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A major coal-hauling railroad with the famous Chessie sleeping kitten logo. Known for the 2-6-6-6 Allegheny locomotive.
1869
Dissolved 1987
Mid-Atlantic US
USA
5,100
Route miles
2-6-6-6 Allegheny H-8
The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was one of America's great coal hauling railroads, serving the rich coalfields of West Virginia and Kentucky. The railroad's route from Hampton Roads to Chicago carried millions of tons of coal to tidewater for export and to the industrial Midwest.
The C&O was famous for its powerful steam locomotives, including the 2-6-6-6 Allegheny, one of the most powerful steam locomotives ever built. The railroad's cute "Chessie" sleeping kitten mascot became one of the most beloved corporate symbols in American business.
The C&O's passenger service included the George Washington and the FFV (Fast Flying Virginian), though the railroad was primarily a freight carrier. The blue and yellow paint scheme was distinctive and elegant.
C&O became part of the Chessie System in 1973 and later CSX in 1987. CSX operates much of the former C&O, and the coal traffic remains important.
1930s-1973
Classic blue with yellow striping
1947-1960s
Passenger scheme with stainless steel accents
C&O was primarily a coal railroad—unit trains are appropriate
The Allegheny 2-6-6-6 is a spectacular model for mountain operations
Chessie the cat makes a great layout theme
Heavy coal grades required pushers and helpers
Hopper fleets are essential for accurate C&O modeling