Flagship of the Chesapeake & Ohio, the George Washington was a favorite with folks traveling for business or pleasure between Washington, DC, and Cincinnati. Serving other key southern cities and famed resorts along its route, it was known simply as the George to its legions of fans. Designed for maximum comfort with unique interior features, riders enjoyed C&O’s unique streamlined Pullman-Standard coaches or cozy overnight accommodations aboard luxurious 10-6 sleepers. In later years, meal service was provided inside updated dormitory-diner cars, rebuilt especially for the train. Following the consolidation of B&O passenger services, George became the hardest working train in America, handling up to 16 cars (including repainted heavyweights carrying mail and baggage) and requiring a trio of E8A units on parts of its run. Blocks of cars were set out and picked up at major stations en route, with service extending as far west as St. Louis. C&O’s long-standing tradition of providing the finest service possible continues into Amtrak era, with much of its route now served by the Cardinal.

Locomotive Features

C&O Class PE-225 EMD E8A Units
    Based on Class PE-225 EMD E8A units delivered in 1953 and in service to the late 1960s
    Limited edition - one-time run of these configurations
    Available with ESU LokSound Select sound for DCC & DC layouts
    NEW - Dual lens lower headlight in door
    Mars light in upper headlight opening
    Brass Nathan five-chime air horn with all bells forward
    Whip-type radio antenna w/conduit
    Farr air grilles
    Wire ladder grabs and separate MU connection on nose
    Automatic Train Stop pickup shoe
    Single steam generator
    Passenger pilot with exposed coupler
    Flush numberboards
    Spark arrestors
    Skirted fuel tank
    Winterization hatches
    Five-pole, skew-wound, high-torque, high-efficiency can motor
    Helical gears with 12:1 ratio for smooth, ultra-quiet running
    Easy multiple-unit operation
    Superb paint & lettering to match George Washington cars
    LED constant headlights
    Heavy die cast metal underframe
    Proto MAX™ metal knuckle couplers