$10,000 Trains Magazine Preservation Award Presented to Aid in Restoration of C&O 2716
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2019
The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation, a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Estill County, Kentucky, announced Saturday that it was named as the 2019 winner of Trains Magazine’s annual Preservation Award, which seeks to fund railroad preservation efforts across the country. The announcement follows the revelation by Trains Magazine at the publication's photo charter at the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona, on Saturday night.
In being named the Trains Magazine Preservation Award Winner, Kentucky Steam will receive a $10,000 prize which will be used toward the restoration of former Chesapeake & Ohio steam locomotive No. 2716, which will be the centerpiece of Kentucky Steam's operations for years to come.
“It is always a difficult decision to choose from so many deserving projects,” said Trains Magazine Editor Jim Wrinn. “The Kentucky Steam project will move the restoration of a landmark steam locomotive forward.”
According to a statement from Trains Magazine, 37 applicants representing projects ranging from archives to rolling stock, passenger cars, steam and diesel locomotives applied for consideration of the Preservation Award. The prize awarded to Kentucky Steam will be used in the rebuilding of the hot water pump for the 2716, which is an integral part of the locomotive's boiler system.
Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation President Chris Campbell says Kentucky Steam, its board and its growing membership are honored to have been named as the winners of Trains Magazine's Preservation Award.
“We are thrilled and humbled to receive this award. Our organization is excited to get to work on the restoration of C&O 2716, and the Trains Preservation Award will be extremely helpful in moving the project along.”
The C&O No. 2716 is a 2-8-4 "Kanawha"-type steam locomotive which was built in 1943 and operated pulling freight and passenger trains for 13 years, mostly in Appalachia, before being retired in 1957. It was one of 90 such locomotives purchased by the C&O between 1943 and 1947 and is one of a dozen Kanawhas which remain, but the only one which has operated in the preservation era. The 2716 is owned by the Kentucky Railway Museum and is on long-term lease to Kentucky Steam. It has been restored to operation twice before: Once by the Southern Railway in 1981 and 1982 and again in 1996 by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
In early 2019, Kentucky Steam was awarded $46,000 by the John Emery Trust for new boiler tubes for the 2716. This latest award will propel forward the volunteer efforts of Kentucky Steam, which has already invested thousands of man hours into the 2716's restoration. As part of that effort, the 2716 was moved in July from Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven, Kentucky, to Kentucky Steam's headquarters at the former CSX Ravenna Yard and Car Shop in Irvine, Kentucky, where it will be restored and will be the centerpiece of the organization's multi-faceted tourism, entertainment and educational development in Appalachian Kentucky.
“Trains Magazine has been a big help in getting the word out about our mission, and this grant is another shot in the arm for the rebuilding of this magnificent engine. This project is about more than just trains, but the region’s undeniable ties to the railroad make this locomotive’s restoration a key to the economic development of Eastern Kentucky” Campbell added.
For more information on Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation's efforts, including events, volunteer opportunities and donation opportunities, visit, www.kentuckysteam.org.
Read the official Trains Magazine article here: https://bit.ly/2WpY7j0