Four operating steam locomotives to headline Indiana’s Railroad Open House

HUDSON, Ind. — The Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. is scheduled to host the first Railroad Open House at its locomotive maintenance facility in Hudson this upcoming weekend. The July 29-30 event will see more than 1,000 visitors and passengers help celebrate over 130 years of regional history.

“The railroad first came to Hudson in 1893 and was part of a vital link that helped build our neighboring communities and connect them to the rest of the country,” said Andrew Hershman, the railroad’s marketing and sales manager. “This weekend is cause for celebration as the Indiana Northeastern has spent 30 years re-investing in the line to the point where it now supports hundreds of local jobs and can boost both freight and tourism industries.”

As part of the Indiana Rail Experience, a partnership between the shortline railroad and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, the Open House will highlight the display and operation of four historic steam locomotives. The Fort Wayne organization’s Nickel Plate Road No. 765 will lead 1.5-hour excursions to South Milford, Ind. Little River Railroad’s Nos. 110 and 1 of Coldwater, Mich., will operate 1.5-hour excursions to Hamilton Ind., and 30-minute caboose rides to Steubenville, Ind., respectively. Jeddo Coal Co. No. 85 from the Gramling Locomotive Works will be used for 30-minute throttle times at the Hudson facility. All ticketed train rides and throttle times are completely sold out.

Food vendors, live entertainment, guided tours and equipment displays, including the Norfolk & Western Railroad business car Roanoke and NKP SD9 diesel No. 358, will be offered as part of free admission to the general public. The Railroad Open House is sponsored in part by the Indiana Northeastern, JICI Construction, Steuben County Tourism Bureau, Steuben County Community Foundation, and the Dekalb County Community Foundation.

“We want our hosts and partners to walk away knowing that while it was a lot of extra effort and additional risk, it was worthwhile,” according to Kelly Lynch, vice president of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.

Visit the Indiana Rail Experience website for more information.