Roanoke Chapter Acquires N&W Redbird GP-9 #514
The Roanoke Chapter is proud to announce the acquisition of Norfolk & Western passenger GP-9 #514. Built in November of 1958, the 514 was part of the second batch of “Redbirds” which were purchased to replace steam on the N&W’s passenger trains. Placed in service in Portsmouth, OH in December of that year, the 514 served on the N&W as passenger locomotive until the end of passenger service in May of 1971. The N&W and Norfolk Southern continued to operate these GP-9s in freight service through the 1980’s, with the 514 being retired in 1987. It was sold to a scrap yard in Illinois along with several other 500-series locomotives, but its fate worked out differently. The 514 was re-sold to the Tennessee Southern Railroad in 1992 and was used there until 2004 when it was sold to Indiana Boxcar. The locomotive was repaired and placed in service as a switcher at a co-op in Indiana. It was taken out of service earlier this year as a result of some mechanical problems and the Chapter has purchased the locomotive.
The locomotive will be prepared for shipping this fall and will be heading back to Roanoke, VA for repairs and restoration into its as-delivered “Redbird” paint scheme. As one of only two surviving, un-rebuilt N&W passenger GP-9s, the Chapter believes that it deserves to be preserved. The locomotive retains its original dual control stands, dynamic brake, and other unique features for N&W passenger service. We will share more on the future of the 514 over the next several months.
The Chapter would like to thank Keystone Cooperative and their employees for their assistance in this acquisition. They have worked with us over the past 8 years to ensure that the locomotive can continue to share the history of the Norfolk & Western and railroading in Southwest Virginia.
