ARMCO STEEL #709 Builder: LIMA-HAMILTON CORPORATION Lima, Ohio Hamilton, Ohio 709 was donated to the Whitewater Valley Railroad in 1987 along with sister 1200HP unit B&O 320. Armco Steel also donated a large supply of spare parts to the Whitewater Valley Railroad. Special appreciation goes to those people involved in this process to preserve 709, one of only six Lima-Hamilton diesels known to survive. Engine 709 originally served Armco Steel by moving trains of molten steel from its Hamilton, Ohio facility to its Middletown, Ohio plant and was purchased new in 1950. As these company locomotives operated over tracks of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad they were maintained in accordance with the then governing ICC rules. Lima-Hamiltons like 709 operated in this capacity well into the 1970's. After being removed from road service, 709 was kept operable for in-plant switching duties. Number 709 continued to be in use until the mid 1980's. Armco Steel's Middletown Plant became quite a haven for Lima-Hamiltons in the mid 1960's through the 1970's having one of the largest fleets ever. Along with units purchased new were secondhand units purchased from the Erie and B&O. Lima-Hamilton locomotives were rare in their day with only 174 built before the merger of the Lima-Hamilton Corporation with the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1951. Lima Locomotive works was one of the big three steam builders known for high quality and innovative engineering. Though few realize this, the few diesels produced show these traits were passed on to the diesels as well. Careful attention to details and high quality components are evident on #709. The Hamilton T-89-SA diesel prime mover (bore 9" X 12" stroke) is a modern and efficient design based producing high power from a small displacement, use of smaller, lighter components, and innovative technical systems such as the dry sump lubrication system. The prime mover was built in Hamilton, Ohio in the former Hamilton Diesel company facility and this eight cylinder in line version was the most common. The merger of the Lima Locomotive Works and Hamilton Diesel allowed the combined company to offer diesel locomotives along with their roadbuilding and crane products. Electrical power comes from a Westinghouse 499A main generator powering four Westinghouse 362D traction motors. The Westinghouse system was known for its strong pulling ability. Starting tractive effort at 30% adhesion is ______ lbs. with a max speed of 60 mph. It can negotiate a 57.5* curve and weighs 120 tons. Restoration of 709 began in 1998 and will cost well over $10,000 when completed. Care was taken during the restoration to return the engine to its general appearance in the late 1960's. The process included both mechanical, electrical, and steel bodywork repairs and fabrication. Many members of the Whitewater Valley Railroad have donated considerable time to the preservation and restoration effort. Many have also donated a combined total of over $6,000 to keep the project going forward. A grant awarded to the Whitewater Valley Railroad in 2001 from the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) contributed another $3,400 towards the project. To thank the members of the NRHS, the Whitewater Valley Railroad gives special consideration to members of that organization to photograph and inspect the locomotive. This includes not only the cab interior but also any viewing of under hood components, provided the visitor is under supervision of a railroad volunteer. 709 was used briefly at the Whitewater upon its arrival. It was found to be a smooth operating unit like #25, but with more power and a heavier feel. Work continues at a fairly rapid pace and 709 will once again be under power. The interior of the cab is now complete and nearly all of the exterior bodywork is done. A rebuilt traction motor blower fan and motor were recently installed along with a new oil cooler.