PLEASANT LAKE, Ind. — Labor Day concluded the summer schedule for Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Indiana Rail Experience. The sendoff during the three-day weekend was the Rolling Victory event in Pleasant Lake, billed as a World War II experience with reenactors, displayed equipment, battle reenactments, big band dance, train rides, and Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765 celebrating its 80th birthday.
The 1944-built Berkshire was in steam for the first time since the Tri-State Scenic excursions during Father’s Day weekend. Though originally scheduled to participate in the second-annual Indiana Railcamp, Aug. 1-2, Fort Wayne Railroad decided to use Little River Railroad 4-6-2 No. 110 in lieu of No. 765. “No. 110 is a much more approachable machine for children and young adults,” said FWRHS Vice President Kelly Lynch. “Little River had a private charter scheduled so it was already going to be fired up that weekend.
“It was as much a cost-effective solution as it was a programmatic decision to use No. 110. We’re extremely fortunate to be able to host a program that has a choice between either a 1900s Pacific and a 1940s Berkshire, and we really appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Little River Railroad. I’m hard pressed to think of other short lines in the country where two tourist railroads are operating steam locomotives on opposite ends of their line.”
Besides routine maintenance, No. 765 was tarped for protection against the elements during its extended outdoor storage. No other major work was conducted between the Farther’s Day and Labor Day weekends, as confirmed by Lynch.
Kicking off the Rolling Victory event was an early-evening excursion along the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, from Pleasant Lake to Reading, Mich., on Friday, Aug. 30. No. 765 led outbound while SD9 diesel No. 358 handled the return trip. The Nickel Plate locomotives would operate in tandem for the remainder of the weekend as part of the Victory Flyer shuttle train between Angola, Ind. and Pleasant Lake. While the event concluded Sunday, No. 765 was kept busy with Throttle Time sessions on Labor Day. Over 1,300 visitors were on hand for the weekend with some from as far as Arizona, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Missouri, Virginia, Texas and New Jersey, according to Lynch.
The Berkshire was the leading lady for Rolling Victory, though No. 358 is making a great first impression for Fort Wayne Railroad volunteers since its excursion debut following the Tri-State Scenic. “Since entering service, No. 358 has been incredibly dependable,” Lynch explained. “You’d never know it was out of service for as long as it was, or that it was once nearly scrapped.
“It’s a striking locomotive in person that really commands attention, and our volunteers are rightfully proud to have the opportunity to enjoy breaking it in and getting familiar with its pulling power. Having No. 358 on tap also means we’re able to switch out our trains and do a lot of prep work without using Indiana Northeastern power much of the time, which helps make our operations more self-sufficient.”
All eyes are now on the Indiana Rail Experience’s upcoming fall and holiday schedule. No. 765 is set to conclude its 2024 season with an excursion for the Nickel Plate Historical & Technical Society convention on Oct. 18, followed by the Pleasant Lake-Hillsdale, Mich. Fall Colors Steam Special on Oct.19-20. New additions to the consist will include NKP Pullman Kitchi Gammi Club and Union Pacific Budd sleeper Pacific Island [See “Former Nickel Plate Pullman to join Indiana Rail Experience” News Wire, Aug. 14, 2024].
“We plan to put the Kitchi Gammi Club right behind No. 765 for the Fall Color Trips,” said Lynch. “We are fairly certain this will be the first Nickel Plate Pullman car the engine has carried behind it since the 1950s, and guests will be able to ride in the solarium lounge or book a table for two in the buffet lounge.
“The Kitchi Gammi and Pacific Island have also been added to our diesel trips and will continue out the season with us on our Christmas trains as well.”
Visit the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and Indiana Rail Experience websites for more information.
— Updated Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m. with additional information and photos.
