ELKHART, Ind. — Initial fundraising for the campaign to restore New York Central 4-8-2 No. 3001 has passed the halfway mark, with a new challenge grant launched to help bring in more funds.
The American Locomotive Project seeks to restore the 1940 Alco, ownership of which was transferred from the City of Elkhart to the Fort Wayne Railroad Society last year [see “New York Central Mohawk No. 3001 …,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 9, 2024]. The estimated $4.3 million project set a goal of raising $500,000 by May 3, and is now at more than $284,000. A donor has now offered to match donations up to $20,000 made between now and April 30.
Kelly Lynch, executive director of the society, said in a press release that the May date “marks the 68th anniversary of the end of steam on the New York Central Railroad. This funding will support preparation, transportation, and initial restoration work. It will also demonstrate that this locomotive’s grassroots transformation into a cultural attraction has the required support to make it a reality in the 21st century — which we firmly believe it does.”
Restoration would lead to the first operable New York Central steam engine since May 1957. A number of “work blitzes” are planned in September, during a break in the society’s excursion season, to prepare the locomotive for the move from its current site at the New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart.
Initial work has seen replacement of the locomotive’s original slide-valve air compressor, which had sustained freeze damage, with one from Florida East Coast steam locomotive No. 253, a 1924 Alco 0-8-0 undergoing a cosmetic restoration for display in Abbeville, Ala. That swap was facilitated by rail contractor and consultant FMW Solutions and No. 253’s owner, the Abbeville Foundation.
For more information or to donate, visit the project website. Donations can also be made by mail at:
Re: NYC 3001
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society
P.O. Box 11017
Fort Wayne, IN 46855
Hey you, the beloved New York Central L-3a “Mohawk” 3001! I sincerely greet you at the beginning of another great career! I am so glad you will be escaping the scrapper’s torch and the real friendly but constant cold ambience of a museum.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
What an endearing, majestic American rail classic this is, even at 85 years old. She certainly deserves a healthy, happy, and long second existence. All kudos to all FWRHS members!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün