The Old Second Number 4 of the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad has been a significant part of the Greene County Historical Society since it was brought to the museum from the Greene County Fairgrounds on June 6, 1974.
The Wainey, as Second Number 4 is now known, has played a vital role in the history of the region for far longer than the 46 years it has been at the Greene County Historical Society Museum.
Built in 1916 and operating on the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad from 1916 to 1933, the Wainey is fondly remembered by the folks of Greene and Washington counties and remains a vital reminder of the early industrial history of our region.
Perhaps in the only instance in the county, the narrow gauge Wainey still exists very much in its original state and is paired with Coach Number 6; Coach Number 6 is also part of the rolling stock of the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad.
The Wainey and the coach are slowly coming out of retirement and showing signs of life. Over the past two years, restoration efforts have been underway. The Wainey has received a fresh coat of paint and is looking as good as the day she rolled off the manufacturing line. Old Coach Number 6 is also being rejuvenated. The coach has not fared as well as the Wainey over the years and will be seeing a lot of restoration work over the next few years.
Most exciting perhaps, the train shed at the Greene County Historical Society Museum that is home to the Wainey is undergoing renovation to allow the coach to be moved inside and out of the weather where work can continue and the rough effects of our seasonal weather will be halted, preventing further damage to the delicate passenger car.
On your next visit to the Greene County Historical Society Museum be sure to ask the staff to see the Wainey and the coach and get an update on the restoration efforts. If you are interested in helping out, please follow GCHS and the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad on Facebook to check out opportunities to get hands on and help out with this incredible project!