This locomotive spent most of her displayed life in the St.Albans, WV area. It's last home was, I believe, Coonskin Park. Then, in the mid-80's, the Silver Throttle Engine Association and Museum (STEAM) based in the Canton, Ohio area, leased 2700 from her owner's, an association of firemen from St. Albans who had taken ownership from the city. They also maintained the park or display site. (I'm not 100% confident of all the details.) Anyway, 2700 was moved to Canton by CSX and spent many years stored on the siding at the Esber Beverage Company on the south side of town, just west of I-77 at the Cleveland Avenue exit. STEAM had pretty well disassembled the locomotive to begin the rebuilding process and had the boiler shell somewhat, if not completely, restored. By the early '90's, however, it became apparent that the locomotive would not be restored within the timeframe that STEAM had agreed to with the owners. Esber Beverage had been a willing host, but the collection of parts were occupying a large part of their back parking lot and pressure was brought to bear on STEAM to do something. If I'm not mistaken, STEAM's lease was terminated or not renewed. At that time, Fort Wayne got involved and began to take steps to move the engine with most all the loose parts being transported to Fort Wayne where I believe they remain to this day. At some point in time around 1995 or 1996, an individual involved with IRM purchased the locomotive and with the cooperation of the Ohio Central, moved the locomotive to Dennison where the Dennison Railroad Museum is located. While she is in a rather forlorn condition, I'm sure all is not lost. I have been told that her firebox is not in the best of shape and probably was the main reason the restoration didn't progress any farther that it did.

It's been a long time since I talked to anyone who was very knowledgable about this engine but did follow it closely about 10 to 15 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long!) Please pardon me for any errors in the above history - I don't claim to be an expert on her history!

I must confess my love for C&O steam and am still waiting longingly for someone or some group to get one back in steam soon. Maybe with the Pacific Wilderness operation now defunct, Ross might do something with 614. Or how about KRM's 2716? Anyway, here's hoping the folks in Dennison can get all the parts back and succeed in returning 2700 to her original glory, albeit on static display.

Sincerely,

Rob Gardner


train@nls.net