RJD America Equipment

RJD AMERICA
EQUIPMENT

RJD America owns a growing fleet of historic railroad equipment,
anchored by Chesapeake & Ohio steam locomotive 614.

Status: The pride of our fleet; Under active restoration at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

History: Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614 is a Class J-3a “Greenbrier” 4-8-4 steam locomotive built by the Lima Locomotive Works in June 1948. It was the last commercially built mainline passenger steam locomotive in the United States, designed for fast, heavy service through the Appalachian Mountains. Retired in the early 1950s, it was later preserved and restored for excursion use during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, No. 614 is owned by RJD America LLC and is undergoing a comprehensive restoration to return it to complete operating condition at the Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Visit co614.com for more information.

Status: In the fleet; Under active restoration at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

History: The auxiliary water tender 614A began life as a Louisville & Nashville Railroad M-1 class 2-8-4 “Big Berkshire” tender (No. 40973) before being converted in the late 1970s into an auxiliary tender to extend the range of steam locomotives. It was paired with Chesapeake & Ohio No. 614 during its 1980s excursion era under Ross Rowland, first appearing in the Chessie Safety Express program. The conversion added roughly 14,000 gallons of extra water capacity, allowing the 614 to operate longer mainline runs without frequent servicing. Known thereafter as “614A,” the tender has accompanied the locomotive through its preservation years and remains part of the consist today under RJD America LLC, continuing its role in supporting 614’s return to mainline service.

Status: In the fleet; currently undergoing interior upgrades (HVAC, electrical, water systems, etc.) to match modern safety and comfort standards at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

History: Built by National Steel Car in 1959 as Canadian National business car No. 98 “Bonaventure,” the stainless-steel M530/PV-79-series coach served executive and inspection duties from the 1970s to the 1990s and was later renumbered CN 100 and renamed “Pacific Spirit.” Offered via Railway Excursion Management Co. in its later years, the car was acquired by RJD America and relocated to the Strasburg Rail Road in July 2025 for restoration. It retains much of its classic mahogany interior and observation-platform elegance.

Future: Will serve as RJD America’s flagship car and be used for executive travel, and as part of the future C&O 614 trainset.

Status: In the fleet; at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services, undergoing mechanical and interior work to support C&O 614 operations.

History: Originally built by the Budd Company in 1957 for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as baggage car No. 3536, this car later joined Amtrak’s Heritage Fleet after the creation of Amtrak in 1971. Reclassified as Amtrak No. 1036 and later renumbered to No. 1236, it spent decades in regular long-distance service handling baggage and express shipments on premier routes across the country.

Future: The car is being rebuilt into a fully equipped tool and support car, serving as a rolling workshop and maintenance base for the RJD America fleet. It will include a dedicated workbench area, secure tool lockers, organized parts storage, a welder, a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a shower. Additional features will include shelving for consumables and hardware, a utility sink, and safety storage for oils, lubricants, and welding gases. Power will be supplied by a STADCO 42 kW Tier-4 generator, supported by an onboard air compressor and auxiliary electrical systems to operate lighting, HVAC, and tools. Designed to handle field repairs, inspections, and maintenance for Chesapeake & Ohio Steam Locomotive 614 and its consist, this car ensures the train remains fully self-sufficient wherever it operates.

Status: In the fleet; at Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services, undergoing mechanical and interior work to support C&O 614 operations.

History: Originally built by the Budd Company in 1957 for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as baggage car No. 3540, this car later joined Amtrak’s Heritage Fleet after the creation of Amtrak in 1971. Reclassified as Amtrak No. 1054 and later renumbered to No. 1223, it spent decades in regular long-distance service handling baggage and express shipments on premier routes across the country.

Future: The car is being rebuilt into a comfortable and functional rolling home base for operating crews on extended trips. It will feature a full kitchenette, a crew lounge area, a private bathroom, and shower facilities, providing a comfortable space for rest, meals, and downtime during excursions or maintenance periods. Additional spaces will include organized storage for supplies, secure lockers, and climate-controlled living areas. Designed with both practicality and comfort in mind, RJDX 1223 will ensure RJD America’s crews have everything they need on the road, combining classic craftsmanship with modern amenities to keep the 614 train self-sufficient wherever it operates.