Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a 501(3)c nonprofit organization, rescued a Chessie System bay window caboose from the scrapper's torch earlier this summer. Now we need your help to complete the mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Several thousand dollars have already been raised and invested in saving this caboose. Help us get this project over the finish line and get this piece of American railroad history back into service!
#savethechessie
Our Story
About This Project
C&O 904137 has an interesting history. Originally built by Fruit Growers Express in 1979 for the Chessie System, the caboose was damaged in 2010. The damage prevented the car from being shipped by rail and it was placed in a siding near Queensgate Yard in Cincinnati, OH. The bad ordered caboose would end up staying in that disused siding over 10 years.
Earlier this summer officials at CSX Transportation reached out to Cincinnati Scenic Railway to save 904137 which was slated to be removed by a scrapper. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit organization was able to pull together enough funding to rescue the historic caboose. Working with Case Towing, it was transported at the eleventh hour to the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad in Lebanon, OH.
Despite being exposed to vandals and the elements for over a decade, 904137 is in remarkably good condition retaining nearly all of its original interior fixtures. It will make an amazing addition to Cincinnati Scenic Railway's expanding collection of operating rolling stock.
If parts can be sourced in a timely manner and funding goals achieved, volunteers expect to have the caboose fully restored within 6-12 months. The caboose will be used as a shove platform in freight and passenger excursion service.
About Cincinnati Scenic Railway
Cincinnati Scenic Railway is a 501(3)c nonprofit organization operating the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad and the Ohio Rail Experience.
The organization is proud to fund nearly all of it's restoration efforts out the fare-box while serving nearly 55,000 passengers a year.
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, is a successful shortline tourist railroad based in Lebanon, OH. The Ohio Rail Experience, is a one-of-a-kind operator of rare mileage excursions over nearly 400 miles of track.
Cincinnati Scenic Railway is home to 3 vintage EMD locomotives and over 25 historic railcars.
The organization is actively fundraising for the acquisition of Chessie System B&O GP30 6955. More information on that project can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y4l8vjl8
#savethechessie
Our Plans
Restoration
The caboose is in great shape but needs more than just a little TLC. Over $7,000 has already been invested into preserving C&O 904137, but we need your help to complete the project. We plan to complete the following work as a part of the restoration:
- Replace windows damaged by vandals.
- Replace the missing door on the "B" end.
- Underneath, a lot of repair work is needed to get the car into revenue service, including, but not limited to: replacing the damaged self centering device, changing out the brake valves, and completing repairs to the draft gear assembly.
- Restore the original diesel oil fired stove.
- Patch holes in interior made by an investigating scrapper.
- Paint the caboose exterior.
Operation
C&O 904137 will be used by Cincinnati Scenic Railway on their Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad in Lebanon, OH
It will be used as a shove platform in freight and passenger excursion service. The public will have the opportunity to ride in the caboose on passenger trains.
The LM&M Railroad operates 5 miles of track from Lebanon, OH to Hageman Junction in partnership with the Cincinnati Railway Company. The railroad is a popular regional attraction with well patronized passenger excursions running year-round.
Use of Funds Beyond Goal
Funds raised beyond the $2,800 goal and any unspent funds will benefit Cincinnati Scenic Railway's campaign to purchase and restore Chessie System B&O GP30 6955. More information on that project can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y4l8vjl8
#savethechessie
Rewards
$15: Donate $15 and receive an exclusive Chessie System Caboose Magnet.
$25: Donate $25 and receive an exclusive Chessie System GP30 pin.
$75: Donate $75 and receive an exclusive Chessie System "Queensgate Yard" hat.
$90: Donate $90 and receive the magnet, pin, and hat combo!
$350: Donate $350 and you will be invited to a a day where you will get a chance to operate a locomotive on the LM&M Railroad.* Includes "Save the Chessie" combo.
$5,000: Donate $5,000 and receive a private excursion, with an optional stop for lunch or dinner in Mason. Up to 100 people or 12 in a special caboose trip.* Includes "Save the Chessie" Combo.
*The equipment used will be determined by the railroad. The donor will be provided a list of dates and times cab rides/charters are available after the conclusion of the campaign. Only one passenger can ride in the locomotive. and charters are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Cab riders will need to sign a waiver and comply with crew member instructions. Cab riders will also need to come dressed in long plants, sturdy closed toed shoes, and a sleeved shirt. Other PPE will be provided.
