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Chesapeake & Ohio 2755
[[Image:Chief Logan State Park - C&O 2755.jpg alt=]]
Power type Steam
Reference
Builder Lima Locomotive Works
Order number 1198
Serial number 9262
Build date January 1947
Configuration 2-8-4
Gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Driver diameter 69 in (1,753 mm)
Length 105.2 ft (32.1 m)
Weight on drivers 292,000 lb (132.4 tonnes)
Locomotive weight 460,000 lb (208.7 tonnes)
Tender weight 388,000 lb (176.0 tonnes)
Locomotive and tender combined weight 848,000 lb (384.6 tonnes)
Tender type 21-RG
Fuel type Coal
Fuel capacity 30 short tons (27.2 t)
Water capacity 21,000 US gal (79,500 L)
Boiler pressure 245 psi (1.69 MPa)
Feedwater heater Worthington Type 5½ SSA
Fire grate area 90 sq ft (8.4 m2)
Heating surface: Total 4,714 sq ft (437.9 m2)
Superheater type Elesco Type E
Cylinders Two, outside
Cylinder size 26 in × 34 in (660 mm × 864 mm)
Valve gear Baker
Tractive effort 69,368 lbf (308.56 kN)
Factor of adhesion 4.23
Number in class 56 of 90
Retired late 1956
Current owner West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Disposition On static display at Chief Logan State Park in Logan County, West Virginia.
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755 Steam Locomotive
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755 is located in West Virginia
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755
Location in West Virginia
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755 is located in the United States
Chesapeake and Ohio 2755
Location in the United States
Nearest city Henlawson, West Virginia
Area 0.2 acres (0.081 ha)
Built 1947
Architect Lima Locomotive Works
Architectural style K-4 Class Locomotive
NRHP reference No. 06000900
Added to NRHP September 28, 2006

The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway 2755 is a powerful steam train. It is a special type called a 2-8-4 locomotive. Most railroads called this type a "Berkshire." But the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) railroad had its own name for it: the "Kanawha." This train was built by Lima Locomotive Works in 1947. It was one of 90 similar trains made between 1943 and 1947.

What Made It Special?

The 2755 was part of a group of trains known as "Super Power" locomotives. These trains were built with the newest technology of their time. They had special parts like a superheater and a feedwater heater. These parts helped the engine run more efficiently.

The locomotive also had a "booster" on its back wheels. This booster gave it extra power when starting or climbing hills. It used roller bearings for smoother movement. The C&O preferred a specific type of engine part called Baker valve gear. This was different from what most other railroads used.

Where Did It Work?

The Chesapeake & Ohio 2755 spent about nine years working. Its main job was to haul coal. It carried coal from mines around Logan, West Virginia. The coal was usually taken to the Ohio River at Russell, Kentucky.

Its very last trip was on January 18, 1956. It traveled from Handley, West Virginia, to Russell. After this, the train was retired from service.

Its New Home

In the fall of 1960, the 2755 was fixed up. This work happened at the shops in Huntington, West Virginia. In March 1961, it was moved to its current home. You can find it on display at Chief Logan State Park. This park is in Logan County, West Virginia.

For a while, the train was damaged by vandals. Its glass was broken, and parts were stolen. But it has since been repaired. Now, a fence protects it. The Island Creek Model Railroad Club helps take care of it.

A Historic Train

The Chesapeake and Ohio 2755 Steam Locomotive is very important. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This means it is recognized as a special part of American history.

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