Save the Chessie

03/17/2026

Today was Main Generator day! Once we get this one removed it will go to the Chicago area for rebuild, along with the Aux Gen. We expect to have them back in about 90 days for installation.

During that time, we’ll be moving sister GP30 #6923 into this space for some fresh paint.

Stay tuned!

02/24/2026

6955 is getting a sister!

A former Baltimore & Ohio GP30 is returning to Ohio thanks to a deal between the Cincinnati Scenic Railway and the Raritan Central Railway.

02/12/2026

6955 entered it’s temporary home earlier today. First step will be removal of the main generator to get sent out for rebuild.

During that time, we will begin additional prep work before final assembly and testing can commence.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks!

12/09/2025

6955 has arrived in Cleveland!

Thanks to the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company for an amazing move.

🛜 savethechessie.org

  “Save the Chessie” is a project of the Cincinnati Scenic Railway with a goal of saving AND restoring Ex-Chessie GP30 #6955 from the scrappers torch. This project will solely rely on donations and fundraising events. Please click HERE to learn more about our plans and how you can help.

12/08/2025

6955 is on the move as we speak. Thanks again to our friends at the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company for their great work.

Recent work was focused on running gear repairs and new traction motors.

The next step will include top deck work, testing, and eventually cosmetic restoration.

As always, please share any pictures seen along the line!

savethechessie.org

  “Save the Chessie” is a project of the Cincinnati Scenic Railway with a goal of saving AND restoring Ex-Chessie GP30 #6955 from the scrappers torch. This project will solely rely on donations and fundraising events. Please click HERE to learn more about our plans and how you can help.

11/18/2025

📍Brewster, OH
📆 11/17/25

Work is progressing nicely on the 6955, thanks to our friends at the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company.

Please stay tuned for more updates!

🕸️ savethechessie.org

11/10/2025

Crestline, OH
11/9/25
📸 Isaiah Vanderhorst

11/06/2025

Tremont City, OH
11/5/25
📸 Chad Younts Jr.

11/05/2025

6955 is on its way North!

As of this morning, it is in Washington Court House, OH. We expect it to travel northbound later today, eventually reaching Lima for interchange to the Wheeling & Lake Erie.

Please share any pictures or sightings on this journey!

Cincinnati Scenic Railway

10/23/2025

6955 has a travel companion for the first leg of its journey. This will probably be the last time these two cross paths.

PC: James Corbett

10/22/2025

6955 will be on the move tomorrow afternoon to a new location for the final phase of its rebuild.

Due to a lack of adequate shop space at the moment, along with pending winter weather, we’ve made the decision to keep the work moving along through the winter months.

First stop will be in Brewster, OH for traction motor installation and wheel work.

Second stop will be at another indoor location in NE Ohio for main generator, turbo, and aux gen installation. After addressing those major items and a multitude of minor details, we will then focus on the cosmetic restoration.

So, we look forward to the next time 6955 comes back to Lebanon, it will be under its own power!

Stay tuned and please help keep an eye out for her trackside. Even though she’s far from pretty, we’d still Iove to see pictures!

Please consider donating online to help keep this project moving: https://cincinnatiscenicrailway.com/csrfundraising

Rescued from the scrapper, ex-B&O GP30 #6955 has been slowly restored back to service as funding permits. Main component replacements are about 65% complete. The next phase will include test runs and eventually a cosmetic restoration back to the famous “Chessie” paint scheme.Many generations rem...