CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A unique piece of West Virginia industrial history is gaining national attention after being featured by American Rails as part of an outdoor energy exhibit at the West Virginia State Capitol.
The exhibit includes a rare 0-4-0 “fireless cooker” steam locomotive, which was relocated to the Capitol grounds to help tell the story of the Mountain State’s rich energy and industrial heritage.
Built in 1945, the locomotive served as a switcher at Appalachian Power Company’s Cabin Creek power plant, moving coal cars and materials around the facility. Unlike traditional steam locomotives, fireless locomotives did not have a firebox or boiler. Instead, they were charged with steam from an external source and operated without an onboard fire.
The design made them ideal for use in locations such as power plants, chemical facilities, and other industrial sites where sparks from conventional steam locomotives could pose a fire or explosion risk.
The locomotive is now part of a public exhibit highlighting the role that coal, electricity generation, manufacturing, and other industries have played in shaping West Virginia’s economy and history.
The feature by American Rails explores how this innovative machine helped power industry while operating without ever lighting a fire.
