Grand Trunk Western No. 6325 is a 4-8-4 "Northern" type steam locomotive built in 1942 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, NY for dual-service use on the Grand Trunk Western Railway. Before this happened, 6325 was tasked with hauling the President Harry Truman's campaign train across Michigan on the GTW rails in 1948. Retired in 1959, 6325 was saved from scrap because of its historic significance had thrusted the engine as a donation to the city of Battle Creek, MI. Twenty-six years later, an restoration effort was created to get the 6325 into operating condition again, but seven years later, the Grand Trunk Western and Canadian National required the 'Confederation' locomotive to moved, in stepped an man who had the liberty to restore the engine; Jerry "Joe" Jacobson. Having bought the 6325 for a thousand hundred dollars in 1993, Jerry had the steamer and tender taken to the Ohio Central steam shops in Morgan Run, OH. From there, Jerry's crew focused their minds on restoring the 'Confederation' into operating condition, until 6325 made its first test run in 2001. However it's excursion career was short-lived three years when Jerry lost and sold his interest in the Ohio Central Railroad, moving his entire collection of vintage locomotives and rolling stock to the new Age of Steam Roundhouse constructed in 2011. On September 13, two years ago, Jerry "Joe" Jacobson died. And 6325 of the Grand Trunk Western and its history are dedicated to his efforts of keeping steam locomotives alive. It is currently in the care of the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Sugarcreek, OH, but is presently stored out of service. It has been stated that, in the distant future, 6325 may return to steam. Until then, it will remain at the Age of Steam Roundhouse on static display.
Trivia[]
- The locomotive has been seen in Mark I Video's Ohio Central 6325 Return to the High Iron in both 2000s footage and 1950s footage.
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