2765 on the C&O includes rare Steam Cab Ride

In 1993, Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #765 was transformed with a few modifications into a C&O 2-8-4 as both Lima-built locomotive types were similar. We begin with a brief background segment with Rich Melvin explaining some of the changes made to the NKP Berkshire to turn it into a C&O Kanawha. Then the action begins, as 2765 departs Cincinnati and historic Cincinnati Union Terminal for a trip to Russell, Kentucky and returns. There is a nice sequence pacing the engine over the C & O (road & Railroad) bridge crossing the Ohio River, and several nice speedy runbys on this cold damp day.

Then on the return trip we are given a rare treat: a cab ride from Russell for several miles while the speedometer hits 60 mph, something rarely seen on steam in the United States these days. After the Cincinnati trip, we see 2765 on a one-way trip to Huntington, where it operates on the New River Train in October. These are the usual fine trips, with great weather and fall colors. The 2-8-4 looks good and sounds great as it blasts along on the former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway trackage now part of CSX. The tape wraps-up with a lovely fall color vista shot at Hawks Nest overlook, deep in the New River Gorge. These were the last runs for 765 before being laid-up for more than a decade.