Fort Wayne Historical Society to get NKP Mike

nathansixchime · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm **Posts:** 763

John Risley wrote:

After reading the article from the link {thank you} am curious if anything actually materialized as far as work getting done? Don't recall hearing much about this as far as moving forward and mean no disrespect to those who were trying.

Nothing significant gained ground and the group has since disbanded.

John Risley wrote:

Sure some local fans might not be so jubilant though? Usually someone isn't happy?

We've heard from some of the members from the previous effort, all of whom are supportive - if not a little sad.

davew833 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 16, 2016 5:15 pm

This makes me happy. I've felt bad about #624 ever since Ron Ziel made it a topic of criticism in his "Twilight of Steam" book in the 60s.

kevin kohls · **Joined:** Tue May 03, 2005 8:35 pm **Posts:** 228

Were items like the headlight and Mars light removed and saved somewhere ? Also, I looked up some photos of #624 on display over the years and noticed the jacketing was removed fairly early. That should have done a lot to save the boiler shell from rotting.

Kevin K.

nathansixchime · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm **Posts:** 763

Yes and no - depending on the time frame.

We recovered them on a site visit in October.

The Mars Light was sitting in the grass.

Finderskeepers · **Posted:** Wed Nov 16, 2016 9:29 pm

Well, congrats Kelly on getting another NKP engine. Despite her current rough appearance, she has really nice lines, and the lack of asbestos has to be a good thing. I hope she can be made operational in the future.

nathansixchime · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm **Posts:** 763

City of Hammond press release here: http://www.portagelife.com/community/se ... ociety-inc

Otto Vondrak · **Posted:** Fri Nov 25, 2016 12:46 pm

So just to clarify, is any other equipment moving with the 624 to Fort Wayne?

-otto-

nathansixchime · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm **Posts:** 763

The caboose - no.

The reefer - 85% likely it will unless we find a home for it in the region. We have three of these series reefers in Fort Wayne already .

Trainkid456 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 28, 2016 9:49 pm

Wonderful to hear that 624 is finally moving to a better place. I visited her a few months ago and she was in bad shape--very bad shape. I hope she will see eventual service in the future. Just imagine 765 and 624 double heading, and when the ITM guys can get the 587 finished, a triple header!

If only this could happen to the 639.

nathansixchime · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm **Posts:** 763

We've reached an agreement with the City of Hammond to facilitate the removal and restoration of Nickel Plate Road locomotive no. 624. The effort is being sponsored by a private donor from the Northeast Indiana region.

Press release: http://fortwaynerailroad.org/2017/01/ci ... ort-wayne/

Trainkid456 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:06 pm

Is there a set date as to when 624 will be trucked out of Hammond?

bob4717 · **Joined:** Mon Mar 10, 2014 9:11 am **Posts:** 6

Thanks for the update Kelly!

nathansixchime · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm **Posts:** 763

Trainkid456 wrote:

Is there a set date as to when 624 will be trucked out of Hammond?

Yes and no? There is a very nice paragraph in the press release that will tell you everything.

Trainkid456 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:17 pm

nathansixchime wrote:

Trainkid456 wrote:

Is there a set date as to when 624 will be trucked out of Hammond?

Yes and no? There is a very nice paragraph in the press release that will tell you everything.

Whoops, didn't see it.

John Risley · **Joined:** Tue Aug 24, 2004 10:34 pm **Posts:** 665

While I don't know squat about this locomotive I am all kinds of happy to hear its good fortune and wish everybody involved the best.

But I had to comment on the quote from "Teddy". I love that quote and it is so true. Probably why I find it so humorous. Maybe it is the beer? Regards, John.

Fort Wayne Historical Society to get NKP Mike

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