Steam & Excursion > Ohio River and Western Coach 5

(Also posted on RYPN:) For those who know the strange history of this Eastern Ohio narrow gauge road, Coach 5 was a survivor until its owners died. No one could find the heirs until recently and its tarp blew off in a storm. After several attempts to save it over the years failed, the new Friends of the OR&W have stabilized the coach internally and tarped it for winter. It will eventually move to their shop when they're sure they can get it there safely by truck. Pictures and explanation on the FORW on Facebook for those who use it.

The surviving boxcar has already collapsed, though the hardware is intact and chunks of siding and flooring ate available for matching. Coach 5 was the president's fancy observation car, so the bits of fabric and paneling and remaining brasswork will aso be useful. For those who Google Earth, both are at Adair shelter shed between Ozark and Jerusalem, OH, on the east side of the road. The old Wheeling Steel 3' gauge locos are on the other side of the street some way uphill toward Woodsfield. At one time a credible group was trying to see about cosmetic or functional testoration, but efforts had to be very quiet.

In related area news, the Great Stone Viaduct Society received a brownfield restoration award from the EPA gor mitigating the tremendous hazard uner the bridge. Story is current on WTRF.

Rebecca Morgan
Jacobsburg, OH