The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum have announced a partnership that will return a historic steam passenger locomotive to Pennsylvania.
Locomotive 5288, a 4-6-2 Pacific-type locomotive built by the Montreal Locomotive Works in 1919, will be moved to Boyertown from Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the next few weeks for eventual restoration. It is expected to be displayed later this year near the railroad’s Boyertown station.
“Over the past few years TVRM carefully reviewed the current status and future possibilities for operation of the locomotive” said Tim Andrews, TVRM President. After being an outdoor display since arriving in 2001, the TVRM board determined that the Colebrookdale could provide 5288 a broader range of options for the future.
“The probable multi-million dollar restoration cost of the locomotive did not make sense for us in light of the limited operating options and higher priorities to see the rest of the TVRM collection protected from the elements. This in no way diminishes TVRM’s commitment and dedication to the preservation and operation of vintage steam locomotives, particularly those with regional significance, for the education and enjoyment of the public,” added Andrews.
“We are absolutely overjoyed to welcome the 5288 as a star in the Colebrookdale’s growing stable of steam locomotives,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the nonprofit Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.
“We portray that halcyon era of passenger railroading that took place in the first decades of the Twentieth Century. The noble lines of 5288 absolutely capture the look of that period,” said Guest. “She will be a fine stablemate for Grand Trunk 5030 and LS&I 18,” he said.
Steam Locomotive 5288 was built for the Grand Trunk Railway and was later owned and operated by the Canadian National until being sold to Nelson Blount in 1961.
It became part of the Steamtown Foundation in 1969. It was transferred to the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1995 before it’s move to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in 2001.
