C&O Steam Locomotive to be Centerpiece of New Kentucky Railroad Museum

A Chesapeake & Ohio steam locomotive will be the feature exhibit at a museum being developed in Ravenna, Kentucky.

The museum is being developed on 50 acres of a former CSX yard and shops. The former shop buildings and yard will become part of the museum.

The steam locomotive is 2-8-4 No. 2716, a Kanawha-type locomotive. Ravenna is located on the former Louisville & Nashville about 50 miles southeast of Lexington, Kentucky.

The group developing the museum said its top priority is to raise $500,000 before the end of this year.

Chris Campbell, president of the Lexington-based Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation said the Ravenna car shops need structural work, electric upgrades, rail and other improvements.

“We need about 800 feet of rail to tie it back into the wye at the end of the property. And we’d also like to rehab it so it’s secure and ready for No. 2716 to be moved.”

He said the 2718 won’t be moved to Ravenna until everything in place for the museum.

As part of the purchase agreement, the group will have access to the yard’s wye tracks, which will be shared with CSX in case the railroad needs to move locomotives.

Campbell said his group expects to take ownership of the property later this summer.

It is in the meantime reviewing federal grant opportunities aimed at economic development in rural areas.