ABILENE (KSNT) – Abilene is welcoming in a 1940’s-era Army locomotive this week that will be added to the list of other historic engines which call the town home.
The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (ASVRR) announced on June 12 that it has added a restored Alco/GE 44-ton locomotive to its collection of historic locomotives. The engine, which goes by the name of “IKE,” was constructed in 1940 for use by the Army.
The ASVRR reported the engine was originally purchased by the Arkansas Interurban line in Wichita, Kansas and later served the Army in San Bernadino, California. The locomotive takes its name from Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the U.S., who was serving in the Army in the same time frame as the engine was in service.
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Bill Nicks of Lenexa stands with the new IKE locomotive in Abilene. (Photo Courtesy/ASVRR)
Bill Nicks of Lenexa stands with the new IKE locomotive in Abilene.(Photo Courtesy/ASVRR)
Bill Nicks of Lenexa stands with the new IKE locomotive in Abilene. (Photo Courtesy/ASVRR)
Staff with the ASVRR and Heritage Rail Management began extensive renovation work on the locomotive in 2024. This included the addition of new wheels, a new engine, mechanical upgrades and a new coat of paint.
Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of Dwight, officially christened the locomotive on Sunday, June 8 at the 1887 Rock Island Depot in Abilene. You can learn more about what Abilene has to offer with historical attractions by clicking here.
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