Steam Lives on at the Ohio Central
With the passing of regular steam passenger excursions, many feared the end to Ohio Central steam completely, but that is not the case. Now, with the apparent sale of the railroad in the works, fears of a complete end to steam have arisen, but the railroad has allayed concerns, stating “the steamers (and numerous historic diesels) are safe, and face a bright future of operations.” In addition, the company has stated that “A lot will be happening with [the] steamers that will be good news to
steam fans and Nickel Plate Road fans alike.”
Indeed, OC steam will be alive and well this fall.
The Ohio Central Railroad’s official Steam Department website received a face lift late last 2007, incorporating a new locomotive to the department’s roster: NKP Berkshire no. 763, which had been purchased from the Virginia Museum of Transportation that same year. Chief Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato reports that the mechanical planning committee has been discussing the work required to all engines as well as laying out the rebuilding program for no. 763. In addition, Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 no. 6325 has received light repairs, with more substantial work being discussed. Additional news and a recap of 2007′s work has been also been posted.
Before the work on no. 763 commences in full stride, the railroad is wisely keeping capable Candian Pacific 4-6-2 no. 1293 and recently restored Lake Superior & Ishpeming 2-8-0 no. 33 up to spec, including installing a new set of tender wheels for 1293. No. 33 had a public unveiling on April 19th, 2008 for the Ohio Rail Tourism Association when it operated a passenger train full of attendees from Sugarcreek, Ohio to the railroad’s Morgan Run shops.
The Ohio Central also operated No. 1293 at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and Byesville Scenic Railway in a number of successful outings in 2007 and the OC Steam Team will return to the Cuyahoga September 24th-28th and Byesville again October 3rd-5th.
Blog About a Berk – NKP 765
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has established a new way to keep its members and the general public informed of their preservation efforts by digitally adding to it’s quarterly printed newsletter Short Lines, including details regarding the task of bringing restored Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 steam locomotive no. 765 back into to the business of public excursions and exhibition,
In the Short Lines – Second Section, board members and volunteers upload shop reports, web updates, essays, and related musings. Recent updates include an excerpt from an operations progress report regarding passenger excursions:
“Negotiations for a stay within the immediate region are being negotiated so that the 765 may perform a series of out and back trips allowing us to share our magnificent machine with the public at large, refresh our crew, and equally important: satisfy our debt reduction.
It is so important that this and other operations currently being sought out are a success. Without these excursions, our reputation and ability to take on other restoration projects is severely diminished.”
Last year the the FWRHS was asked to postpone their scheduled operations at the request of the railroad that was hosting them days before an announcement was to be made.
With the 2005 rebuild of the No. 765 completed, the crew is without a doubt ready to hit the road again in a region that has largely been devoid of mainline steam since 1993. No. 765 will be fired up for the FWRHS Annual Open House August 16th & 17th.
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