The ODC acquires locomotive from AdvanSix
On Saturday, June 13, 2020, the Chapter accepted the generous donation of an operable GE 45-ton locomotive from the AdvanSix corporation in Hopewell. The industrial switcher had many years of experience moving coal hoppers at the former Cogentrix generating plant which closed in 2019. Once loaded onto a low boy trailer, the ODC's newest piece of rolling stock made the 35 mile trek to its forever home at Hallsboro storage and renovation yard. Hallsboro is the sister facility of the Richmond Railroad Museum.
The first order of business at AdvanSix is leveling the site for the 18-wheeler to get next to the locomotive.
The equipment hauling trailer gets aligned with the locomotive storage track.
A winch coaxes the 45-tonner onto the low boy trailer where it will be secured for the ride to Hallsboro.
Once loaded, the truck and precious cargo hit the road. You can see the smoke stacks of its former home in the distance.
At Hallsboro, a temporary track is pushed into place to unload the loco.
The ODC's intrepid tractor had its hands full pulling the engine toward its new home where it will undergo a full maintenance and cosmetic repairs.
Our new 45-tonner is now secure on its covered track after a full day of work by ODC volunteers and our partners North Fork Trucking and AdvanSix.
ODC Volunteers (from right) Devin Gray, Dave Coldren and Kevin Frick standing with social distance and masks next to the North Fork and AdvanSix teams just before departure for Hallsboro.