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RJD AMERICA
EQUIPMENT

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

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.

Auxiliary Tender 614A

  • 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.

Business Car RJDX 2006

  • Status: In the fleet and owned by RJD America LLC. This business car is part of the RJD America equipment fleet and is being prepared for future private passenger service, special events, and support operations connected with Chesapeake & Ohio Steam Locomotive 614.
  • History: RJDX 2006 is a classic railroad business car with a long history in private passenger service. Previously known as Pacific Spirit, the car represents the tradition of railroad business cars that were once used by railroads and private owners for executive travel, inspection trips, hospitality, and special movements.

    Business cars have long held a special place in American railroad history. They were designed to provide comfort, privacy, and functionality while traveling by rail, often including sleeping accommodations, lounge areas, dining space, observation areas, and mechanical systems needed for extended travel. RJDX 2006 continues that tradition as part of the RJD America fleet.

    Following her acquisition by RJD America LLC, the car entered a new chapter as part of the company’s growing passenger equipment fleet. While her future identity will be announced at a later date, RJD America recognizes and respects the history and service life that came before it.

  • Restoration and Upgrades: RJDX 2006 is currently undergoing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and interior improvements to prepare her for future operation. Work includes new wheels and disc brake rotors, roller bearing work, HVAC upgrades, plumbing improvements, electrical upgrades, and other repairs necessary to return the car to reliable service.

    These upgrades are intended to preserve the car’s classic private-railcar character while improving the systems required for modern passenger service. Once complete, RJDX 2006 will provide RJD America with a comfortable, versatile business car suitable for private travel, special events, hospitality, and support operations.

  • Future: RJDX 2006 is planned to serve as RJD America’s business car and will support the future C&O 614 trainset. The car will provide private accommodations, lounge space, and hospitality areas for guests, staff, and select experiences.

    As part of the RJD America fleet, RJDX 2006 will help support the broader mission of preserving, restoring, and operating historic railroad equipment. Alongside C&O 614, Defender, and the other support cars, RJDX 2006 represents another important piece of RJD America’s growing passenger equipment fleet.

First Class Lounge Car RJDX 800451 "Defender"

  • Status: In the fleet; owned by RJD America LLC. Defender arrived at the Strasburg Rail Road on May 9, 2026, where she joined the RJD America equipment fleet alongside Chesapeake & Ohio Steam Locomotive 614 and the other support cars.
  • History: Defender was originally built by Pullman in 1947 as a 68-seat coach for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. She began her life in regular passenger service during the postwar era, when railroads were investing in modern, comfortable equipment for long-distance travelers.

    During her Rock Island years, the car received stainless steel exterior side sheets, giving her the stainless steel appearance she carries today. That Rock Island heritage remains an important part of the car’s story.

    After her time with the Rock Island, the car entered a new chapter in private passenger rail service and was named Jane Marie. Under the Jane Marie name, she was later rebuilt and modernized for premium private passenger service, including private rooms and lounge space. These changes transformed her from a traditional coach into an elegant first-class lounge and sleeper car suitable for private rail service, while still preserving the character and craftsmanship of her Pullman heritage.

    For many years, Jane Marie represented an important part of the car’s identity. She carried forward the tradition and atmosphere of classic American passenger railroading, serving as a comfortable and distinguished private railcar. RJD America recognizes and respects that chapter of her history.

    Following her acquisition by RJD America LLC, the car was renamed Defender to better align with the identity, purpose, and future direction of the RJD America fleet. The new name reflects her next chapter while honoring the long history that brought her here.

    In recognition of her Rock Island heritage, both the Defender name and RJD America name painted on the car are styled in traditional Rock Island lettering, paying tribute to the railroad where her service life began.

  • Future: Jane Marie will serve as RJD America’s first class lounge car and will be used as part of the future C&O 614 trainset. Her private rooms will be utilized for guests and select experiences, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy the comfort, privacy, and atmosphere of classic first-class railroading. While at Strasburg, visitors may see Jane Marie displayed with other RJD America equipment, and she may also appear on the Strasburg rails during private excursions operated by RJD America.

Tool Car RJDX 1236

  • 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.

Crew Car RJDX 1223

  • 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.