ELKHART, Ind. — The stage is set for a new partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, the City of Elkhart, and the National New York Central Railroad Museum, announced in a press conference at the museum campus today (Oct. 9, 2024).
The society — owner and operator of Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765 — will acquire several pieces of equipment from the museum, with the ultimate prize being NYC 4-8-2 “Mohawk” No. 3001. The society has announced the American Locomotive Project, a $100,000 kick-off challenge grant for the $4.3 million restoration project, and an initial goal of raising $500,000 by May 3, 2025.
“The effort will not be able to move forward without broad and consistent donor support, which we believe we can forecast from the pledges,” says Fort Wayne Executive Director Kelly Lynch. “As much as this effort may be driven by emotion and history, it has to be driven by data and logic, too.”
If fully funded, the multi-year effort would include repairs to the boiler, firebox, running gear, and appliances. Initial inspections to the 1940-built L-3a of the American Locomotive Co. have already been performed by contractor and consultant FMW Solutions, with support from former Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman.
Success would result in the first operational New York Central steam locomotive since May 1957. No. 3001 would join No. 765 as an excursion stablemate in the Indiana Rail Experience, the excursion partnership between the society and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. The locomotive would operate on ex-NYC trackage between Coldwater, Mich., and Steubenville, Ind., with trains including passenger cars of the former “Great Steel Fleet.”
Details have yet to be released regarding No. 3001’s relocation to its restoration site, along with the other newly acquired equipment. Donor pledges can be made by mail to Re: 3001, PO Box 11017, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46855, or online at the americanloco.org website.
“We have been the stewards of the Mohawk for many years,” said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson. “Although we have had no shortage of pride and admiration for this historic machine, we lacked the expertise to be able to preserve it in the way it deserves. We are thrilled to be able to announce this partnership and a new life for the Mohawk.”
The collaboration will also develop a new long-term strategic plan in revitalizing the National New York Central Railroad Museum in downtown Elkhart. An assessment of the museum’s collection will be followed by a de-accession plan for select equipment, allowing qualified parties to express their interest in acquiring those pieces. A master plan will follow for improving the outdoor displays of the remaining collection, along with plans to position the museum as an anchor for neighborhood redevelopment. The public will have an opportunity for input on that plan in 2025.
