The locomotive was purchased in the 1960's from Marquette Michigan and eventually made its way to Columbus Ohio.  Over several years work proceeded on its restoration in the old C&O coach yard known as "Yard - A".   The big 2-8-0 type locomotive was chosen because it closely resembled the large 2-8-0  H-series used by their favorite railroad, C&O.

Soon news came concerning 3 ex-Erie commuter coaches.  From the parts of  these 3  1920 era coaches emerged 2 coaches suitable for transporting tourists.   You can tell photos taken during the first year of operations because the 2 coaches were still lettered  'Salt Creek'  for the Wellston line.

They had intended to purchase an abandon DT&I  line that ran through Wellston Ohio.  However before the arrangements could not be finalized a  scraper tore up that line.   Then they became aware of  the C&O's Monday Creek branchline at Nelsonville, which was about to be scraped too.  This time  were able to purchase the line, but narrowly, purchasing the track from the scraper himself.