Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 has returned to Independence, Ohio, for the Steam in the Valley event, to be held April 25-27 and May 2-4 by nonprofit host Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR). The historic No. 765, owned and operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc., made its annual journey to CVSR on April 22 with the help of partners Norfolk Southern and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company, Railway Age’s 2024 Regional Railroad of the Year.
Event ticket-holders will have a chance to ride in “open-air” passenger cars, according to CVSR. The Parlor and the Park cars—converted from two former Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus cars—combine parlor-style seating with large open windows and four Dutch viewing doors. “Run by” photo opportunities will also be available. For tickets, click here.
NICKEL PLATE ROAD STEAM LOCOMOTIVE NO. 765
“Built for the New York, Chicago, & St. Louis Railroad (commonly known as the Nickel Plate Road or NKP) in 1944, the 765 was constructed by the Lima Locomotive Works as one of 80 [S-2 class 2-8-4] Berkshire-type locomotives ordered by the railroad,” the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society reports on its website. “The Berkshire design was one of the most significant developments in locomotive technology during the 20th century as it combined new technologies and steaming methods to simultaneously improve upon both speed and horsepower, permitting railroads to operate larger trains at higher, sustained speeds.
“The 765 commonly operated in freight and passenger service for the railroad between Chicago, Fort Wayne, and Bellevue, Ohio, until June of 1958. It was last in service to provide steam for a stranded passenger train in Fort Wayne that following winter, making it the last Nickel Plate Road Berkshire under steam for the railroad.
“During its time in service, the 765 had earned the reputation as a dependable machine and was well-liked by local crews. As a result, the 765 was placed in storage inside the East Wayne engine house in New Haven, Indiana, until the early 1960s when it was selected by the railroad for donation and preservation to the City of Fort Wayne. In 1963, the locomotive was renumbered 767 for ceremonial purposes and installed in Lawton Park at the corner of 4th and Clinton streets. By 1972, the condition of the locomotive had deteriorated, and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society was formed to preserve and eventually restore the locomotive to operation.
“By 1974, the locomotive was removed from the park and was operational by 1979. Since then, it has served primarily in public exhibition and passenger excursion service through 16 states, racking up hundreds of thousands of miles, entertaining millions of people, and accomplishing numerous landmark achievements. In 2001, no. 765 underwent an $800,000 rebuild effort, and when its complete restoration was finalized in 2011, work to bring it back to its original 1940s condition had cost over $1.2 million.
“Weighing in at 400 tons and standing 16 feet tall, the 765 is one of the most active historic steam locomotives still operating in the United States and a roving ambassador and teaching tool for Northeast Indiana.”
STATS
Serial Number: 8673
Builder: Lima Locomotive Works
Type: Berkshire, S-2 Class
Wheel arrangement: 2-8-4
Height: 15ft, 8in
Weight: 404 tons
Length: 100ft
Horsepower: 4500
Boiler Pressure: 245lbs
Maximum Speed: 80mph
Fuel: Bituminous coal, water
TIMELINE
Built: September 8, 1944
Last Run: June 14, 1958
Stored: 1958-1963
Displayed as “767”: 1963-1974
Restored: 1974-1979
Rebuilt: 2000-2006
For more information on No. 765, click here.
