That's the caption that the Fort Wayne Rail Historical Society has put on their page, as the great 765 returned to steam after 11 years. This is a FANtastic engine. Sure hope they get to run her somewhere. The restoration, actually total rebuild, restored her to "as delivered" configuration, no MARS light (yes!), no polished aluminum valve covers (no matter), slightly different paint trim (OK). Hey, go here and have a look: http://www.765.org/FWRHS Home.
Just a silly thought- Maybe we fans need to buy our own Class 1 RR. Take it over. And make certain that steam WILL operate. So beauties like this will always have a place to strut their stuff.......... Boxcab E50
Any steamer that is alive today is a great thing!! Considering it's been gone from mainlines since the fifties, that's great news!!
Ken, I have given that serious thought. There was a segment in upstate NY for sale a few years ago, but man, the winters would be tough on the roadbed. I really think that's the ultimate answer. Maybe we can convince Jerry Jacobsen to give up his income and just turn the Ohio Central into fan heaven. Curt, this is her second restoration. She ran in the 80's and 90's, and was a fixture on the New River Train until 1993. I think that's the last time she ran.
I agree- in fact, I know of a certain Mountain-type steamer which was sidelined a few years ago, and is now back on display in a muesum near St. Louis. If she can't do her stuff on the Ozark main lines she used to run on, then perhaps on a future 'Railway of Dreams".
