Chesapeake & Ohio RR 4-8-4 No. 614
Strasburg, PA, United States
Location: Strasburg Railroad
Status: Overhaul
Posted: Jun 8, 2025 @ 06:06:54 by Russell Newman
The former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Class J3a Greenbrier 4-8-4 No. 614, has now left the C&O Railway Heritage Center and is now relocating to its new home at the Strasburg Railroad at Strasburg in the state of Pennsylvania, where it will undergo a full 1472-day Overhaul to returning it to steam again which the work will be carried out by Strasburg Railroad Mechanical Services in their workshops there.
Posted: Nov 8, 2024 @ 11:11:31 by Russell Newman
One of the most popular preserved steam locomotives in the United States of America, former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Class J3a Greenbrier 4-8-4 No. 614, is set to be returned to steam again as she has been sold to the RJD America LLC who have purchased the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio steam locomotive from the American Freedom Train Foundation, Inc. No. 614 is to be moved to its new home at the Strasburg Railroad in the state of Pennsylvania, where it will undergo a full 1472-day Overhaul which will be carried out by Strasburg Railroad Mechanical Services, with the aim of restoring both the locomotive and its auxiliary tender to high operational standards. The comprehensive restoration at Strasburg Railroad Mechanical Services in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, will ensure the locomotive and its auxiliary tender not only meet contemporary operational and safety standards for North American mainline running but also retain their historical authenticity.
Posted: Jun 26, 2015 @ 08:06:53 by A 614 fan
Driver Diameter: 80 inch
Posted: May 11, 2011 @ 12:05:11 by northshore
After a display time at VMT, the 614 has been moved to the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Heritage Center
Posted: Apr 20, 2008 @ 09:04:02 by Brady
The Chesapeake & Ohio 614 was built in June 1948 by Lima. It was used in freight and passenger service until it was retired in 1956. It was stored in the yard at Russell, Kentucky until 1975 when it was donated to the B&O Railway Museum in Baltimore. In 1979 Ross Rowland traded his Reading T-1 # 2101( which had been damaged by fire in the Silver Grove, Kentucky roundhouse ) for the 614. Restoration was complete by 1980, and the 614 was used on excursions for the Chessie System pulling the Chessie Safety Express in 1980 & 1981. It went as far away as Chicago & Miami. It was not used again until January 1985 when Ross Rowland put it in regular coal train service for an entire month, six days a week, between Huntington & Hinton, West Virginia. This was done to see if a new steam locomotive could be built to save on oil costs. The new locomotive was never built, but the 614 put on a great show in subzero cold and snow storms. 614 was not used again until 1996 when Ross Rowland and Paul Nichini ran several excursions between Hoboken, New Jersey and Port Jervis, New York. These were great excursions which featured steep grades and speeds up to 80 M.P.H.. These trips were repeated in 1997 & 1998 and the 614 was never run again. Ross Rowland tried to sell the engine in 2000 at auction, but it was not sold. Today the engine is stored at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern. Ross Rowland is trying to create a train to support our troops called the Yellow Ribbon Express. It would travel through all continental 48 states and would be pulled by the 614. While this may not happen, It would be great to see the 614 operate all over the country. I think it's one of the best steam locomotives ever built.
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 @ 11:09:16 by Mark Hofstedt
I notice that a previous poster asserts that this locomotive is "under restoration". This is erroneous. The status for this locomotive should say "Stored Unserviceable". Or possibly "Derelict".
Posted: Aug 12, 2007 @ 17:08:07 by Ra
The Loco Is Under rebulid
Posted: Nov 18, 2004 @ 19:11:04 by Leo Luciani
This locomotive is stored unserviceable on a siding in Port Clinton. Word is that it went on auction a few years back and Andy Muller, the owner of the RBMN was the only bidder and it was never sold. Last i heard it was to be moved to an indoor facility in Altoona. Needs a TON of work, very sad considering it ran main line excursions only a short time ago.
Posted: Dec 31, 2003 @ 22:12:59 by Adam Parsons
From what I last heard it is stored unservicable at the BM&R.  The engine needs to have the flues replaced and a lot of work on the firebox as well ast running gear work.
Posted: Oct 3, 2002 @ 21:10:23 by Mike Castellow

C&O #614 is not in the B&O Museum.  It is currently stored(as of May 25, 2002) on the Reading & Northern in Port Clinton PA.

CHESSIEMIKE