SKU: COAL+CSE/D

This program offers exciting action coverage of restored Chesapeake & Ohio Class J3a 4-8-4 614 pulling the CHESSIE SAFETY EXPRESS excursions of 1980-81 and special WINTER COAL TRAINS in January 1985.

CHESSIE SAFETY EXPRESS presents the complete history of the 614, from its days as a passenger and freight hauler on the C&O to its return to the main line pulling excursion trains. Thrilling full-color trackside and in-cab scenes show the colorful train in action at a variety of locations, including Baltimore’s Camden Station, Harpers Ferry, 17-Mile and Sand Patch grades, the James River line in Virginia, and the scenic route between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia.

WINTER COAL TRAINS depicts the 614 pulling a series of revenue coal train runs on the Huntington-Hinton line. The purpose of these runs was to develop a baseline of computer data to aid in the development of a new generation of coal-fired steam locomotives.

This fine documentary presents the full story of the ambitious program by Ross Rowland’s American Coal Enterprises Corporation to design and build the steam-powered ACE 3000. You’ll enjoy dramatic full-color coverage of the handsome and powerful 614 pulling coal trains on a grueling series of test runs during the record-setting 1985 cold snap. Beautifully-photographed trackside and pacing scenes combine to make this a memorable portrait of the one of the 614’s finest performances! Interviews with Ross Rowland are included in both programs.