokebox, the pilot was changed, as was the bell and whistle. 2716 opened the 1982 Southern steam excursion season in March. By July however, the firebox began to crack. The engine had to be taken out of service, and Nickel Plate Road 765 finshed the 1982 season. The engine was stored in the Southern shop from 1982 until 1995. After the steam program was cancelled in 1994, the engine was towed to Fort Wayne, Indiana to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society ( who operate the 765 ). The 2716 ran a few times in 1996 until the Federal Railroad Administration demanded the engine be repaired. The 2716 is now back at the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven, Kentucky. It is now back to its C&O look but is not operational and probably never will be again because it is too large for the museum's line, and needs much work. It is a great engine.
Posted: Mar 13, 2007 @ 09:03:34 by Andrew Durden

Because Bill Purdie knows what steam engines are SUPPOSED to look like.  The Good Lord intended for headlights to be placed in the center of the smokebox, not underneath it.

In all seriousness, the locomotive was restored to be operated on the Southern Railway, and the low headlight and illuminated number boards just didn't look like something the Southern Railway would have had.  When the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society returned 2716 to service in 1996, it was returned to its C&O appearance.  It retains that appearance today at KRM.

Posted: Mar 8, 2007 @ 16:03:53 by John Heid
will someone please tell me why a C&O berkshire is in southern livery?
Posted: Feb 23, 2007 @ 24:02:15 by Chris Edwards

Out of curiosity is there any problems with the engine.  I know talking with several people that were involved in the NS Steam Program that the engine had some issues with fire box, and something else.  FOr the life of me I can't recall.  I know Ft Wyane operated the engine back in 1996.  Does anybody know of any problems with the engine.  I am just curious. 

 

Chris

Posted: Nov 20, 2005 @ 15:11:21 by M. Cole
#2716 is currently NOT under any specific restoration or even any regular public display. She is rolled out of the KRM yard very periodically (i.e. when Thomas the Tanks in town) for public viewing but is otherwise kepted out of the public eye. She is in fine cosmetic shape but it is sad to see such a wonderful piece just sitting tucked away. Last time I saw her she was sitting on the back track of the KRM yard stored away with the "operational" Monon BL-2.
Posted: Sep 4, 2003 @ 09:09:05 by Wayne York
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc. restored the 2716 to operation in the summer of 1996.  There were freight break-in runs on the TP&W RR and short push-pull excursions out of Logansport, IN in July 1996.
Posted: Sep 28, 2002 @ 19:09:43 by Doug Bailey
Updated the database to reflect the information provided by John Gramling in the following note.
Posted: Sep 28, 2002 @ 19:09:19 by John Gramling
Engine was moved to New haven KY (Kentucky Railway Museum) in the spring of 2001