Museum and railroad teaming up to renovate historic locomotive Local News Feb 29, 2024
Brad Johnson Executive Editor
The West Virginia Railroad Museum and the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad are teaming up to restore a historic locomotive.
The locomotive known as GM EMD E-8A number 92 was delivered to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1950. The 2250 hp passenger road locomotive was used system wide before later becoming part of the Amtrak system. Eventually the locomotive was added to the collection of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. She was deeded as a gift to the West Virginia Railroad Museum on March 4 2004. The restoration journey of this historical treasure is not just about refurbishing a piece of machinery. It is about reviving a vital part of our heritage and ensuring that future generations can experience the grandeur and significance of this historic locomotive.
This joint effort between the West Virginia Railroad Museum and the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad showcases dedication in preserving history. The renovation project will deal with the wear and tear that comes with age. The E8 locomotive has been through decades of use and exposure to the elements. That lead to rust and corrosion and structural damage according to the museum release.
Large sections of the degraded paint must be removed to allow damaged areas to be rebuilt with fiber glass sheet metal and body filler. Officials estimate the project will take approximately 850 man hours of scraping and repairing and painting to complete. That will require 20 gallons of primer and 20 gallons of high gloss paint. As well as 25 gallons of white spirits and 10 gallons of boiled linseed oil.
Officials are asking the public to join in the restoration project of the historic E8 locomotive. By donating or by volunteering time and expertise. Your contribution will play a crucial role in bringing this iconic piece of locomotive history back to its former glory.
By donating you become part of a dedicated community passionate about preserving our heritage locomotive . Future generations can experience the beauty and significance of the E8 locomotive.
Every donation makes a difference in this restoration project. Join us in reviving history and keeping the legacy of the E8 Locomotive alive for years to come. Together we can make a lasting impact and honor the rich history of this historic locomotive.
Baltimore & Ohio E8A #92 was kept offsite on a relic track at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore Maryland for many years after obtaining the unit from Amtrak (DOTX #210).
On March 4 2004 the museum gifted the unit to the West Virginia Railroad Museum.
The WVRR Museum partnered with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad to undertake restoration of the unit as of February 20 2024.
I cut my teeth on steam locomotive restoration on the BC&G 4 (604) for 6 years, and operated it occasionally, but on BC&G Day, I was the brakeman for the photo runs, and was Conductor for the passenger trains. I even made up a Conductor Hat Badge for my uniform cap, although no such item ever existed.
William L Vanderburg
Country: USA ~
Posts: 99 ~
Member Since: February 27 2016 ~
Last Visit: April 09 2025
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