On Saturday, November 7, 2026, C&O No. 5109 roared back to life after sitting dormant for nearly eight years. The countryside was filled once again with the classic sounds of an ALCo diesel running, complete with characteristic billows of exhaust as the system fired up.
Many have asked what it took to get 5109 running again. Before the start, our team verified that the engine was not hydro-locked, pulled oil samples for lab analysis, and thoroughly inspected all fuel lines and electrical systems.
Credit for this milestone goes to our Clover Leaf Crew. Following administrative changes in late summer, we turned our mechanics loose and welcomed new members with backgrounds spanning agricultural equipment, steam restoration, and aerospace mechanics. Together, this expanded team is making tremendous strides across our Saylor Lane campus. A vital component of our Clover Leaf Crew is our Youth MOW Gang—who now make up nearly half the overall crew—fresh off their success running our inaugural motorcar hayrides.
Saturday brought together multiple generations of TLE&W volunteers. Veteran members who worked on the original Bluebird passenger train served alongside electrical/mechanical engineers and our Youth MOW members. Because the startup timing depended entirely on mechanic availability, we were unable to plan a formal event in advance, but we were glad so many could join on short notice.
It was a particularly special day for our upcoming young engineers. While they have worked around the 1957 Brookville locomotive, this was their first opportunity to experience a full-sized switcher engine coming to life—learning firsthand what it takes to inspect, troubleshoot, and start an antique locomotive.
Progress on 5109 will pause for the season to protect the cooling system from freezing temperatures, resuming in early spring 2027. However, winter work at our Saylor Lane campus will continue at full speed during what promises to be one of TLE&W’s busiest winter seasons in decades.
Preserve. Restore. Educate.
