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Muskingum Electric Railroad: A Private Coal Line

Published: July 12, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Muskingum Electric Railroad (MER) represents a unique chapter in the history of American railroads. Located in southeastern Ohio, this largely forgotten but technologically significant railway served as an essential component in the supply chain for coal-fired power plants.

The Muskingum Electric spanned two counties: the northern section lay in Noble County, while the southern portion extended into Morgan County.

Notably, the power plant at Relief perched on the south bank of the Muskingum River in Washington County, though the railroad itself did not physically reach into Washington County.

The conveyor achieved this feat by crossing the Muskingum River, ensuring efficient coal delivery to the power plant, which also enjoyed the service of the B&O line running between Marietta and Zanesville.

From its inception to its closure, the Muskingum Electric Railroad exemplified innovative engineering and efficiency, marking it as a noteworthy case in industrial railroad history.

One of Muskingum Electric's E50C electric locomotives, #100. This unit, along with counterpart #200 were the only two of their kind ever built by General Electric. The motors were completed in 1968 and could produce 5,000 horsepower each.

Origins and Purpose

The history of the Muskingum Electric Railroad is intricately tied to the energy demands of mid-20th century America. In the 1950s, as the United States witnessed rapid industrial growth and a burgeoning need for electricity, coal-fired power plants became pivotal in meeting these energy needs.

One such facility was the Muskingum River Power Plant at Relief, Ohio (Beverly) - operated by the Ohio Power Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP).

To ensure a steady and reliable supply of coal to the Muskingum River Power Plant, AEP proposed the construction of a dedicated railroad.

This project was designed not only to transport substantial quantities of coal but also to integrate cutting-edge automation technology aimed at maximizing efficiency and cutting operational costs. The Muskingum Electric Railroad was born from this vision.

Construction of the MER began in the early 1960s, with its primary goal being the efficient transportation of coal from the mine in Cumberland, Ohio, to the power plant near Beverly a distance of about 21 miles.

The railroad effectively eliminated the reliance on traditional freight carriers (although it did maintain a connection with the Baltimore & Ohio at Cumberland) and ensured a seamless supply chain for coal — the lifeblood of electric generation at the time.

Engineering Innovations

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Muskingum Electric Railroad was its fully automated operation. In an era when most railroads were manually operated, MER stood apart with its groundbreaking technology.

The railroad employed automated electric locomotives, which were controlled remotely without the need for on-board human operators. This innovation significantly reduced labor costs and increased operational efficiency.

The heart of the system was a pair of E50C electric locomotives specifically designed for MER by the leading transportation manufacturer, General Electric (GE).

These locomotives operated on a 25,000 volt/AC system at 60 Hz and could produce an impressive 5,000 horsepower each.

The big motors featured a series of sophisticated control systems allowing them to operate in a fully automated mode. A centralized control system within the power plant managed the locomotives, monitoring and guiding them along the tracks.

The trains ran on a fixed schedule, moving at a constant speed and stopping at designated points for loading and unloading without human intervention.

The infrastructure of the railway also supported this high level of automation. Automated switches and signaling systems ensured that the locomotives could seamlessly navigate the tracks.

Furthermore, the rolling stock was designed for rapid and efficient coal handling. The rail cars were equipped with bottom-dump doors, allowing for quick unloading at the power plant and minimizing the turnaround time.

Operational History

The Muskingum Electric Railroad commenced operations in 1968. Its 21-mile stretch of track saw daily use, as the locomotives performed their monotonous yet crucial task of hauling coal.

The coal loader was strategically positioned at the northern terminus of the Muskingum Electric Railroad, just south of Cumberland, Ohio, and west of Ohio Route 83.

An intriguing piece of history lies in the origins of much of this coal, which was mined from strip mines employing the legendary Big Muskie.

This colossal dragline was famed as the largest single-bucket earth-moving machine ever constructed. Following its retirement in 1991, the Big Muskie was scrapped in 1999, closing a monumental chapter in industrial engineering.

The trains operated on a continuous loop. At the mine, an automated loader filled the rail cars with coal.  Meanwhile, the southern end featured a sophisticated coal dumper near Unionville, with the coal subsequently transported via a four-mile conveyor directly to the power plant located in Relied.

The train then traveled the 21-mile route to the Muskingum River Power Plant, where the coal was unloaded into the plant’s storage facilities. The empty rail cars were then returned to the mine for the process to begin anew.

The consistency and reliability of the Muskingum Electric were among its standout features. The automated system ensured that coal was delivered to the power plant with remarkable regularity and accuracy, allowing the plant to maintain a steady output of electricity.

This reliability was particularly crucial during periods of high demand, such as during the winter months when heating needs surged.

The railroad’s efficiency was a direct result of its advanced engineering and design, which minimized the potential for human error and greatly reduced the need for maintenance. However, the system was not entirely without challenges.

Weather-related issues, such as severe snow or ice, could sometimes impact the operations, requiring human intervention to clear the tracks and maintain the smooth functioning of the railway.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Muskingum Electric Railroad had a notable economic impact on the region. By ensuring a consistent and cost-effective supply of coal to the Muskingum River Power Plant, the railroad helped support the local mining industry, providing jobs and economic stability to the surrounding communities.

Furthermore, the power plant played a vital role in meeting the energy demands of Ohio and the broader region. The dependable supply of coal enabled the plant to operate efficiently, providing a steady flow of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.

This reliable energy supply was a key factor in supporting the post-war economic growth and industrial expansion in the area.

However, the environmental impact of the Muskingum Electric Railroad and the power plant it served cannot be overlooked.

The burning of coal for electricity generation contributed to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Although the railroad itself was electrically powered and thus relatively clean in its operation, the overall environmental footprint of the coal-based energy production was significant.

In the latter part of the 20th century, growing awareness of environmental issues led to increased scrutiny of coal-fired power plants and their associated operations, including railroads like the MER. The push for cleaner energy sources and stricter environmental regulations eventually influenced the fate of such facilities.

Decline and Closure

As the energy landscape in the United States began to shift in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Muskingum Electric Railroad faced new challenges.

The decline of the coal industry, driven by economic factors and environmental concerns, had a direct impact on the operations of the power plant and, by extension, the railroad.

Technological advancements and the increasing availability of alternative energy sources, such as natural gas and renewables, further diminished the reliance on coal-fired power plants.

The Muskingum River Power Plant, once a vital component of the regional energy infrastructure, found itself operating at reduced capacity.

The gradual decline in coal transportation and the changing energy landscape led to the eventual closure of the Muskingum Electric Railroad.

The railroad ceased operations in January, 2002, marking the end of an era for this unique and pioneering piece of industrial infrastructure.  

The power plant itself remained in operation for a few more years but was eventually retired in 2015 as part of a broader move towards cleaner energy sources.

Legacy and Preservation

Although the Muskingum Electric no longer operates, its legacy endures as a testament to innovation and efficiency in industrial rail transportation

. The automated system and electric locomotives were ahead of their time, showcasing the potential of technology to transform traditional industries.

Efforts to preserve the history of the railroad have included the documentation of its unique features and contributions to the energy sector.

Historical societies and railroad enthusiasts have highlighted the significance of the MER in the broader context of American industrial history.

While the Muskingum Electric is no more, its story remains fascinating to those who appreciate the history of innovation and the ever-evolving landscape of transportation and energy production.

Conclusion

The Muskingum Electric stands as a remarkable example of how industrial challenges can be met with innovative solutions.

From its inception in the 1960s to its closure in the early 21st century, the MER played a vital role in supplying coal to the Muskingum River Power Plant, showcasing the potential of automation in rail transport.

Despite its eventual decline and closure, the Muskingum Electric Railroad's legacy lives on. Its story is a testament to the creativity and vision of those who engineered and operated this unique railroad, and it serves as a historical milestone in the ever-evolving narrative of American industry and transportation.

The history of the Muskingum Electric Railroad reminds us of the importance of adaptability, innovation, and the pursuit of efficiency in meeting the needs of an ever-changing world.