CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A crane crew moved a nearly 50-ton fireless steam locomotive and a 20-ton coal shuttle car into place in the state Capitol Complex Thursday afternoon.
The locomotive and shuttle car are part of the state's courtyard on the south side of the state Culture Center to celebrate America's 250th birthday.
State Tourism, Arts, Culture & History Secretary Chelsea Ruby told MetroNews the locomotive was a gift from American Electric Power several years ago. The state didn't immediately have a use for the train, so it had sat in Hinton. A state police and West Virginia Transport Authority escort surrounded a large truck Wednesday as it transported the locomotive from Princeton to Charleston.
Meanwhile, the coal shuttle car operated in Alliance Coal's Mettiki mine in the Tucker and Grant County area.
Alliance Coal Manager of Government Affairs Evan Midler said the car was used largely between the 1970s and 1990s. The coal shuttle car was out of service by the time the mine was closed earlier this year.
The state put out inquiries three years ago in preparation for the America 250 courtyard. Midler said Alliance Coal decided to offer the shuttle car for West Virginia to use.
“That process has been a number of years to get it here, given its size, and to be able to transport it down here with the crane and everything,†Midler explained.
Midler said Alliance Coal is excited to be part of the special celebration.
“It's going to be a great piece here outside the Capitol,†Midler said. “This is going to be a great courtyard.â€
“Coming up on America 250, we're really just excited that we're going to be able to have this history, and this legacy, be here hopefully for America 500.â€
