STEUBEN COUNTY, Ind. — While the 2023 schedule of the Indiana Rail Experience — a partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. — will continue with diesel-powered Christmas excursions out of Pleasant Lake and New Haven, Ind., the steam season for Nickel Plate Road No. 765 has concluded in a fall finale.
The 2-8-4 Berkshire-type powered two weekends of Fall Color Trains along the shortline railroad through Northeast Indiana and Southeast Michigan. “No. 765 turned in its traditionally great performance, and we were able to qualify/train a few more firemen in the process,” said Kelly Lynch, vice president of the Fort Wayne group which owns the locomotive.
High demands resulted in advance sellouts. For Lynch, it led to the logistical challenge of local businesses preparing for the unusual crowds during the weekends, something not uncommon with FWRHS or any other excursion operator. “It’s a good problem to have but presents a learning curve for the communities we serve.
“We’re contemplating different operating plans next year, longer and shorter experiences, etc. It really is a kind of choose-your-own-tourist-railroad-adventure story, as long as one chooses wisely and plans accordingly.”
Planning accordingly will be the name of the game for the society in the off-season. In preparation for the 2024 schedule, there will be a heavy focus on the organization’s passenger fleet which is relatively new yet thriving with the latest acquisition of seven cars from the New York Central’s Empire State Express [See “Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society acquires …,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 30, 2023]. Lynch confirms that one of the coaches from the 1941-built set will see significant work for a return to service next year. “We’ve raised $100,000 toward an approximate $160,000 restoration budget for one of the New York Central cars, and fundraising will now be a continuous effort for the fleet.”
The offseason list will also include the following:
- Completing the restoration of ex-NKP SD9 diesel locomotive No. 358 to operation.
- Continuing work on the newly acquired New York Central depot and grounds in Pleasant Lake.
- Increasing the volunteer ranks.
As for No. 765? “The locomotive remains in great shape,” Lynch answered.
The long-term goal for the Indiana Rail Experience is reported to be a 5-year strategic plan as part of the continuing partnership with the Indiana Northeastern to improve boarding sites, rebuild a siding for passenger car maintenance and storage, and explore additional real estate beyond the Pleasant Lake Depot. “We are in the midst of building a new institution in our state,” Lynch said, “but also mindful to keep our dance card flexible for new opportunities or challenges that may arise.
“Next year will feature our SD9 pulling more trains, and there continue to be venues outside Indiana that No. 765 may visit or be a part of.”
I doubt it rests for long.
The beloved “Nickel Plate Road No. 765” can rest for a while now.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün