The last K2 steam engine in existence is in Hagerstown City Park. It's getting a makeover

A piece of Hagerstown's railroading history has been sitting in City Park for 70 years. Now, it's going to get a makeover and new pavilion to make it more accessible to the public.

The renovations that are to take place in spring will protect it from weather and other natural elements, plus add a concrete wheelchair ramp for better accessibility, said Kay Omer, the city's recreation assistant.

"Nothing will be done to alter the locomotive, but better coverage and new paint allowing the restoration to last longer," said Kevin Kneer, senior project architect for Proffitt & Associates, the city's consultant on the project.

How did the engine get to City Park?

Engine 202 was built in 1912 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. At 77 feet and 415,000 pounds, it was one of nine K2 type engines made, according to Kneer.

The engine operated on the Western Maryland Railway carrying passengers and baggage between Baltimore and Cumberland.

In 1947, K2 engines were changed from burning coal to burning oil to accommodate pollution standards in places like Baltimore.

In 1953, Engine 202 was retired and donated to the city of Hagerstown. The rest of the K2 engines were scraped due to the change from oil-burning to desiel operation. Engine 202 is the only one left, Kneer said.

It has been in the back corner of Hagerstown City Park ever since at the Train Hub exhibit. Recognized as a historical site, there have been "efforts in renovating made in the past, but were unsuccessful," Kneer said.

Who's paying for the renovations?

Renovation, expected to wrap up in time for reopening next winter, will be paid for by the federal government, the state and the city, Kneer said. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Maryland Department of Transportation will pick up 80% of the $790,000 price tag and 20% is city matching funds.

There are two parts to the project, Kneer said.

Part of the work will involve moving the locomotive forward for more visibility and creating a new display area.

"This is the first time he will be moved in 14 years," Omer said.

The second part will be restoration of the locomotive itself. That involves removing the paint and repainting, as well as removing rust erosion.

New lettering and stenciling will be done to the side of the locomotive, Kneer said.

"Our intent is to put some parts that have been missing back together," said Kneer.

That includes the side sheet metal jacket. "This is what holds heat into the locomotive, it's an attractive ornamental piece," said Kneer.

A new pavilion will protect the renovated locomotive better than the previous one.

"The pavilion now has no natural light and a very low roof," said Kneer.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Renovations to Hagerstown's Engine 202 expected to begin this spring