PENINSULA, Ohio — The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad announced it has acquired an Alco FPA4 and an FPB4 from the Grand Canyon Railway, and aims to purchase one more of each unit from the Grand Canyon.
The two diesels will join three FPA4 units already on the Cuyahoga Valley roster and are part of what the railroad said is its “mission to become the largest collection of preserved Alco locomotives in the country.” The acquisition is part of the $3 million “Leading the Way Locomotive Fleet” capital campaign, which has so far raised about $1.5 million.
Based on the recommendation of a consultant, the heritage railroad has undertaken a strategic plan to add to its operational capabilities, including purchasing additional locomotives to allow it to run two trains simultaneously, each with a locomotive at each end. The additional acquisitions will also allow for backup capabilities when a locomotive undergoes scheduled maintenance.
“We are thrilled to welcome these two Alco locomotives to our fleet,” Joe Mazur, the railroad’s soon-to-retire CEO, said in a press release. “This expansion not only strengthens our operational capabilities but also underscores our dedication to preserving the legacy of these remarkable machines for future generations.”
The FPA4’s and FPB4 were actually built by Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) under license from the American Locomotive Company (Alco).
Factoid known by all Alco holics, they re 100% ALCO
Great to hear these beautiful locomotives have found a good home.