FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Three locomotives and four other pieces of rolling stock have been saved for preservation by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, thanks to a generous donation and the assistance of two Indiana communities.
The equipment had been left behind and was in deteriorating condition at former locations of the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville and Logansport. With support from the Parks and Recreation Department in Noblesville and the City of Logansport, the historical society, volunteers, and contractors undertook a major effort to dismantle locomotives for shipping and to prepare the other equipment for movement by truck. Noblesville tourist railroad Nickel Plate Express, short line company U.S. Rail, and the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. also provided assistance.
“We’re grateful that Noblesville and Logansport elected to partner with us to find new homes for these historic artifacts,” Kelly Lynch, vice president of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, said in a press release. “It’s an unusual burden for a city to be faced with de-accessing railroad equipment of any size or age and an enormous challenge for a non-profit like ours to be able to intercede. Fortunately, a private donor stepped up to assist in saving these pieces of Indiana history. Everything relocated is destined for restoration and interpretation of some kind and will help tell the story of Hoosier railroading.”
Saved, and now stored at a privately owned facility where stabilization efforts will take place, are:
— Milwaukee Road F7A No. 72A, FP7 No. 96C, and F7B No. 68B;
— Pennsylvania Railroad hopper car No. 257784;
— Lake Erie & Western/Nickel Plate Road boxcar No. 18103;
— Louisville & Nashville boxcar No. 12177;
— A Wabash Railroad boxcar.
Several mechanical components from the diesels have been made available to other preservation organizations, and at least one of the locomotives is being considered for an interactive display. Some of the freight cars will be used for educational activities as the historical society expands its programs and events, and continues work on establishing a regional railroad attraction. Inquiries on locomotive parts can be made at contact@fwrhs.org.
More information on the historical society is available at its website.
The “Pennsylvania Railroad hopper car” appears to be a Covered Hopper Car; likely a Pullman-Standard PS-2 car, PRR class H34c.
We cannot save everything and it is important to be grateful for what has been preserved. Is there any word on the fate of the former PRR lightweight sleeper from that collection?
Sad to see the Monon-painted F unit in that state. I remember seeing pictures of it Trains when it was originally restored.