The trips are headed by Nickel Plate Road No. 765, the society’s flagship Berkshire steam locomotive, and provide a rare opportunity for a steam-powered excursion to travel at speeds of up to 70 mph.
In March, Fort Wayne organization said it would delay ticket sales after Amtrak’s announcement that it would no longer host private cars and special charters. None of the organization’s 2018 trips involved operations in conjunction with Amtrak, but the organization needed to clarify whether the new regulations would affect or prevent transporting private cars to be used in the Joliet Rocket’s consist.
“The passenger consist changed a little bit, but not dramatically,” says Fort Wayne’s Kelly Lynch. “We are lucky that our trips are being held in a city with an Amtrak terminal. There are cars in the region that we are sourcing. We are fortunate Metra is our partner and is helping us work with Amtrak.”
2017’s Joliet Rocket trips were sold out. The event featured cocktails, catered meals, live music, historical re-enactors, and portrait photography. 2018’s event improves the experience with extended layovers at LaSalle Street Station, open vestibules, and an open-air car placed directly behind the tool car.
Excursion trains will depart twice daily on Sept. 15 and 16. Ticket prices begin at $139 dollars for the Deluxe Class tickets. Tickets and details: https://fortwaynerailroad.org/the-joliet-rocket-2018/
You can also ride behind the 765 at the CVSR in Ohio in September. They have two open window coaches on that train. No NS excursions with 765 anymore but those were limited to 40 mph and no open windows or vestibules were allowed.
With the cancellation of the MILW 261 trips this year, I hope these trips do well.