The Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad, Ohio's Road of Service

The Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad was a small Class I carrier that came into existence in 1907. Throughout much of its life the AC&Y served northern Ohio's industries and was actually rather profitable during most of this time. The AC&Y lasted as a completely independent railroad until 1964 when it was sold to the Norfolk & Western Railway. The AC&Y's name remained in use until 1982 when it was finally dissolved with the formation of the new Norfolk Southern Railway. Today, the former AC&Y lines continue to remain in operation under the new Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway.

The other half of the future AC&Y was the Northern Ohio Railway. This railroad was chartered in 1881 with the dream of becoming a major narrow-gauge operation. However, these plans never materialized and the unprofitable railroad, which connected Akron with Delphos, Ohio to the west was leased to the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. The LE&W operated the property from 1895 until the Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railway purchased it in 1920 and in 1944 the two systems were formally merged to form the Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railroad.

As the 1960s unfolded the modern-day merger movement was just getting underway. Understanding that it was a David among Goliaths the Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad approached the Norfolk & Western about a possible merger. The N&W agreed to the purchase and took over the AC&Y in 1964.

The N&W is remembered as one of the most highly respected railroad companies in history and for good reason. Aside from well-managed operations the railroad’s property was meticulous and its equipment was always in excellent working order. Of course, operations aside, from a railfan and historical standpoint the railroad is remembered for many other things such as being the last Class I to operate steam locomotives (until 1960), its symbolism with coal, and legendary photographer O. Winston Link whose black and white photos of the railroad’s final days of steam are now considered all but priceless works of art (not only for the photography itself but also the historical images captured).

The Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad's steam locomotive roster consisted mostly of 2-8-0 Consolidations. However, aside from small switchers the railroad also rostered a small fleet of 2-8-2 Mikados (11 in total). During the diesel era the railroad stuck entirely with Alco and Fairbanks-Morse for power. More information about its locomotive rosters can be found below.

Despite the Akron, Canton and Youngstown's purchase by the N&W, this wasn't the end for the northern Ohio railroad. It remained mostly an independent operation under the N&W until the merger of the AC&Y's parent with the Southern Railway in 1982 to form today's Norfolk Southern Railway at which the AC&Y was dissolved and became yet another fallen flag. Today, the portion of the original AC&Y main line between Carey and Akron remains in use by the new Wheeling & Lake Erie system. For more information on the Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad please click here to visit the AC&Y Historical Society.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Fallen Flags Section

For an all-time diesel locomotive roster of the Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad please click here. Lastly, please click here to locate preserved AC&Y diesel locomotives.

The American Locomotive Company

Fairbanks Morse

For a more complete roster of Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad steam locomotives please click here. Also, for information regarding surviving AC&Y steam locomotives please click here.

Share Your Thoughts