Ohio Central Railroad System: Launched By Jerry Jacobson

Last revised: September 2, 2024

The Ohio Central Railroad System (reporting marks OHCR), now a part of the Genesee & Wyoming family of short lines, was once based out of Coshocton, Ohio.

In its original incarnation, the system was actually a combination of small short lines under one banner, deliberately set up in this manner to allow the communities in which it served to feel more like they have a railroad to call their own.

The railroad dated back to 1988 when a former owner, the late Jerry Jacobson, acquired a single segment of track in central Ohio and grew into one of the largest Class II, regionals in the country.

The OC, operated almost exclusively in Ohio (they also have a presence in western Pennsylvania), was broken down into three divisions, which include the Southern Lines, Youngstown Division and Pittsburgh Division.

Much of its trackage was former Pennsylvania lines (including the PRR's "Panhandle Route" main line from Gould, Ohio [Mingo Junction] to Columbus) but also includes ex-Erie Lackawanna/Erie, Wheeling & Lake Erie/Nickel Plate Road, and Youngstown & Southern (a jointly-owned PRR/Pittsburgh & Lake Erie [NYC] property).

Since the sale to Genesee & Wyoming the individual Ohio Central properties have lost much of their identity but remain on paper.

Photos

Ohio Central 4-6-2 #1293 steams through Jewett, Ohio with a chartered excursion on October 7, 2006. This locomotive was built for the Canadian Pacific by the Canadian Locomotive Company in 1948. It saw just ten years of service before its retirement in 1959. It was subsequently sold to Steamtown USA in 1964 and acquired by Jerry Jacobson in 1996. Today, it resides at the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Wade Massie photo.

History

Within Ohio Central's three divisions were no less than ten individual short lines. While these small railroads operated mostly as paper companies many carried its very own livery giving them a local feel to the communities they serve.

The Ohio Central's most famous corridor is the ex-Pennsylvania Railroad's "Panhandle" main line across central Ohio.

This once-important PRR route was largely double-tracked connecting New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Under Conrail, large segments west of Pittsburgh were pulled up. In 2008 Mr. Jacobson decided to sell off his major asset to the short line conglomerate Genesee & Wyoming, in the process becoming a multimillionaire.

It was reported at that time the Ohio Central boasted 70,000 carloads annually, contained 10 railroads, maintained 550 route miles, and had 200 employees.

It was sold for $234 million. While the OC is no longer independently operated, the former owner gave the railroad historical movement one of its greatest assets when he completed his multi-million dollar "Age Of Steam Roundhouse" complex in 2012.

Ohio Central RS18 #1800 (built as International Nickel Company of Canada/INCO #208-2 in 1958 by the Montreal Locomotive Works) is on one end of the "Akron Chapter Special" at Panhandle, Ohio on October 7, 2006. Wade Massie photo.

It is a meticulous replica of an original 18-stall roundhouse and for now will house his vast collection of steam locomotives.

Upon selling his railroad to the G&W, Mr. Jacobson set about constructing his new roundhouse in 2010 which featured an impressive 18 stalls and a 115-foot turntable.

The fleet continues to grow and currently includes 22 locomotives, a few of which remain operational. The most recent acquisition before his passing came in December of 2015 when Woodward Iron Company 2-10-0 #41 was sent to Sugar Creek.

The Decapod was originally built in 1928 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Alabama, Tennessee & Northern Railroad and sold to Woodward in 1948. The facility also maintains 12 historic diesel locomotives.

Clad in the OC's maroon, yellow, and grey three Geeps led by GP40 #3217 roll through Jewett, Ohio with their freight on October 17, 1995. Wade Massie photo.

Divisions

Two other acquisitions occurred during late 2015 including McCloud River Railroad 2-6-2 #9 built in 1901 by Baldwin and remains operational, as well as U.S. Army 2-8-0 #612, a 1943 product of Baldwin.

In addition to the steamers others are under restoration. Following Jerry's passing, the roundhouse opened its doors to the public in 2018, offering a rare glimpse inside an active roundhouse, a facility which has almost entirely disappeared within the industry.

Its very latest acquisition was Bessemer & Lake Erie 2-10-4 #643, added in August, 2019. The big locomotive has sat forlorn on an isolated siding near Pittsburgh (McKees Rocks) for years. Below is a list of the railroad’s former divisions and short lines operating within them:

Southern Lines

Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR): The Ohio Central began in 1988 when Mr. Jacobson acquired the former Wheeling & Lake Erie/Nickel Plate between Harmon (trackage rights were obtained north of Beach City) and Zanesville.

At this time the railroad handled coal, steel, brick, plastic, clay, and lumber. The properties he controlled at that time (Ohio Southern, Youngstown & Austintown, and Ohio Central) were collectively referred to as the Ohio Central Railroad System.

System Map

An original and present-day system map of the Ohio Central Railroad System. Author's work.

Ohio Southern Railroad (OSRR): This was Mr. Jacobson's original short line, launched in 1985 over the former Pennsylvania between Zanesville and New Lexington, acquired from Conrail.

It also included a former New York Central branch between Glass Rock and FS Junction (located south of Zanesville). Most of the latter is now out-of-service with the right-of-way owned by the state of Ohio.

Columbus & Ohio River Railroad (CUOH): The largest individual part of the Ohio Central Railroad System, the Columbus & Ohio River was formed in 1992 when Jacobson picked up the old Panhandle Route from Mingo Junction (where a connection was established with the Wheeling & Lake Erie) to Columbus.

The sale also included a former New York Central branch between Hebron and Heath, as well as an ex-PRR branch from Cadiz Junction to Georgetown. In all, it totaled 162 miles.

At that time, the railroad's headquarters was transferred from Sugar Creek to Coshocton in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country.

The CUOH grew larger in 1996 when it picked up Conrail's 3-mile Neilston Industrial Track (ex-PRR) in Columbus, providing additional customers. Then, 2001 it acquired more industrial trackage around Columbus from Norfolk Southern.

Ohio Central 4-6-2 #1293 leads a chartered special through Jewett, Ohio under a rusting ex-Pennsylvania Railroad signal tower on October 7, 2006. The structure paints a sad picture of the line's former glory. This was the PRR's "Panhandle Route" to St. Louis, once double-tracked and featured dozens of trains everyday. It was downgraded and abandoned in segments by successor Conrail during the 1980's. Wade Massie photo.

Youngstown Division

Mahoning Valley Railway (MVRY): The Mahoning Valley was acquired from LTV Steel in 2001 and resurrects the property (Youngstown-Struthers, which was previously the Lake Erie & Eastern Railroad).

Most of the MV is a disconnected former component of New York Central from Bayard (NS interchange) and Minerva Junction (W&LE interchange) to Hopedale where another W&LE interchange is found. Altogether, the track totals 53 miles.

Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad (OHPA): Created in 1995, the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad began operation of the former Youngstown & Southern Railway (once controlled by the PRR and Pittsburgh & Lake Erie) between Youngstown and Darlington, Pennsylvania (via Negley).

It also included Conrail's short Canfield Branch, a former Erie/Erie-Lackawanna property.

The old Y&S was owned by Columbiana County Port Authority and Ohio Central's involvement ended in 2006. Today, it is operated by the Youngstown & Southeastern Railroad, an Indiana Boxcar subsidiary.

Logo

The original Ohio Central Railroad System logo. Author's work.

Warren & Trumbull Railroad (WTRM): This was yet another project launched by the Mahoning Valley in 1994 when it purchased 5 miles of an old Baltimore & Ohio branch between Warren and DeForest Junction from CSX Transportation. Once again, Mr Jacobson is named operator and forms the Warren & Trumbull Railroad.

Youngstown & Austintown Railroad (YARR): Formed in 1986 when the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation acquired a 4-mile segment of a former industrial branch from Conrail, originally owned by Erie/Erie-Lackawanna. Mr. Jacobson was asked to operate the trackage, thus creating the Youngstown & Austintown Railroad.

Youngstown Belt Railroad Company (YB): The Youngstown Belt began service in 1996 when it acquired 45 miles of the former Erie/Erie-Lackawanna main line between Ravenna and Warren.

This included trackage rights south of Warren to Girard and Youngstown, enabling through service to what is now its former Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad. It also tied in the system's other small properties in the region, the Warren & Trumbull, Youngstown & Austintown, and Mahoning Valley.

Pittsburgh Division

Pittsburgh & Ohio Central Railroad (POHC): This addition came in 2000 when the Ohio Central picked up the former RailAmerica's Chartiers & Youghiogheny, a 42-mile section running between Neville Island and Arden with service to Walkers Mill. It is another section of the old PRR Conrail no longer wanted long ago.

Aliquippa & Ohio River Railroad (AOR): This very short section of track was formerly part of LTV Steel's Aliquippa & Southern Railway, running 9 miles north of the Pittsburgh area.

Acquired in 2002 with traffic based in chemicals, plastics, metals, minerals and stone it was renamed as the Aliquippa & Ohio River.

After a photo run-by Ohio Central 4-6-2 #1293 steams westbound along the former PRR "Panhandle" main line at Cadiz Junction, Ohio on October 7, 2006. Wade Massie photo.

While the freight trains paid the bills perhaps what the OC was best known and recognized for among railfans and the public was its large and continually growing steam fleet.

The railroad acquired former Nickel Plate Berkshire #763 (sister to famous #765) from the Virginia Museum of Transportation and plans are to still in place to one day return it to operation, which will certainly be a sight to see!

Aside from the big Berk, the OC’s collection of steam locomotives included 2-8-0 #33, 4-8-4 #6325, 4-6-2 #1293, 4-6-0 #1551 (this Canadian National steamer first hosted trips between Baltic and Sugar Creek in 1989), 2-8-0 #13, 0-4-0 #3, 4-6-2 #1278, and 2-6-0 #96.

Diesel Roster (All-Time)

Road Number	Model Type	Builder	Year Built	Notes
12	S-1	Alco	5/1950	Built as Timken Company #5912. Sold.
14	S-2	Alco	5/1941	Transferred to the Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Youngstown & Austintown #14 < nee-Newburgh & South Shore #8.
45	45-Ton	GE	-	Sold.
52	SW9	EMD	4/1953	Sold. ex-Southern Pacific #2302 < nee-Texas & New Orleans (SP) #109
71	SW7	EMD	11/1950	Sold. ex-Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad #71 < exx-Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad #71 < exxx-Youngstown & Southern #71 < nee-Montour Railroad #71
82	80-Ton	GE	11/1945	Sold to Byesville Scenic as #386. ex-Logansport & Eel River Short-Line #101 < exx-Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical #82 < nee-Genesee & Wyoming #22.
84	S-2	Alco	8/1945	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Bay Colony Railroad #1052 < nee-Portland Terminal #1052.
91	GP9	EMD	4/1957	Sold. ex-Burlington Northern #1761 < nee-Great Northern #688 (Upgraded with dynamic brakes in 1959). Traded-in to GE in 1985 and acquired by Ohio Central in September, 1989.
226	F40PH	EMD	4/1976	Sold. Built as Amtrak #226.
233	F40PH	EMD	7/1977	Sold. Built as Amtrak #233.
271	F40PH	EMD	12/1977	Sold to Quebec's Metropolitan Regional Transportation Authority. Built as Amtrak #271.
280	F40PH	EMD	4/1978	Sold. Built as Amtrak #280.
288	F40PH	EMD	6/1978	Sold. Built as Amtrak #288.
301	F40PH	EMD	4/1979	Sold to Quebec's Metropolitan Regional Transportation Authority. Built as Amtrak #301.
400	T-6	Alco	7/1968	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Copperweld Steel Company #400 < nee-Monongahela Connecting Railroad #400.
452	F40M-2C	EMD	11/1980	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Canadian American #452 < nee Amtrak F40PH #348.
460	F40M-2C	EMD	12/1977	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Canadian American #460 < nee Amtrak F40PH #269.
467	SW-1	EMD	8/1949	Sold. ex-Mahoning Valley Railway #467 < nee-Union Railroad #467.
476	C30-7	GE	1/1980	Sold to MRS Logistica. ex-Union Pacific #476 < nee-Union Pacific #2480.
531	C30-7	GE	10/1980	Sold. ex-New Hope & Ivyland #531 < exx-Union Pacific #531 < nee-Union Pacific #2538.
700	GP10	EMD	3/1955	Sold to ADM Transportation Company. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #700 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1028 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8107 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9107
702	GP10	EMD	12/1955	Sold to Missouri North Central Railroad. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #702 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1033 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8128 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9128
703	GP10	EMD	1/1956	Sold. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #703 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1003 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8142 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9142
704	GP10	EMD	1/1957	Sold to Bloomer Shippers Connecting Railroad. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #704 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1083 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8222 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9222.
705	GP10	EMD	1/1955	Sold to Conrad Yelvington Distributors, Inc. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #705 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1044 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8071 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9071.
706	GP10	EMD	1/1957	Sold to Pacific Wilderness Railway. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #706 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1071 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8228 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9228.
707	GP10	EMD	1/1956	Sold to Everett Railroad. ex-Qwest Communications Corporation #707 < exx-Midsouth Rail Corporation #1065 < exxx-Gulf & Mississippi #8148 < exxx-Illinois Central GP10 #8148 (Paducah rebuild) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9148.
722	SD40-2	EMD	3/1980	ex-New England Central #722 < exx-Florida East Coast #722 < exxx-Progress Rail Service #3756 < nee-Union Pacific #3756.
736	SW-1	EMD	12/1941	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Amtrak #736 < exx-Amtrak #249 < exxx-Penn Central #8497 < exxxx-New York Central #8497 < nee-New York Central #651.
770	GP9	EMD	3/1957	Sold To Cargill. ex-Amtrak #770 < nee-Chicago & North Western #1726.
771	GP7	EMD	2/1953	Sold To Indiana Boxcar Co. ex-Amtrak #771 < nee-Louisville & Nashville #432.
773	GP7	GMD	7/1951
1000	F7A	EMD	12/1950	Sold to Aberdeen, Carolina & Western. ex-Gettysburg Railway #81-A < exx-Dakota Rail #81-A < exxx-Milwaukee Road #81-A < exxxx-Milwaukee Road #47-A < nee-Milwaukee Road #48-C.
1001	F7A	EMD	1/1949	Sold to Aberdeen, Carolina & Western. ex-Gettysburg Railway #81-C < exx-Dakota Rail #81-C < exxx-Milwaukee Road #81-C < exxxx-Milwaukee Road #47-C < nee-Milwaukee Road #116-C.
1002	MT-4 (Slug)	Alco	11/1957	Sold. ex-Conrail MT-4 #1002 (Rebuilt as Slug.) < exx-Conrail RS-11 #7638 < exxx-Penn Central RS-11 #7638 < nee-Pennsylvania RS-11 #8638.
1003	MT-4 (Slug)	Alco	5/1957	Sold. ex-Ohio Central #1000 < exx-Conrail MT-4 #1000 (Rebuilt as Slug.) < exxx-Conrail RS-11 #7634 < exxxx-Penn Central RS-11 #7634 < nee-Pennsylvania RS-11 #8634.
1004	F9B	EMD	3/1956	Sold to Aberdeen, Carolina & Western. ex-Burlington Northern #971 < exx-Burlington Northern #9815 < exxx-Northern Pacific #6707-B < nee-Northern Pacific #7014-C.
1005	MT-4 (Slug)	Alco	7/1957	Sold to Georgia Central. ex-Conrail MT-4 #1005 (Rebuilt as Slug.) < exx-Conrail RS-11 #7607 < exxx-Penn Central RS-11 #7607 < nee-New York Central RS-11 #8007.
1006	MT-4 (Slug)	Alco	8/1956	Sold to Georgia Central. ex-Ohio Central #1001 < exx-Conrail MT-4 #1001 (Rebuilt as Slug.) < exxx-Conrail RS-11 #7625 < exxxx-Penn Central RS-11 #7625 < nee-Pennsylvania RS-11 #8625.
1007	S-2	Alco	7/1948	Sold. ex-City Services Company #1007 < nee-Monongahela Connecting #1007.
1077	RS-3	Alco	9/1955	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Detroit & Mackinac #1077 < nee-Long Island Rail Road #1553.
1202	SW1200	EMD	6/1954	Owned by Age of Steam Roundhouse. Built as Aliquippa & Southern #1202.
1203	SW1200	EMD	1/1954	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Akron & Barberton Belt Railroad #1203 < exx-Norfolk & Western #3375 < nee-Wabash #375.
1205	SW1200	EMD	7/1955	Owned by Age of Steam Roundhouse. Built as Aliquippa & Southern #1205.
1402	GS1400	Brookville	-	-
1501	GP7	EMD	4/1953	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Pittsburgh & Lake Erie #1501 < nee-Pittsburgh & Lake Erie #5736.
1545	SW1500	EMD	2/1971	ex-Reading & Northern #1545 < exx-Conrail #9502 < nee-Penn Central #9502.
1547	SW1500	EMD	5/1969	ex-Reading & Northern #1547 < exx-Conrail #9612 < nee-Reading #2762.
1663	S-2	Alco	8/1948	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Steelton & Highspire #63 < nee-Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac #63.
1711	GP10	EMD	-	-
1768	SD45	EMD	2/1970	Sold. ex-Montana Rail Link #342 < exx-EMD Leasing #1768 < exxx-Norfolk Southern #1768 < nee-Norfolk & Western #1768
1800	RS18	MLW	4/1958	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-Erie Mining #1800 < nee-International Nickel Company (INCO) #208-2
1802	H12-44	FM	5/1956	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. ex-North Carolina Ports Railway #1802 < nee-Yankeetown Dock Corporation #2.
1852	H12-44	FM	1/1953	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. Built as U.S. Army #1852.
2072	GP38-2	EMD	-	-
2075	GP35m	EMD	1/1964	ex-MP GP35m #2611 < nee Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) GP35 #613. (Rebuilt by MP as a GP35m.)
2159	GP38-2	EMD	10/1973	ex-Norfolk Southern #5096 < nee Southern #5096.
2160	GP38-2	EMD	10/1973	ex-Norfolk Southern #5102 < nee Southern #5102.
2161	GP38-2	EMD	8/1973	ex-Norfolk Southern #5060 < nee Southern #5060.
2162	GP38-2	EMD	10/1973	ex-Norfolk Southern #5100 < nee Southern #5100.
2175	GP38AC	EMD	6/1971	ex-CSX #2175 < exx-Seaboard System #6266 < nee Louisville & Nashville #4045.
2187	GP30	EMD	6/1962	Scrapped. ex-Conrail #2187 < exx-Reading #3619 < nee-Reading #5519.
2257	GP35	EMD	5/1964	Sold to National Railway Equipment. ex-Conrail #2257 < exx-Penn Central #2257 < nee-Pennsylvania #2257.
2393	GP35	EMD	1/1965	Sold to Progress Rail Services. ex-Conrail #2393 < exx-Penn Central #2393 < nee-New York Central #6149.
2401	SD20-2	EMD	7/1964	Sold to Pacific Harbor Lines. ex-B&O/Chessie System SD20-2 #7701 < nee-Baltimore & Ohio SD35 #7405.
2421	C30-7	GE	7/1978	Sold to America Latina Logistica. Built as Union Pacific #2421.
2477	C30-7	GE	1/1980	Sold to MRS Logistica. Built as Union Pacific #2477.
2505	GP35m	EMD	1/1964	ex-Kiamichi #3802 < exx-MP GP35m #2604 < nee Texas & Pacific (Missouri Pacific) GP35 #606. (Rebuilt by MP as a GP35m.)
2912	GP35	EMD	4/1964	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-Transdynamic Leasing #2912 < exx-Central Railroad of Indiana #2912 < exxx-Norfolk & Western #2912 < nee-Wabash #541.
2913	GP35	EMD	4/1964	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-Transdynamic Leasing #2913 < exx-Central Railroad of Indiana #2913 < exxx-Norfolk & Western #2913 < nee-Wabash #542.
3000	B30-7	GE	12/1977	ex-Savage Alberta Railway #1012 < exx-Alberta Railnet #1012 < exxx-Burlington Northern #5485 < nee-St. Louis San Francisco #863.
3001	B30-7	GE	5/1978	ex-Savage Alberta Railway #1016 < exx-Alberta Railnet #1016 < exxx-CSX #5521 < nee Chesapeake & Ohio #8239.
3216	GP40	EMD	11/1968	Sold to Buckingham Branch Railroad. ex-Conrail #3216 < nee-Penn Central #3216.
3217	GP40	EMD	11/1968	Sold to Buckingham Branch Railroad. ex-Conrail #3217 < nee-Penn Central #3217.
3247	GP40	EMD	12/1971	Sold to Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. ex-CSX #6847 < nee-Chesapeake & Ohio #4092.
3253	GP40	EMD	1/1966	Sold to VMV Enterprises (National Railway Equipment) < ex-Conrail Leasing #253 < exx-Wiregrass Central Railroad #3023 < exxx-Illinois Central Gulf #3023 < nee-Illinois Central #3023.
3254	GP40	EMD	1/1966	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric < ex-Illinois Central Gulf #3025 < nee-Illinois Central #3025.
3262	GP40	EMD	1/1966	Sold to Buckingham Branch Railroad. Built as Rio Grande #3062.
3303	SD40-2	GMDD	11/1974	nee Canadian Pacific #5676.
3304	SD40-2	GMDD	6/1972	nee Canadian Pacific #5616.
3305	SD40-2	GMDD	6/1973	nee Canadian Pacific #5673.
3306	SD40-2	GMDD	5/1972	ex-Evansville Western #6001 < nee Canadian Pacific #5591.
3307	SD40-2	EMD	12/1978	nee Union Pacific #3498.
3308	SD40-2	EMD	12/1979	ex-Union Pacific #7882 < nee Union Pacific #3469.
3322	SD40-2	EMD	-	-
3324	SD40-2	EMD	2/1979	nee Union Pacific #3537.
3328	SD40-2	GMDD	7/1970	Transferred to the Buffalo & Pittsburgh. ex-Ohio Central SD40-2 #3328 < exx-Wisconsin Central SD40-2 #6940 < nee Canadian National SD40 #5138.
3329	SD40-2	EMD	7/1976	ex-Union Pacific #3329 < nee Union Pacific #8059.
3339	SD40-2	EMD	5/1977	ex-Burlington Northern #7806 < nee Colorado & Southern #936.
3340	SD40-2	EMD	-	-
3353	M420W	MLW	7/1974	Sold to Arkansas & Missouri. ex-Canadian National #3353 < nee-Canadian National #2553.
3354	M420W	MLW	7/1974	Sold to Arkansas & Missouri. ex-Canadian National #3354 < nee-Canadian National #2554.
3367	M420W	MLW	9/1976	Sold to Arkansas & Missouri. ex-Canadian National #3367 < nee-Canadian National #2567.
3588	HR412W	Bombardier	11/1981	Sold. ex-Canadian National #3588 < nee-Canadian National #2588.
3613	B36-7	GE	11/1980	Sold to Progress Rail Service. Built as Santa Fe #7496.
3616	B36-7	GE	11/1980	Sold to Progress Rail Service. Built as Santa Fe #7499.
4022	SD40-2	EMD	7/1976	ex-General American Marks Company (GATX) #902 < exx-Missouri Pacific #8002 < nee Missouri Pacific #3218.
4023	SD40-2	EMD	12/1973	ex-EMD Leasing #6044 < exx-Illinois Central Gulf #6044 < nee-Rock Island #4794.
4024	SD40-2	EMD	3/1975	ex-General American Marks Company #7378 < nee-Missouri Pacific #3200.
4025	SD40T-2	EMD	12/1978	Transferred to Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern. Built as Southern Pacific #8520.
4026	SD40T-2	EMD	4/1980	Transferred to Indiana & Ohio. ex-Union Pacific #8801 < nee-Southern Pacific #8256.
4027	SD40T-2	EMD	6/1980	Built as Southern Pacific #8277.
4028	SD40-2	EMD	8/1978	Transferred to Indiana & Ohio as #3482. ex-Ohio Central #4223 < exx-Ohio Central #4028 < exxx-Union Pacific #B-4223 < exxxx-Union Pacific #4223 < nee Missouri Pacific #3223.
4029	SD40-2	GMDD	1/1978	ex-Ohio Central #5855 < nee Canadian Pacific #5855.
4030	SD40-2	EMD	5/1979	ex-Union Pacific #9934 < exx-Union Pacific #4270 < nee Missouri Pacific #3270
4032	GP9	GMD	12/1956	Sold to New Castle Industrial Railroad. Built as Canadian National #4517.
4091	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	9/1989	ex-Ohio Central #3185 < exx-CSX #3185 < exxx-Conrail #2030 < nee-Monongahela #2300. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2254 in 5/1972.
4092	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	11/1989	ex-Ohio Central #3186 < exx-CSX #3186 < exxx-Conrail #2032 < nee-Monongahela #2302. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2252 in 5/1972 and later became Union Pacific U23B #526.
4093	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	3/1989	ex-Ohio Central #3187 < exx-CSX #3187 < exxx-Conrail #2036 < nee-Monongahela #2306. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2251 in 6/1972.
4094	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	11/1989	ex-New Castle Industrial Railroad #4094 < exx-NS #4094 < exxx-Conrail #2033 < nee-Monongahela #2303. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2258 in 6/1972.
4095	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	12/1989	ex-NS #4095 < exx-Conrail #2034 < nee-Monongahela #2304. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2253 in 5/1972.
4096	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	11/1989	ex-NS #4096 < exx-Conrail #2035 < nee-Monongahela #2305. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2264 in 6/1972.
4097	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	2/1990	ex-NS #4097 < exx-Conrail #2037 < nee-Monongahela #2307. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2262 in 6/1972.
4098	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	3/1990	ex-Ohio Central #3188 < exx-CSX #3188 < exxx-Conrail #2039 < nee-Monongahela #2309. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2261 in 6/1972.
4099	B23-7R ("Super 7")	GE	3/1990	ex-Indiana Box Car Corporation #4099 < exx-NS #4099 < exxx-Conrail #2040 < nee-Monongahela #2310. Built as Western Pacific U23B #2265 in 6/1972.
4201	B23-7	GE	4/1978	Sold to Albany & Eastern. ex-Rick Franklin Corporation #4201 < exx-Metro North #802 < nee-Conrail #1904.
4202	B23-7	GE	4/1978	Sold to Albany & Eastern Railroad. ex-Rick Franklin Corporation #4202 < exx-Metro North #803 < nee-Conrail #1905.
4218	GP30M	EMD	9/1963	ex-Transdynamic Leasing #4218 < ex-CSX GP30M #4218 < nee-Chesapeake & Ohio GP30 #3024.
4221	GP30M	EMD	8/1963	Scrapped. ex-Transdynamic Leasing #4221 < ex-CSX GP30M #4221 < nee-Chesapeake & Ohio GP30 #3027.
4233	B23-7	GE	6/1979	Sold to Finger Lakes Railway. ex-BNSF #4233 < nee-Santa Fe #6376.
4233	B23-7	GE	6/1979	Sold to Finger Lakes Railway. ex-BNSF #4233 < nee-Santa Fe #6376.
4241	B23-7	GE	6/1979	Sold to Finger Lakes Railway. ex-BNSF #4241 < nee-Santa Fe #6384.
4602	SD40	EMD	4/1970	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-CSX #4602 < exx-CSX #8310 < exxx-Seaboard System #8310 < exxxx-L&N/Family Lines #1234 < nee-Louisville & Nashville #1234.
5407	GP8	EMD	8/1953	Sold to Econo-Rail Corp. ex-Conrail GP8 #5407 < exx-Conrail GP7 #5856 < exxx-Penn Central GP7 #5856 < nee-Pennsylvania GP7 #8556
5408	GP8	EMD	12/1950	Sold to Econo-Rail Corp. ex-Conrail GP8 #5408 < exx-Conrail GP7 #5944 < exxx-Erie Lackawanna #1214 < nee-Erie #1214.
6307	FP9	GMD	1/1957	Wore PRR Tuscan Red and pinstripes. Sold to Canadian Pacific for the railroad's business train. ex-VIA Rail #6307 < exx-VIA Rail #6515 < nee-Canadian National #6515.
6313	FP9	GMD	3/1957	Wore PRR Tuscan Red and pinstripes. Sold to Canadian Pacific for the railroad's business train. ex-VIA Rail #6313 < exx-VIA Rail #6526 < nee-Canadian National #6526.
6501	FP9	GMD	10/1954	Scrapped. ex-VIA Rail #6501 < nee-Canadian National #6501.
6594	GP9	EMD	2/1958	Sold to Cando Contracting Limited. Built as Baltimore & Ohio #6594.
6606	GP35	EMD	12/1964	Sold to South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad. ex-Southern Pacific #6606 < nee-Southern Pacific #7709.
6640	SD18M	EMD	12/1959	ex-Chicago & North Western SD18M #6640 < exx-Precision National SD18M #1843 (rebuilt) < exxx-Southern SD24 #6343 < nee-Southern SD24 #2524.
6642	SD18M	EMD	11/1959	ex-Chicago & North Western SD18M #6642 < exx-Precision National SD18M #1845 (rebuilt) < exxx-Southern SD24 #6345 < nee-Southern SD24 #6951.
7063	C30-7	GE	7/1980	Sold to Progress Rail Service. ex-BNSF #5122 < nee-Burlington Northern #5122
7064	C30-7	GE	8/1980	Sold to Progress Rail Service. ex-New Hope & Ivyland #7064 < exx-CSX #7064 < exxx-Seaboard System #7064 < nee-Louisville & Nashville #7064.
7066	C30-7	GE	8/1980	Sold to America Latina Logistica. ex-CSX #7066 < exx-Seaboard System #7066 < nee-Louisville & Nashville #7066.
7067	C30-7	GE	8/1980	Sold. ex-CSX #7067 < exx-Seaboard System #7067 < nee-Louisville & Nashville #7067.
7131	C30-7	GE	6/1985	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-CSX C30-7 #7131 (de-rated) < exx-Norfolk Southern C36-7 #8484 < nee-Conrail C36-7 #6625.
7133	C30-7	GE	6/1985	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-CSX C30-7 #7133 (de-rated) < exx-Norfolk Southern C36-7 #8486 < nee-Conrail C36-7 #6631.
7137	C30-7	GE	6/1985	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-CSX C30-7 #7137 (de-rated) < exx-Norfolk Southern C36-7 #8490 < nee-Conrail C36-7 #6639.
7139	C30-7	GE	6/1985	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-CSX C30-7 #7139 (de-rated) < exx-Norfolk Southern C36-7 #8492 < nee-Conrail C36-7 #6643.
7220	C-420	Alco	12/1965	Sold to Arkansas & Missouri. Built as Erie Mining #600.
7230	C-424	Alco	10/1964	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. Built as Erie Mining #500.
7499	SD45R	EMD	5/1968	ex-Southern Pacific SD45R #7499 (rebuilt) < nee-Southern Pacific SD45 #8963.
7537	GP10	EMD	10/1955	Sold to Gettysburg Railway. ex-Conrail GP10 #7537 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7005 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7005 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7005.
7547	GP10	EMD	11/1955	ex-Conrail GP10 #7547 (rebuilt) < exx-Conrail GP9 #7322 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7322 < nee-New York Central GP9 #5922.
7548	GP10	EMD	10/1955	ex-Conrail GP10 #7548 (rebuilt) < exx-Conrail GP9 #7307 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7307 < nee-New York Central GP9 #5907.
7573	GP10	EMD	10/1959	ex-Conrail GP10 #7573 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7239 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7239 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7239.
7574	GP10	EMD	11/1959	ex-Conrail GP10 #7574 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7262 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7262 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7262.
7585	GP10	EMD	10/1959	ex-Conrail GP10 #7585 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7244 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7244 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7244.
7586	GP10	EMD	10/1959	ex-Conrail GP10 #7586 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7238 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7238 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7238.
7591	GP10	EMD	11/1959	ex-Conrail GP10 #7591 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7254 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7254 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7254.
7594	GP10	EMD	11/1959	ex-Conrail GP10 #7594 (rebuilt) exx-Conrail GP9 #7258 < exxx-Penn Central GP9 #7258 < nee-Pennsylvania GP9 #7258.
7883	C30-7	GE	7/1978	Used as parts source. Built as Union Pacific #2423.
8082	C30-7	GE	10/1979	Sold to MRS Logistica. ex-Reading & Northern #8082 < exx-Norfolk Southern #8082 < nee-Norfolk & Western #8082.
8511	B39-8E	GE	11/1987	ex-Connecticut Southern #8511 < nee-Locomotive Management Services (LMX Leasing) #8511.
8530	B39-8E	GE	11/1987	ex-Connecticut Southern #8530 < nee-Locomotive Management Services (LMX Leasing) #8530.
8542	C36-7	GE	5/1984	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. Built as Norfolk Southern #8542.
8702	GP11	EMD	9/1954	ex-Illinois Central GP11 #8702 (rebuilt) < nee-Union Pacific GP9 #282.
8712	GP11	EMD	8/1956	ex-Illinois Central GP11 #8712 (rebuilt) < exx-Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority # 7557 < exxx-Penn Central #7557 < nee-New Haven #1227.
8713	GP11	EMD	12/1958	ex-Illinois Central GP11 #8713 (rebuilt) < nee-Illinois Central GP9 #9372.
8976	SD45-2	EMD	11/1972	Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric. ex-CSX #8976 < exx-Conrail #6665 < nee-Erie Lackawanna #3680.
9009	U30C	GE	2/1972	Sold to Vintage Locomotives. Built as Detroit Edison #009.
9011	U30C	GE	3/1972	Sold. Built as Detroit Edison #011.
9100	S4	Alco	3/1957	Transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse. Built as Baltimore & Ohio #9100.
9917	SD40-2	EMD	8/1975	Sold to Progress Rail Service. ex-Union Pacific #9917 < exx-Union Pacific #4212 < nee-Missouri Pacific #3212.
9940	SD40-2	EMD	12/1979	Sold to Progress Rail Service. ex-Union Pacific #9940 < exx-Union Pacific #4292 < nee-Missouri Pacific #3292.

Steam Roster

The below information reflects Ohio Central's steam fleet at the time of the railroad's sale to Genesee & Wyoming. All have since been transferred to the Age of Steam Roundhouse and the organization's roster has grown significantly.

Road Number	Wheel Arrangement	Builder	Year Built	Disposition
3	0-4-0T	Alco/Schenectady	1926	ex-Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum < nee-Southern Wood Preserving Company #3. Currently Operational.
13	2-8-0	Alco/Brooks	1920	ex-American Railroad Equipment Corporation < exx-South Penn Museum < exxx-Buffalo Creek & Gauley #13 < exxxx-Midwest Steel < nee-Kelly's Creek & Northwestern #6. Stored.
33	2-8-0	Baldwin	1916	ex-Hocking Valley Scenic Railway < exx-Lake Superior & Ishpeming #33 < nee-Munising, Marquette & Southeastern Railway #44. Currently Operational.
96	2-6-0	Canadian Locomotive Company	1910	ex-Horst Muller (Cambridge, Ontario) < exx-Steamtown National Historic Site (Scranton, PA) < exxx-Edaville Corporation (Wakefield, MA) < exxxx-Canadian National #96 < nee-Grand Trunk Railway of Canada #1024. Stored.
1278	4-6-2	Canadian Locomotive Company	1948	ex-Gettysburg Railway < exx-Cadillac & Lake City < exxx-Steamtown National Historic Site < nee-Canadian Pacific #1278. Stored
1293	4-6-2	Canadian Locomotive Company	1948	ex-Steamtown National Historic Site < nee-Canadian Pacific #1293. Stored. (Was well-known for hosting excursions over the Ohio Central out of Sugarcreek, Ohio.)
1551	4-6-0	Montreal Locomotive Works	1912	ex-Steamtown National Historic Site < exx-Canadian National #1551 < exxx-Canadian National #1354 < nee-Canadian Northern #1354. Stored.
3960	0-6-0	W&LE Brewster Shops	1935	ex-Silver Throttle Engine & Museum < exx-City of Canton < exxx-Nickel Plate Road #360 < nee-Wheeling & Lake Erie #3960. Stored.
6325	4-8-4	Alco/Schenectady	1942	ex-Greater Battle Creek Foundation < exx-City of Battle Creek, MI < nee-Grand Trunk Western #6325. Stored. (Operated during Jerry Jacobson's ownership of Ohio Central.)

The same train as pictured above, GP40 #3217 is traveling through Scio, Ohio along the Pennsylvania Railroad's former Panhandle line on October 17, 1995. Wade Massie photo.

After the G&W takeover of the railroad it was announced that founder Jerry Jacobson "will retain rights to operate his steam locomotives and passenger cars on the property. Sources say he will build a roundhouse near his home in Sugar Creek, Ohio to stable the steam locomotives" according to Trains Magazine.

Alas, Mr. Jacobson sadly passed away on September 13, 2017 at the age of 74. His legacy lives on in the multi-million dollar roundhouse he built.

While the Ohio Central has become yet another fallen flag the G&W has pledged to continue the high quality of service the railroad was known for.

So, if you are near Ohio’s Amish country or anywhere else in northeastern Ohio or western Pennsylvania you should certainly look up one of the OC's former lines, it was certainly a very interesting railroad.

Also, if you are photographer now is the time to get your shots of locomotives in OC paint before they disappear into G&W's orange, yellow and black.

Facebook X Pinterest Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Messenger