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Steam Preservation in Kentucky
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Author:  trainman522 [ Wed May 04, 2022 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Steam Preservation in Kentucky
I wanted to make a post about Kentucky Steam preservation since I haven’t seen one similar to this yet. In the last few years there have been massive efforts towards getting steam back into Kentucky. Right now, L&N 152 is under restoration at the Kentucky Railway Museum; I believe they are still waiting to ship the boiler for work. The other is C&O 2716 with KY Steam, which is well on its way to restoration. When I was looking for updates on these projects, I noticed Kentucky has 13 steam engines in the state, which is interesting since you never seem to hear a lot about those other steam locomotives in the state. I grew up in Kentucky, so I’ve seen a lot of these in-person. Other than 152 and 2716, does anyone think there are any other potential restoration candidates from the state? I pulled 4 from the other 11 that are listed as displays that wouldn't seem like terrible candidates, but wanted some other opinions.

R.J. Corman QJ 2-10-2 #2008: Donated to KY Steam a couple years ago but has yet to be moved to Ravenna. It’s listed as “being evaluated for operation”, which makes me think it’s a likely candidate for restoration once 2716 is done. I believe RJC took care of the locomotive, so mechanically it shouldn't be a massive undertaking speaking financially.

Union #14 (Stearns, KY): I know this one had some major issues when it was originally being restored, but I wonder if the right investor was to get behind the project, or if the owners were to organize fundraisers if it could be taken to completion.

L&N 0-8-0 #2152: This one may be a bit of a long-shot, but as only 1 of 3 surviving L&N steam locomotives, it would be cool to see it run. I could see KY steam maybe getting it for yard excursions once their facilities are built years down the road, since 0-8-0’s are hard on tracks at higher speeds. I’ve always wanted to see this one run (or an 0-8-0 in general) and I think it has potential if the right funding could get behind the project. I know the 2132 is in Corbin, but because of how it was moved, I've read that it could never run again.

Reader 2-6-2 #11: This one has an interesting backstory for its operation, but I'm very surprised either KRM or BGRM didn't get their hands on it. It's small and likely suitable for either the KRM excursions or even BGRM. It seemed to be well taken care of as well, so I can't imagine an operational restoration would be out of the question financially. Unless there's another limitation to the engine I'm unaware of.

There's also a 2-8-2 in Paducah, KY if I'm not mistaken, but I don't know the history of it.
Author:  smbtrain [ Wed May 04, 2022 3:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
You bring up some interesting candidates. I’ve personally had limited experience working on any steam, but I’ll give my opinion (that may or may not be informed). I also grew up in Kentucky, so small world huh?

The RJC 2008 is probably one of the best bets from the ones you’ve mentioned. I don’t know it’s condition other than it needs it’s 1,472. I do believe Corman took care of it overall, so other than the typical expenses of a 1,472, I can’t imagine there would be much more needed, although you’d have to wait for a full inspection to say that for sure. The 0-6-0 you mentioned in Stearns is also an interesting case, especially with the things I’ve read about what happened. I’ve questioned why the owners have not launched their own funding/campaign to raise money for its completion. Perhaps it’s not as close to being complete as originally thought or there’s more work needed that would be worth the cost. I never read into its restoration until it had come to a halt, at which point most of the information about it was pulled.

As much as I enjoy the L&N and L&N steam, I don’t see 2152 running again. It’s sat outside ever since it was donated to KRM. I know Republic Steel Corp had it last but I’m not sure what condition it was in mechanically. There was a volunteer at KRM that has been working on it the last several years and has done an astounding job on a cosmetic restoration, replacing rotted/deteriorated pieces of flooring in the cab as well. I’m sure it would be a money pit to restore to operation though, especially with the toll Kentucky weather takes on things. Plus the 0-8-0s like 2152 were built for slower speeds not pulling trains ok the mainline, so it makes more sense to just keep on funding for 152 and maintaining it. But who knows what could happen. I’m also surprised they haven’t moved 2152 under that metal cover as a replacement for 2716. I also share your thoughts on that 2-6-2. I know it’s career was cut short when CSX purchased the line it was running on, but perhaps there’s just not an interest in it. 2716 and 152 are much more “iconic” than the #11 so it probably gets over shadowed as well. I really only see the RJC 2008 being likely from the ones you listed. Maybe the one in Stearns if the owners wanted to start work again, but I haven’t noted any interest in that recently.
Author:  J.David [ Wed May 04, 2022 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
Greetings:

The R.J.Corman 2-10-2, built by Datong Locomotive Works in 1986: QJ7040 (renumbered 2008 by Corman) was rebuilt at the China Railway's 701 Factory in 2007 prior to shipment to the US. Dennis Daugherty was the on site inspector from the US who oversaw the work.

It only operated a few times after delivery, so probably would need only the basic FRA 1472 Service Day/15 year Inspection to be serviceable again. Far less work than 2716 needs.

J.David
Author:  trainman522 [ Wed May 04, 2022 11:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
J.David wrote:
Greetings:

The R.J.Corman 2-10-2, built by Datong Locomotive Works in 1986: QJ7040 (renumbered 2008 by Corman) was rebuilt at the China Railway's 701 Factory in 2007 prior to shipment to the US. Dennis Daugherty was the on site inspector from the US who oversaw the work.

It only operated a few times after delivery, so probably would need only the basic FRA 1472 Service Day/15 year Inspection to be serviceable again. Far less work than 2716 needs.

J.David


I figured as much.

Going off the other reply, it's a shame about the L&N 2152. I think there is a great missed opportunity there to get a second L&N locomotive running, but with all the steam preservation movements, maybe KRM will reconsider 2152 once 152 is done. I know it was mentioned it was hard on the tracks, but the KRM has a fairly short line, plus it could be dragged back on the return by a diesel. I'm still curious on the possibility of the 0-6-0 in Stearns or the 2-6-2 in Nicholasville returning someday.
Author:  rlsteam [ Wed May 04, 2022 11:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
I believe the 2-8-2 in Paducah is IC 1518, supposedly the last IC steam engine to operate. I photographed it on two occasions in the 1950s, before it was placed on display. More information here: https://www.railarchive.net/randomsteam/ic1518.htm
Author:  smbtrain [ Wed May 04, 2022 11:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
trainman522 wrote:
:

Going off the other reply, it's a shame about the L&N 2152. I think there is a great missed opportunity there to get a second L&N locomotive running, but with all the steam preservation movements, maybe KRM will reconsider 2152 once 152 is done. I know it was mentioned it was hard on the tracks, but the KRM has a fairly short line, plus it could be dragged back on the return by a diesel.


Regardless of whether or not it would be cool, an 0-8-0 is simply not that economical to run anywhere. There's a reason none of the surviving 0-8-0's run. Let's take your scenario where you say KRM has a short excursion. I believe the round trip is 22 miles (11 miles each way). The 0-8-0's such as 2152 were designed to be yard workers, meaning they would travel yard speeds (10 mph or slower usually) over a few miles at a time. A round trip of 22 miles in 90 minutes would require a speed of greater than 10 mph over 22 miles. The locomotive wouldn't be economical and the track would likely get damaged or severely strained. Also mentioned (as I already had) the shape that 2152 is likely in. No one would truly know the work needed unless a comprehensive inspection was carried out, but with Kentucky weather, I can't imagine the engine is in great shape. There have been struggles raising enough money for L&N 152's restoration, let alone 2152, which would probably be an even greater price tag. I seem to recall that they had considered 2152 after 152 was restored last time and the idea was shot down for similar reasons that I've mentioned. If it's going to run, it probably won't be at KRM. And in reality, there's no reason to move or sell it. It's gotten a cosmetic restoration and its at a safe home with one of the other 2 surviving L&N locomotives. Might as well leave it alone.
Author:  Steamguy73 [ Wed May 04, 2022 11:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
I believe both of the L&N 0-8-0’s were steelworks locomotives. Likely in fairly poor condition mechanically.
Author:  NJDixon [ Thu May 05, 2022 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
Steamguy73 wrote:
I believe both of the L&N 0-8-0’s were steelworks locomotives. Likely in fairly poor condition mechanically.


The #2132 is in pretty poor shape from it's treatment after being preserved as well. From an earlier thread about when it was cosmetically restored:

"The locomotive was cut into 3 pieces when it got to Bainbridge, as they wanted to make it fit on a city flatbed truck to get it from rail to the park. The flues, tubes, tube sheets, grates, grate bearers, and a lot of other internal parts and piping were removed and scrapped at that time. Once it was in place in the park, they did a quicky "weld" job that left large gaps between the cut sections of the boiler.

The new jacket pretty well hides the torch cuts in the boiler. The main rods and side rods were cut as well as the frame, at the same time. Imagine putting the locomotive into a giant guillotine and making two cuts from top to bottom, leaving three pieces, and you'll get the picture."
Author:  NJDixon [ Thu May 05, 2022 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
Also, isn't NKP #587 at the Kentucky Steam Heritage Center as well?
Author:  RookieFireman [ Thu May 05, 2022 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
The "where" being just as (if not more) important than the "what" -- of the engines mentioned, only the ones at KRM and Stearns have current trackage that their respective groups own and can run on.

KRM has an active restoration ongoing for the #152. This is, of course, very exciting and I can't wait to see it run again. Hopefully they fare well enough that a restoration of the other engine would be viable, but realistically I can't see their operation requiring more than 1 operable steam locomotive. A cosmetic restoration would be an admirable goal there.

The Big South Fork Scenic in Stearns has been quietly revamping itself (I understand that they are restoring one of their historic ALCOs to service). It is a beautiful, historic railroad that is often overlooked. Hopefully finishing the job they started with the #14 is in the cards there. It would be quite a sight.
Author:  Tacky3663 [ Sun May 07, 2023 5:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
NJDixon wrote:
Also, isn't NKP #587 at the Kentucky Steam Heritage Center as well?



Yes, it’s stored in Kentucky. However, they aren’t owned by them. The guy who owns the 587 is currently unknown and it’ll sit in storage til they make themselves known
Author:  PMC [ Mon Nov 17, 2025 12:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
I have no clue what this is about: https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=69206667
Author:  jrevans [ Mon Nov 17, 2025 1:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
PMC wrote:
I have no clue what this is about: https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=69206667


I too was wondering what that was about. Jason has been very informative in the many internet updates on the many projects that he is working on.

All I can think of, is that he may have made some non-train related comments on social media, which could have alienated some people, but that's just my wild guess.

Jason is very talented and knowledgeable and I have learned a lot from following him online.
Author:  Tyler H. [ Mon Nov 17, 2025 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
This originated with Jason reuploading a video from the N&W 611 Facebook page to his own personal, monetized social media channels, without giving credit. Discussions ensued on the personal page of a VMT/611 employee about this being a repeated pattern, along with other allegations about his professional and personal conduct.
Author:  eshock [ Mon Nov 17, 2025 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steam Preservation in Kentucky
I think the whole situation could be summed up by the old railroad General Rule that most of us have in our own books:
"Employees must conduct themselves in such a manner that the railroad (company) will not be subject to criticism or loss of goodwill."

The aforementioned issue with the 611 folks is just one example. There are other alleged incidents that (if true) would fit that rule.

jrevans wrote:
PMC wrote:
I have no clue what this is about: https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=69206667


I too was wondering what that was about. Jason has been very informative in the many internet updates on the many projects that he is working on.

All I can think of, is that he may have made some non-train related comments on social media, which could have alienated some people, but that's just my wild guess.

Jason is very talented and knowledgeable and I have learned a lot from following him online.
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