RESTORATION UPDATES
Welcome to the Official Restoration Page for Chesapeake & Ohio Steam Locomotive 614
RJD America LLC is excited to share the journey of restoring the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio 614 steam locomotive. This page will provide the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the meticulous work of restoring this iconic locomotive to its original glory.
2026 Updates
March 2026 Part I
A major milestone has been reached in the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 614.
At Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services, the locomotive has now been lifted off all of its wheelsets, allowing the pilot truck, drivers, and trailing truck to be rolled out from beneath the engine.
This is a significant step in the restoration process and opens the door for several major areas of work to move forward, including new driving wheel tires, boiler work and inspections, and the next phase of the locomotive’s rebuild.
In preparation for the lift, the team removed as many components as possible to reduce weight and ensure the operation could be completed safely and in a controlled manner. After months of careful disassembly, this marks an important turning point in the project. The restoration is now transitioning from taking 614 apart to putting her back together.
Support the Restoration
Supporters now have the opportunity to own an authentic piece of C&O 614 through the Buy A Staybolt program. Limited quantities of genuine staybolts and caps removed during the restoration are available, with each piece representing a direct connection to the work taking place on the locomotive today.
To learn more and support the restoration, visit:
https://store.co614.com/
Video courtesy of the RJD America Media Team. Edited by Michael William Sullivan.
March 2026 Part II
Go inside the shop and witness a critical phase of the Chesapeake & Ohio 614 restoration as it happens. This is the kind of work almost no one gets to see, raw, hands-on, and essential to bringing 614 back to life. Every step matters, and this is one you do not want to miss.
Support the Restoration
Supporters now have the opportunity to own an authentic piece of C&O 614 through the Buy A Staybolt program. Limited quantities of genuine staybolts and caps removed during the restoration are available, with each piece representing a direct connection to the work taking place on the locomotive today.
To learn more and support the restoration, visit:
https://store.co614.com/
Video courtesy of the RJD America Media Team. Edited by Michael William Sullivan.
January 2026
Major progress continues on the restoration of Chesapeake and Ohio Steam Locomotive No. 614, with active boiler and mechanical work underway at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. January marks a critical phase of hands-on renewal focused on long-term safety, regulatory compliance, and preservation under the stewardship of RJD America LLC.
Thousands of flexible staybolts are being systematically removed and replaced as part of documented, federally regulated boiler restoration work conducted in 2026. These components are being permanently retired to ensure continued safety and the locomotive’s long-term operational future.
In parallel with boiler work, restoration and overhaul of both air compressors has begun, advancing critical air and braking systems toward full operating condition.
Preparations are also underway to lift the locomotive so that all wheels can be removed. This will enable replacement of the tires on all driving wheels, a major mechanical milestone essential to returning No. 614 to reliable service.
A limited number of authentic, retired flexible staybolts and original caps are being made available through the Buy A Staybolt program. Each purchase directly funds a one-for-one replacement on the locomotive and includes a Certificate of Authenticity jointly issued by RJD America LLC and Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Quantities are finite, and not all retired components are offered due to the removal process.
Support the restoration
store.co614.com
Thank you to everyone supporting this historic restoration. You are not just following the progress. You are helping make it happen.
2025 Updates
November–December 2025
The months of November and December marked a significant transition in the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614, as the project progressed into systematic disassembly, inspection, and documentation at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services (SRC). With the locomotive entirely indoors and under controlled shop conditions, work continued to focus on preparing No. 614 for detailed structural evaluation and the heavy repair phases ahead.
Disassembly and Preparation Work
Throughout November and December, SRC crews completed extensive removal and preparation work critical to accessing the locomotive’s core structural components. Key accomplishments during this period include:
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Removal of all firebox grates, opening the firebox for inspection and evaluation
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Complete removal of brake rigging, a necessary prerequisite for upcoming wheel and running-gear work
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Beginning needle scaling of the firebox and boiler barrel, removing surface corrosion to allow accurate assessment of base material condition.
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Removal of the cab floor, stoker, firing table, and related appliances significantly improves access to the firebox, backhead, and surrounding structures.
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Removal of auxiliary components, including many brackets, air brake components, drawbar, and firebox doors.
This work provides essential groundwork, enabling inspectors and craftsmen to thoroughly evaluate the locomotive while preserving historical integrity and ensuring compliance with modern regulatory standards.
Inspection and Documentation Progress
As components were removed, careful photographic documentation, measurements, and condition records were created to guide repair planning and regulatory compliance. With much of the locomotive now stripped of appliances and secondary systems, structural inspection work is actively underway, marking a key milestone in the restoration process.
This phase is critical for determining the precise scope of repairs and ensuring that all future work is executed accurately and with foresight.
Appreciation
We extend our sincere appreciation to the craftsmen and professionals at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services for their continued attention to detail, technical expertise, and commitment to doing the work correctly. Their disciplined, methodical approach ensures that Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614 is being restored to the highest possible standard.
Looking Ahead
As the project moves into the new year, inspection efforts will continue alongside preparation for major repair and rebuilding work. While substantial work remains, the progress achieved in November and December represents an important step toward returning this historically significant locomotive to service.
Supporters are encouraged to follow ongoing updates here on the website and through our official channels. You can also help support the restoration by visiting the C&O 614 Online Store.
October 2025
October brought some of the most visible and historic work yet on Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614.
🔩 Progress This Month
The locomotive’s cab was successfully removed—for the first time in over four decades—revealing the full steam turret, backhead, and upper boiler area for the first time since 1980.
Preparations continue for the locomotive lift that will allow all driver wheelsets to be rolled out for inspection and replacement.
🔍 Looking Ahead
Final measurements and documentation for replacement boiler sheets and staybolts.
Begin planning for the 2026 major mechanical overhaul phase.
The RJD America executive team and the Strasburg Mechanical Services staff continue to work hard. Every bolt removed and every inspection logged brings 614 one step closer to steam once again.
Stay tuned for our November 2025 update, where we’ll share new photos, video highlights, and insights from the shop floor.
September 2025
The team at RJD America and Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services made steady progress this month as the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio steam locomotive No. 614 moves deeper into the mechanical phase.
🔧 Highlights
Complete removal of all boiler tubes and flues, allowing internal inspections and cleaning.
Extensive ultrasonic testing and thickness readings are being conducted across the boiler and firebox sheets.
Running-gear components and side rods were tagged, cleaned, stored, and documented.
🛠 Next Steps
Final cab detachment and crane scheduling.
Continued boiler-sheet inspection to plan upcoming repairs and replacements.
Begin preparing the pilot and trailing trucks for disassembly and evaluation.
Each milestone builds the foundation for 614’s long-term return to service—done carefully, correctly, and to FRA standards.
𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀!
RJD America LLC is thrilled to share the latest developments in the ongoing restoration of the iconic Chesapeake & Ohio 614 steam locomotive at the Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services (SRC).
In the first two weeks of August, the SRC restoration team has made significant strides in the early phases of work. The locomotive’s boiler jacketing has been removed, and a detailed parts inventory is being performed to document every component, ensuring each piece is accounted for before repair and then future reassembly. The tender and engine have now been disconnected, and the engine has been moved inside the shop, where skilled craftsmen can work on it under optimal conditions.
In addition to these efforts, SRC crews are conducting ultrasonic testing of the firebox, along with a complete assessment of the running gear and frame components. These structural and mechanical evaluations are a critical step in preparing for the next stages of the restoration.
The restoration remains on schedule with the estimated timeline; mechanical and boiler work are scheduled for 2026, followed by reassembly, testing, and FRA approval stages in 2027.
Stay tuned for more restoration updates and other highlights as this celebrated steam icon moves ever closer to her return to the high iron.
Watch our August 2025 Restoration Update video below:
Update video courtesy Michael William Sullivan, RJD America, Media Team
June 9, 2025
Historic C&O Steam Locomotive No. 614 Begins Restoration in Strasburg, PA
The legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Railway steam locomotive No. 614 has successfully completed its long-awaited move from Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Strasburg, Pennsylvania, marking the beginning of a detailed restoration aimed at returning the iconic engine to operational status.
Built by Lima Locomotive Works in 1948, the powerful 4-8-4 “Greenbrier” type locomotive represents one of the last great examples of American steam technology. Known for its distinctive style and immense power, No. 614 originally served C&O’s premier passenger routes, pulling renowned trains such as the George Washington and Sportsman.
The recent move was orchestrated by RJD America LLC, the locomotive’s current custodian, which acquired No. 614 from noted preservationist Ross Rowland. Transporting such a large and historic locomotive required intricate planning and careful coordination among multiple railroads, including C&O Historical Society, CSX Transportation, Buckingham Branch Railroad, Norfolk Southern Corporation, and finally Strasburg Rail Road, which handled the final leg into their renowned restoration shops.
With the locomotive now safely housed at the Strasburg Rail Road’s restoration facility, a comprehensive restoration process has officially begun. Expert mechanics and engineers are currently undertaking detailed assessments. Soon, ultrasonic inspections of the boiler and firebox will commence, followed by a thorough examination of wheel assemblies and evaluations of all running gear and mechanical components.
The restoration, funded entirely by private resources through RJD America, is expected to take approximately two years to complete. This ambitious timeline encompasses extensive boiler repairs, mechanical overhauls, and modernizations necessary to meet the rigorous safety and operational standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Upon completion, No. 614 is anticipated to return to the rails, participating in special excursion events and heritage railroad programs. The locomotive’s return will provide rail enthusiasts and the general public a rare opportunity to experience a piece of railroading history in motion once again.
As the massive restoration effort commences, anticipation builds among railway fans and preservationists alike, all eagerly awaiting the return of one of America’s most celebrated steam locomotives. Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614’s revival symbolizes not only a tribute to railroading history but also highlights the enduring fascination and cultural significance of steam locomotion in the 21st century.
C&O 614 Restoration Timeline
June 7–8, 2025
Chesapeake & Ohio 614 and auxiliary tender moved from Clifton Forge, VA, to Strasburg, PA.
June 9, 2025
Restoration officially begins at Strasburg Rail Road.
– Component disassembly and detailed mechanical inspections are now underway
– Initial assessment of boiler, running gear, and frame in progress
– Project planning, documentation, and parts inventory launched
2026
The major mechanical and boiler work phase begins.
– Boiler repairs and flue sheet replacements
– Staybolt installation and safety valve work
– Running gear overhaul, including drivers, rods, and suspension
– Tender tank refurbishment and system upgrades (brakes, water, fuel)
2027
Reassembly, testing, and FRA compliance.
– Locomotive and tender reassembly
– Hydrostatic and steam testing
– FRA mechanical certification and inspections
– Final cosmetic work, painting, and C&O lettering
– Operational testing and shakedown runs
– Preparation for the excursion service.
Please note that the restoration timeline is subject to change without prior notice due to logistical challenges and the intricacies of the restoration process. All dates provided are approximate.
About Chesapeake & Ohio 614
Built in 1948 by the Lima Locomotive Works, Chesapeake & Ohio 614 is a Class J3a Greenbrier 4-8-4 steam locomotive. As one of the last steam locomotives constructed for commercial use in the United States, it symbolizes the zenith of steam technology. Known for its power and speed, 614 served the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, hauling passenger and freight trains. In November 2024, RJD America LLC took full and independent ownership of Chesapeake & Ohio 614 from the previous owner. The company is dedicated to restoring and operating the locomotive for historical and educational purposes.
Future Plans
Once restored, 614 will return to operational status. RJD America LLC plans to:
- Operate Excursion Trips: The public can experience steam railroading firsthand.
- Collaborate with Museums and Heritage Railways: Showcasing 614 in various regions to celebrate railroad history.
- Special Events: Including educational programs, photography sessions, and historical reenactments.
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