Knox and Kane Railroad: A PA Tourist Line (1982-2008)

Published: July 18, 2024

The Knox and Kane Railroad (K&K) boasts a distinctive history that is emblematic of the shifting tides in American railroading. Established in 1982, the K&K Railroad operated scenic excursions and freight services across northwestern Pennsylvania.

Its origins trace back to the remnants of the Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’s Northern Subdivision, capitalizing on the vibrant tourism and local industries.

The K&K Railroad's most notable feature was its picturesque route through the Pennsylvania Wilds, encompassing the iconic Kinzua Bridge.

Built in 1882 and once the world's highest and longest railroad bridge, the Kinzua Bridge stood as a monument of engineering prowess. Upon its acquisition, the K&K showcased the breathtaking journey across this marvel, drawing tourists eager to experience the panoramic views and nostalgic train rides.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the K&K Railroad thrived on the popularity of its scenic excursions, highlighted by themed events such as the Polar Express and fall foliage tours.

However, it wasn't immune to the challenges facing many short-line railroads, including declining freight revenues and the rising costs of maintenance.

In a tragic turn, the railroad's crown jewel, the Kinzua Bridge, suffered extensive damage from a tornado in 2003, leading to its subsequent closure by 2008. The loss of this landmark severely impacted the K&K's tourism appeal.

Its assets, including railcars and locomotives, were auctioned off, and the tracks were dismantled in 2008. Though the railroad no longer operates, its legacy lingers in the memories of those who journeyed across the majestic landscapes and the now-transformed Kinzua Bridge State Park, where visitors can still appreciate the remnants of the bridge that once carried the K&K Railroad into history.

Knox & Kane GP9 #14 (ex-Western Maryland #39) leads an excursion at Kanesholm, PA on September 10, 1988. Doug Kroll photo.

Original Operations

The Knox and Kane began via acquisition of the Baltimore & Ohio's former Northern Subdivision (Foxburg-Kane) in 1982.

This historic line was originally part of the Pittsburgh and Western Railroad, a 3-foot narrow-gauge railway formed in the late 19th century from the consolidation of various earlier lines.

When the B&O discontinued its segment from Foxburg to Knox, transporting raw materials, particularly glassmaking sand, to Knox Glass became a significant challenge.

To address this issue, a connection was established with the Conrail line (originally the New York Central) through Shippenville. Although the B&O and NYC lines intersected just west of Shippenville for many years, there had never been an interchange provision between the two.

The original southern terminus of the K&K was Knox, but operations to Knox were eventually discontinued. This occurred around the same time Knox Glass, the primary customer in the area, ceased its operations. Consequently, the use of the Shippenville interchange also came to an end.

Sloan Cornell Acquisition

When Sloan Cornell acquired a segment of the Knox and Kane Railroad (K&K), he revitalized the line by establishing a tourist railroad that operated between Kane and Marienville.

To enhance the scenic appeal, a portion of the Erie Railroad was also purchased, allowing the tourist trains to traverse the iconic Kinzua Bridge.

The K&K's roster featured two distinguished steam locomotives. The first, No. 38, was a 2-8-0 steam engine built by Baldwin in 1927 for the Huntington and Broad Top Mountain Railroad.

Transferred from the Gettysburg Railroad in 1986, No. 38 had been dormant since 1988 but was undergoing restoration to return to steam.

The second steam locomotive was No. 58, a 2-8-2 engine built by Tangshan Locomotive and Rolling Stock Works in 1989. Imported directly from China as SY1658, it was one of only six steam engines brought to the U.S. post-steam era. No. 58 served as the mainstay of K&K's steam operations for several years.

Reaching Marienville, the K&K faced a unique challenge: the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) had never installed a wye or turntable there.

To remedy this, the K&K constructed a turntable specifically for turning their steam locomotives and also built a four-bay roundhouse. Unfortunately, the roundhouse has fallen into disrepair, with three of its four tracks removed.

The coaches used on the Knox and Kane were primarily vintage Long Island Rail Road commuter cars.

This eclectic mix of old and new equipment contributed to the K&K’s distinctive tourist train operations, despite its relatively remote location.

While often overlooked, the Knox and Kane Railroad offered a uniquely charming experience that drew enthusiasts for its historical significance and unmatched scenic routes.

Final Years

In the spring of 2006, the Knox and Kane Railroad (K&K) ceased both its freight and tourist operations. A significant factor was the drastic decline in freight shipments over the years.

Additionally, the main allure of the tourist rides—the breathtaking journey over the Kinzua Bridge—was lost when the viaduct collapsed during a tornado in 2003. The State of Pennsylvania, which owns the viaduct, was unable to afford its repair, leading to a substantial loss in tourist attraction.

Tragically, on March 16, 2008, the situation worsened when the locomotives used for sightseeing ventures over the Kinzua Bridge were severely damaged by a fire, deliberately set by arsonists.

The blaze, which ravaged the Biddle Street facility in Kane, Pennsylvania, inflicted $1 million in damages, squashing hopes of a potential revival of the railroad.

This series of unfortunate events marked the end of an era for the K&K, once celebrated for its unique tourist offerings and historical significance.

On October 10 and 11, 2008, the Knox and Kane Railroad (K&K) saw its rolling stock auctioned off in a liquidation sale. The Kovalchick Corporation, which also owned the East Broad Top Railroad, acquired the property.

In the spring of 2010, Kovalchick began removing rail crossings between Clarion and McKean counties.

The effort transformed the section between the Kinzua Bridge State Park and the junction of Center Street and Peterson Street in Mount Jewett into the Knox Kane Rail Trail.

This development marked a new chapter for the former railroad corridor, repurposing it into a recreational trail for the community and visitors to enjoy.