The History of CHRX 2827

by Jerry Rollins, Division member.

Caboose Number CHRX 2827 (originally Wabash 2827) was built during the month of April of 1949 in the Decatur Shops, Delainr, IL by the Wabash Railroad. The 2827 saw service on the Wabash mostly on mainline freight in Illinois, Indiana, and, Missouri. In 1964 the Wabash was bought out by the Norfolk and Western Railway. The 2827 was renumbered as NW 562827 and classed as a C-18. NW 2827 was repainted to the N&W's paint scheme and logo. These cabeese continued their service mainly in the same area until the late 1970's when the C-18's began to be run in pool service on the Erie-Lackawana. Some of these cabeese saw limited service in to Ontario on the Canadian National. Later in the NW 2827's service as well as with similar C-18's, started to be seen systemwide with in the N&W. The last assisnments for the C-18's was the use on local mine runs, work trains, and occasionally on locals the old N&W after the Norfolk Southern formed after being renumbered NS 2827. The 2827 was retired by the NS at Roanoke VA in the spring of 1988. The official reason was because the stove did not function. The oil stove had a faulty carborator, and the caboose was stored during dispostion in Roanoke until time to be properly scrapped.

The Chesapeake Divsion obtained the 2827 by the way of a donation from the NS in September of 1988. Since it's aquasistion by the Division the caboose was renumbered as CHRX 2827. The caboose has seen service the South Branch Valley RR in Morefield WV, and has been displayed at Alexandria VA for the American Red Cross several times. In October of 1996 the 2827 was relocated to Walkersville MD for the use by the Walkersville Southern Railroad's excursrons. The 2827 is possibly the last C-18 in regular service on an active carrier. The 2827 has been well received by the patrons of the WS. The exterior as well as the interior have been restored and the caboose can and often does accommodate private charters year round. (For more infomation regarding charters contact the Division or the WS via E-mail, provided links throughout this site. Or write to us.)

Chesapeake Railway Assication
PO Box 397
Gaitherburg MD 20884
Email to Tim Moriaty

Walkersville Southern RR
PO Box 651
Walkersville MD 21793

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Webmonster Aaron J. Heiner