History of 3025 - "The Locomotive That Would Not Die" Part 4 - The Finale

Part-4 Reborn from FIRE

On October 11th and 12th of 2008 all motive power, rolling stock, and everything else once owned by the Knox and Kane Railroad were put up for auction. The railroads land was bought by the Kovalchick Corporation who removed all of the track and rails-to-trails path was built, Engine number 38 was purchased by the Everett Railroad of Holidayburg, PA, and the remaining rolling stock was bought up by other railroad operation. But what happened to Engine number 58? The last time we talked about it it was a burnt pile of metal and rust.

As the title of this story has implied this was not the end of the line for the poor old engine. Knox and Kane Engine 58 was bought by non other than the Valley Railroad Company. Under the guidance of then Chief Mechanical officer J. David Conrad, who was the one that started the process to build the original first USA SY locomotive, the Valley shop crew worked tirelessly thought the cold winter to ready thr engine for transport to her new home in Essex, CT.

EX KKRR 58 undergoing restoration in Valley Shops

Once in her new home the newly renamed Locomotive 3025, in remembrance of the New Haven Railroad's steam engines,  we rebuilt and restored over the course of 2-1/2 years. This is the parts where the Friends of the Valley come in. Like many things in at the railroad when there is work to get done the friends are there to lend a helping hand. The Friends worked together with the full time shop crews to bring this beautiful engine back to life. I wasn't apart of the Friends of this time but looking back I do remember seeing the progress during my many visits as a guest with Nana and Papa.

Dave Conrad supervising the reassembly of 3025's tires

Finally in November of 2011, after all the hard work and effort, Valley Railroad Engine 3025 rolled out of the shops under her own power. Ever since that day she has been a staple of the Valley's fleet and is an amazing engine to see in real life. 

3025 heading South over Essex Street, Deep River, CT

When I first started with the Friends I learned the history of the 3025 and being able to help keep her running has been like a boyhood dream.  This is why I think I choose to create a model of 3025. To me it was really the first engine that I got to say I helped work and one could say it was my "one little spark" of inspiration for me to get serious in model making. Now I have skipped a few details in this story and I encourage you to do some research on your own to fill in some of the gaps. Thats part of the fun in this hobby. Trying to find that one little article or story that might lead you to one more little piece and soon you will have the whole history.  I hope this little bit gives you a taste of the many reasons why I want to make a miniature of this engine; in addition there is nothing like seeing the real thing. I invite you to come down to the Valley and see 3025 in person. We are heading into one of the most magical times at the Valley where you will get to see all 3 of the Valley's Steamers in action during the North Pole Express.  I hope you have enjoyed reading this and until next time: Hope to see you on the Valley.