Yesterday, we (The New Yorker, Doppelganger, and I) went on a impromptu trip the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (Train Town) in New Haven, IN. I don't think any of us knew what to expect but we pleasantly greeted by Wayne York, one of the the founders of the FWRHS (The only founder remaining in the society). Mr. York was as friendly as a person gets and was delighted to give us a tour of what was being worked on at the facility and the locomotive no. 765's history with his admirable passion for the steam engine. This is one of just six steam locomotive that is still in operation in the United States (Other locations include California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Wyoming); no. 765 was built in 1944 by Lima Locomotive Works.
It was an incredible sight seen to see the steam locomotive and the volunteers that were working on it. We were allowed to walk right next to the locomotive and even aboard a caboose. The New Yorker made a great statement saying that the experience we had at the FWRHS with Wayne York probably wouldn't be possible in a more populated area; it would probably be made into a paid tourist attractive with restricted access. But the no. 765 isn't the only locomotive at the site, they also have a vintage diesel locomotive (pictured at the top of this post); diesel locomotives made steam engines obsolete. It was remarkable to hear that the Society owns the no. 765 and other locomotives/cabooses and has no debts. It was a marvelous experience! I hope to see, smell, and feel the steam locomotive in action soon! I would recommend anyone to visit if your in the area!
