Fundraising Goal Met in Restoration of NKP Diesel

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society said earlier this month that it had exceeded its goal of receiving $5,000 in December in donations that will be used to restore a former Nickel Plate Road SD9 locomotive.

An anonymous donor offered to match up to $5,358 to Project 358 if other donors would collectively provide that much by Dec. 31.

The Society did not say in its social media accounts how much money it raised last month.

However, it indicated that the restoration of NKP No. 358 could be completed this year.

When the fundraising campaign began late last year, FtWRHS said it needed $18,000 to complete the restoration and if the December fundraising campaign reached its goal it would put the total funds raised to $13,000.

The Society plans to restore No. 358 to its as-built appearance in operating condition.

Project 358 Fundraising Goal About Halfway There

The campaign by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society to raise more than $5,000 to match a challenge grant is halfway toward its goal.

An anonymous donor offered to give up to $5,358 to Project 358 if other donors would collectively match that by Dec. 31.

Project 358 is raising money to restore a late 1950s built EMD SD9 that operated on the Nickel Plate Road for several years before being retired by eventual successor Norfolk Southern. It was donated by NS to the FtWRHS in 2010.

Donations can be made online at fwhrs.org/donate or via mail at Project 358, PO Box 11017, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46855.

Project 358 needs $18,000 to complete the restoration of former NKP 358 and if the current fundraising campaign reaches its goal will put the total funds raised to $13,000.

The Society will use the funding to restore No. 358 to its as-built appearance.

The locomotive still needs electric work, painting and fabrication work.