Constructed in 1957 for the Nickel Plate Road as no. 358, the SD9 type locomotive was built to replace the railroad’s venerable Berkshire type steam locomotives, including the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society's own steam engine, no. 765.
Retired in 2007 after 50 years of service, the SD9m was recently donated by Norfolk Southern, which has helped the society continue the operation and exhibition of the 765.
Initial plans call for the locomotive to be returned to its original as-built Nickel Plate black and imitation gold paint scheme. The society hopes to eventually return the locomotive to operating condition and is conducting a mechanical inspection to determine the cost of its restoration, though a lot of significant work is expected.
The society hopes to eventually return the locomotive to operating condition to serve as additional motive power for excursions, primarily on trips where turning the 765 is not possible and it could also provide ferry move protection power in lieu of a host railroad locomotive.
This donation enables the society to dramatically illustrate and directly interpret the transition from steam to diesel on a single railroad.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Norfolk Southern for the opportunity to rehabilitate a vintage locomotive from their own corporate heritage and for their continued recognition and support of our organization.
http://www.fortwaynerailroad.org/News/Entries/2010/12/17_FWRHS_Receives_Locomotive_from_Norfolk_Southern.html
We are still looking for color images of no. 358 - if any exist!