Iron Horse Enterprises, Inc. was formed in 1995 by Ross E. Rowland, Jr. and four other steam loving investors for the express purpose of returning former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad steam locomotive, a Class J-3a, Greenbrier 4-8-4, #614 to service for pulling a series of mainline excursions over the mainlines of New Jersey Transit and Metro North from Hoboken, NJ to Port Jervis, NY.

Under the able leadership of the shop forces of the New Hope & Ivyland RR, located in New Hope, PA. The 614 was given a thorough mechanical going over in 1995, preparing her for her upcoming career on the Port Jervis trips. As part of the deal between I.H.E. and the State of NJ, the shop forces of NJ Transit modernized 614 during the 3 year program by installing a 26L brake system, ditch lights, cab-signal system, event recorder system, speed control system and a microprocessor to be the brains of the electronic systems. They also added a diesel control stand so the engineer on the 614 can control any diesel locomotives attached to her. These additions make her the most thoroughly equipped steam engine in the nation today.

In 2000, the principles of I.H.E. became engaged in the formation and operation of a new tourist railroad service in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada know as the Pacific Wilderness Railway and due to their commitment to this venture offered the 614 for sale through D.F.Barnhardt & Associates at an auction, which took place at NJ Transit Kearny, NJ Meadowlands Maintenance Complex. The auction failed to produce any acceptable bidders and the 614 was subsequently withdrawn from the market.

Due to the very high cost of public liability insurance and the extremely high amounts of insurance required by the mainline railroads, 614 has remained out of service since 1998 and is currently in storage on the Reading & Northern Railroad.

Before she can operate again, she will require a full mechanical updating so as to comply with the new F.R.A. regulations. This work will cost between approximately $500,000 and $700,000 and take 6 months to accomplish.

It is the hope of the I.H.E. team that a project can be fashioned with either Amtrak or one of the Class 1's, wherein such an investment can be justified and thus see her return to the "High Iron"!!