Outshopped as #171, this is one of thirty C-12 class Consolidation (2-8-0) type locomotives built by Alco in 1911 for the Hocking Valley Railway (#150-#179).
The HV was primarily a coal hauler, operating entirely in the state of Ohio, with a main line from Toledo to Athens and Pomeroy via Columbus, and several branches to coal mines in the Hocking Valley near Athens. Most of its life was spent under the control of outside railroads. In 1903, a syndicate comprising the PRR, B&O, C&O, Erie and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern acquired majority ownership. From 1906, the C&O began to increase its ownership until it gained outright control in 1910, although the HV continued to operate as a separate entity until merged into the C&O in 1930. At that time, #171 was renumbered CO #701 and reclassified as a G-5.
At 215,000 lbs, 244,000 lbs on their 57" drivers, these were the largest HV or C&O Consolidations. With
23" x 30" cylinders, 55 sq ft grates, 202 sq ft fireboxes and 3,701 sq ft heating surfaces, including 620 sq ft superheating, their 14" piston valves gave a large cylinder volume. Operating at a boiler pressure of 205 psi, they delivered 48,515 lbs tractive effort.