Climax locomotives were once very popular with wilderness logging operations and shortline railroads. They were relatively inexpensive, small, powerful and reliable. Alas, in 2010, there are just three of these machines left in operable condition. One is in Washington State and another is in New Hampshire. The third is pictured here, operating on the now insular remnants of the old C&O Durbin Branch in West Virginia. Built in 1910, the 55-ton Moore & Keppel Co. #3 spent most of her working life in these woods, but after her retirement in the early 60s, she traveled as far as Connecticut, before being brought back to the Mountain State. Today, she hauls a short tourist train called "The Durbin Rocket". She is seen here, pulling a special mixed consist for photographers on a late afternoon in May.
Scenes depicting steam operations on the old C&O Greenbrier Division between Cass and Durbin, WV, featuring Moore-Keppel Climax #3 and Meadow River Heisler #6.
