After five years, $650,000 and well over 10,000 volunteer man-hours, Nickel Plate Road Berkshire Steam Locomotive 765's overhaul is complete!We are hosting a big roll-out weekend at our shop in Fort Wayne on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30. The 765 will be under steam and open for cab tours. We will also have Motor Car Rides, Caboose Rides and other rail-oriented exhibits at this big event.There are no trips scheduled at this time for the 765 for this year, but this roll-out event marks the first step in getting back into the excursion business.Go to www.765.org for more information.

As a contributor to your efforts, this is great news. Best of luck in future endeavors to you and your crew of this magnificent restoration.

Wow ---- congratulations you guys. As much as I'd like to make it down, I'm probably going to have pass this time, given that every waking moment of my life in October is currently taken up. But you'll bet I'll get down there to see her SOON.With #1225 running were back to two operable Berks again. Two LIMA Berks. Under steam ------ somehow, we must bring them back together.............. COme to think of it, isn't C&O #2716 operable too? Maybe even THREE?!!! (In my best Mr. Burns voice) "Excellent."TJ Gaffney

That's great news Rich. Thanks to all involved for a job well done! I look forward to seeing her in Dennison next year. Dave

2716 is not operable.Wonder if and when we'll see 765 and "190" posed for a night photo shoot? NKP society convention? Always though it'd make a neat occasion at STEA- after all they have 759, the diesel, and the sad looking 4-6-0. Maybe some day.Joshua

Glad too hear that this project is finally coming to a close and that all the hard work is soon going to be pay off.Speaking of all that hard work, what happened to the pictures of it on your web site?

TJ:I believe # 2716 is far from operable. But someone at KRM can probably advise as to the Kanawha's current condition.Les Beckman (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/North Judson, Indiana)

Thanks guys, my bad. Are any of the C&O 2-8-4's even close to being operable? Am I wrong, or was the #2716 that last to operate? Obviously, I don't count #2700 in that list --- got pretty up close an personal with what's left of the old gal last year --- one BIG engine to paint!TJG

TJ:Kanawha # 2789 (the last C&O 2-8-4 built, and the only one surviving with a welded boiler) is currently undergoing a slow cosmetic restoration at the museum. She was pulled out of our shop building during our Open House last month for photographs. There are no current plans to restore her to operating condition.Les Beckman (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/North Judson, Indiana)

With #1225 running were back to two operable Berks again. Two LIMA Berks. Under steam ------ somehow, we must bring them back together.............. COme to think of it, isn't C&O #2716 operable too? Not to nitpick, but 2716 is an Alco. But it would be cool to see all three in steam. Especially if 2716 were lettered "Southern." Flame Away.

Les,I don't know if this is true but I told that the 2776 in Washington Courthouse Ohio also has an all welded boiler and that there were folks trying to run her again. Anyone out there may confirm or deny this.JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

JD:Only the last five (2785-2789) C&O Kanawha's had welded boilers. The 2776 in Washington Court House, Ohio does not. Our museum has had many conversations with the folks that own the 2776. I know that they have cosmetically restored their 2-8-4 and would like to restore it to operation, but I am not sure how well that is going.BTW, HVRM was founded with the idea of restoring K4 2789 to operation and that remains its policy. But, with two other Van Sweringen Berks now apparently operable, and with Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 # 261 also operable in the midwest, the museum has kept the resoration on hold. We wish the Ft. Wayne group well in its efforts to find places to run NKP # 765 and that the LIMA Berkshire has a successful career.Les Beckman (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/North Judson, Indiana)

In 1988, a ten year old boy climbed up in the cab of 2789 for the first time. He surveyed the backhead in awe. He played with the brakes and with something he would later learn was the operating handle for a Nathan 4000 injector. Somewhere in the dim recesses of his psyche, something clicked. He would never be the same. The boy returned, and to their credit, the guys at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum welcomed him. As he grew older, the guys taught him how to lay track, run a cutting torch, and operate a diesel locomotive. He began to dream both of working on steam locomotives professionally and of watching the 2789 return to the high iron. Both, he thought at the time, were long shots. Never happen. And then, last year, he learned to NEVER say never. One dream down, one to go. Thanks guys, I couldn't have done it without you.Christopher Zahrt (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/Williams, Arizona)

Glad to hear 765 is ready to come out of the barn. I checked F.W.H.S. web site and was surprised by the statement that "Super Power has returned". To the best of my recollection Super Power has been active for quite a few years. PM 1225 has been carded and steamed every year since 1988 except 1992 the year the syphon repairs were made.Good luck girls and guys. Why don't you come and vist 1225 at Owosso. 765 would look great on our truntable.Rod Crawford

perhaps the statement should have been Returns to Fort Wayne? Hope to both the 765 & 1225 at Dennison next year.Dave