A pair of former Nickel Plate Road locomotives recently teamed up during an Indiana Rail Experience trip.
Last weekend saw 2-8-4 No. 765 and SD9 No. 358 work an excursion that ran over Indiana Northeastern Railroad track in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.
The 765 was returning to service after having its left No. 2 spring hangar replaced.
A crack in the component was discovered during an inspection on May 26 that forced the substitution of diesels for steam on a ice cream train special.
Last weekend’s excursions began in Edon, Ohio, and ran to Hillsdale, Michigan, but on Sunday the excursion continued north of Hillsdale to Jonesville.
It was the first time an excursion train laid over in Jonesville rather than Hillsdale.
The 358 was placed on the end of the excursion train and handled most of its assembly and positioning moves.
The 358 has been undergoing restoration to operating condition in recent years and operated under its own power earlier this year for the first time in 15 years.
Officials at the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society told Trains magazine that some additional mechanical issues need to be addressed on the 358.
The diesel is expected to pull future excursion trains as part of the Indiana Rail Experience.
Last weekend also saw the debut of Centlivre Park, an open-air table car recently converted from a former Ringing Bros circus car. It ran behind the tool car.
Tags: Indiana Northeastern, Indiana Rail Experience, Nickel Plate 765, Nickel Plate Road No. 765, NKP 358, NKP SD9 No. 358, steam locomotives
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