614’s Most Dangerous Climb: Cranberry Grade at unbelievable Crawl

On Nov 5 1980 Chesapeake and Ohio four eight four six fourteen operated a two day ferry move at the end of the 1980 steam excursion season. This was from Cincinnati Ohio back to its home in Hagerstown Maryland. What transpired was a spectacle probably never to be repeated. The train ran unassisted eastbound up Cranberry Grade on the old Baltimore and ohio mountain sub main line which is between Grafton west virginia and Terra Alta west virginia. The sight was awesome as 614 literally took the train up the mountain at walking pace with the booster keeping the train moving and no diesel assist. The sound and smoke and cool fall temperature yielded a steam drama rarely seen. With uncommon access to the railroad service road Greg and Randy Scholl and Dave Corbitt were there for virtually a private performance. Captured on sound film with the only known audio and professionally digitized the allure of steam is on full demonstration with the 1948 Lima built six fourteen.