ANGOLA, Indiana — The sights and sounds of big steam with the aroma of artisanal ice cream returned to Angola for Memorial Day weekend. Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765 made its debut in 2024 with the Indiana Rail Experience’s Ice Cream Train. The experience, now in its third season of events and excursions, serves as a partnership between the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. and the Fort Wayne Railroading Historical Society, owners of the soon-to-be 80-year-old Berkshire.
No. 765 was launched after a slow season of general maintenance, although future work on the injector is expected, according to FWRHS Vice President Kelly Lynch. “We are planning to replace it in partnership with the Pennsylvania T1 Trust, which is manufacturing new Nathan 4000 injectors, not only for their project,” he explained, “but for other locomotive preservation groups, which will help bring overall costs down (see ‘ T1 Trust shows framework and drivers…’ News Wire, May 13, 2024).
“It’s a great example of collaboration.”
On May 24 and 25, the locomotive carried more than 1,000 passengers on six hour-long round trips, in addition to the Saturday night wine and whiskey train. On Sunday, May 26, morning inspection revealed a crack in a left number 2 spring bracket. The decision was made to use substitute diesel engines from Northeast Indiana to continue the remainder of the Ice Cream Train’s trips. Repairs to No. 765 are expected, although Lynch sees no impact on the upcoming Tri-State Scenic Steam Excursions for Father’s Day weekend. “Over the last 15 years, we have encountered this problem once or twice, so we have spare parts on hand and a plan to replace them in the next week or so.”
Meanwhile, additional offseason work by the Fort Wayne Railroad continues with certain projects nearing completion, Lynch said.
The finishing touches are currently being put on the society’s two former Ringling Bros. circus cars, recently purchased from Everett Railroad. The new acquisitions are scheduled to debut at Tri-State Scenic as first-class, open-window, open-air, table and lounge cars. “These cars will offer steam fans, generously sized windows, open luggage doors, comfortable lounge-style seating, sofas and tables for seating,” Lynch said, “but will also be perfect for private events and other trips.
“Both cars will have their own bars, food service areas and bathrooms. “The original elephant cage door has been kept inside the lounge car and this area can be reserved for larger groups or private parties.”
One of the New York Central cars of the Empire State Express is also halfway through its restoration with hopes of debuting in August.
Earlier this year, NKP SD9 diesel No. 358 moved under power for the first time in 15 years, with taxi runs throughout northeast Indiana. The results are reported to show continued resolution of electrical problems, minor repairs and adjustments to traction motors, cables, brush holders and switches, and overall general cleanliness. Additional changes and adjustments will continue throughout the rest of the year.
The former New York City Depot in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, has received minor cosmetic and structural work and extensive exterior restoration will begin in June. “We recently won a $250,000 state tourism grant for campus improvements around the station and have raised $120,000 for the station itself,” Lynch said. “We will be fundraising for this throughout 2024.”
Visit the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and Indiana Rail Experience websites for more information.
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