Ready for the Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts 'Steam in Snow' special, #7470 would be the star of the show. #7470 is a Canadian National 0-6-0 O-18a switcher. She was built in 1921 by the Grand Trunk Railway at the Point St. Charles Shops in Montreal. Originally numbered 1795, she was given her current number two years later when Grand Trunk was absorbed by Canadian National. 7470 was acquired by Conway Scenic Railroad Founder Dwight Smith in 1968, and powered the railroad’s first revenue train in 1974. She is now New Hampshire’s only active coal-fired standard gauge steam locomotive, one of only two surviving O-18a switchers, and the only one that’s still in service. The locomotive weighs 87 tons, and her tender weighs 65 tons.
This was #7470's last photo charter before she heads out for her FRA mandated 1472 day inspection. Conway Scenic hopes to have her running again in about two years.
