We just finished up our 2012 season last weekend to sold out Christmas trains. The LRR has now been in operation for 37 years. While discussing this we realize that 110 has been owned by the current owner (Terry Bloom) for 40 years now making him the longest owner of the old girl and 110 has operated for the current LRR for longer than any of her previous owners. While talking about this we tried to think of other locomotives that began their second life after the take over by diesels that are still around today. Obviously 4449 and 844 are still running, but what others have been in operation continuously since?

Congratulations on reaching the 37 year mark.

844 is still owned by her original owner, 765 "only" goes back to 1980.... so it has to be in third place among main line engines.

but if you're going to list the 110, you have to consider engines at places like Steamtown, Strasburg and Chama/ Durango and possibly even Mt. Washington!

Bob H

Wilmington and Western RR's 4-4-0 #98 has been in service since 1972. She has been in the shop a couple of times for extended rebuilds just as other locomotives in the post steam era. She has also worn W&W on her sides longer than any other name.

Don't forget BRW #60. Although she just returned to service after a long rebuild, she has been with the Black River longer than the Great Western. Plus, they are the second owners, being purchased directly from GW.

Strasburg #90? It's been there all of my conscious memory, like nearly 50 years. Another old reliable.

I believe the 4-4-0 "Edison" at Greenfield Village has been in operation since around 1969, and their Mason Bogie "Torch Lake" not long after that.

The 478 and 473 in Durango have both been in active service since they were built in 1923.

The EBT engines?

Sadly, not in operation in 2012.... and their future is very much TBD

Bob H

Cagney engines at Lakeside Amusement Park, Denver.

Arcade & Attica #18 would be another one. It served the Boyne City from 1920 to 1962. Once it was moved to Arcade, it has been in use from 1962 to present with only a few periods of out of service/overhaul time. It was out of service on the Boyne City, being replaced by a 44 ton GE before 1962. That makes it's 2nd life on the A&A longer than any previous owner. The same could be said for #14, however it has sat unrestored since 1988 now. In the early years of the A&A excursion life, the time between 18 and 14 was somewhat evenly divided. Since 1989, it has been all 18, so it has more service months logged.

Pat Connors

Cass, WV

Shay #5: 107 years on original line, never retired.
Shay #4: 69 years on the line, never retired.
Heisler #6: 44 years on line, after retired by MRLC
Shay #6: more years at Cass than original owner Western Maryland

Railroad has never been "dieselized".

Branford Electric Rwy.'s trolley 775 was built in 1904 for operation on the Museum's line, and is still running there in Connecticut, 108 years later. The Museum bought the line the day regular service ended, and bought the car to go with it.