I SERIOUSLY DOUBT WE WILL SEE A GATHERING LIKE WE HAD THIS LAST SUMMER EVER AGAIN.
You may doubt that, but I can definitely see it happening again at some point in the not-so-distant future. Who knows...it could happen next summer! No joke there either. The NRHS convention for 2010 is currently slated to be held at Steamtown in Scranton, PA. Annnnd, I've heard ramblings that the California State Railroad Museum is planning another railfair in, you guessed it, 2011 (which would be their 30th anniversary, since Railfair '81). Who knows what the future might bring! Only time will tell.
One thing is for sure, things definitely look bright for 765's future. Borrowed posts from Trainorders:
NKP wrote:
This is my personal opion and is in no way an official report from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (Train Town).
Today puts an end to 765's perfect and flawless 2009 season. 765 had a amazing season, especially teaming up with 2 great groups (Hoosier Valley Railroad and Steam Railroad Institute (1225). These 2 wounderfull groups bent over backward and spent countless hours working together side by side with FWRHS to make sure the start of 765's 3rd career was spectacular and my opinion it was!! I and, I am sure, the rest of 765 operating crew, would like to thank these 3 groups for making 2009 happen. 765 2nd career end 16 years ago to this month in 1993, what a great way to start her 3rd career. Hopefully 765's 2010 season will be as active, and as perfect as 2009 was. If it was not for the FWRHS board of directors, all the volunteers, all the donations, Hoosier Valley Rail, and the Steam Railroad Institute(1225); this year would not have happen. Also don't forget the biggest hurdle of all, all the railroads 765 had operated on in 2009, they could have easily said NO STEAM AND GET LOST!!!
If anybody would still like to see 765 under steam this year, the FWRHS is having a "Fall Open House" with 765 under steam. The open house is this coming weekend October 17 & 18. The hours are I believe are 10 am. to 4 pm each day. Also thanks go out to the "TRUE SUPPORTER" the 765 fans. The biggest way people can try to keep 765 operating is by, buying tickets for 765 trips, donating what ever they can afford too and if possible volunteering. The 765 is in the best shape it has been since the NKP operated it, and to keep it in this shape we need to be constantly doing maintenance to the engine and tender.
Kelly Lynch wrote:To celebrate Nickel Plate Road locomotive no. 765’s first successful season following a sixteen year absence and massive rebuilding effort, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society invites everyone to enjoy a weekend with the 765 under steam at our New Haven shop on October 17th and 18th.
Catch up on the exciting summer and fall excursions with the 765 and get a look inside the shop as our newest projects, which include the restoration of our 1962 Nickel Plate caboose and the stabilization of former Wabash/Lake Erie & Fort Wayne steam locomotive no. 1. Both projects have been renewed with vigor by our volunteer forces as the 765's made its way around the countryside this summer.
Hours are 10AM-4PM each day. Caboose rides will be be held at 1-4PM. More information is listed at:
http://www.765.org
As of this writing, the 765 is simmering soundly, having returned home from Michigan around 9:00PM. As other crew members have expressed, this year was made possible by outstanding entities like the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, the Steam Railroading Institute, railroads such as Great Lakes Central and Norfolk Southern, members and directors of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and the 765's many passengers and supporters.
Also, while the 765 is the last visitor from Trainfest to leave Michigan, it isn't the last one to return fully home. SP 4449 will be departing Minneapolis tomorrow for the rest of it's incredible journey to and from Oregon. It will arrive home in Portland on October 20th. Only then will the story of this event truly be over.
Not endorsing or representing any groups - just throwing out my personal congratulations and other ramblings.
Westbound at North Morenci, MI
Photo 2 at North Morenci, MI
Photo 3 to end the day. Got to see her twice. First, just west of West end North Morenci siding (M156) and when she was stopped by the detector just west of here we were able to high tail it to US127 crossing and shot it again. My 14 yr. old son was in the backseat with my Rebel XT clicking his head off as we were approaching the crossing. What a story he will have to tell tomorrow in school. The main goes right by his school in Sand Creek and when he told the kids that a steam engine was coming through today they all laughed at him. "They don't run those anymore" He got the last laugh. Hope you enjoyed the shots we got.
What the heck here's one more at US127 going away. Chase over. Ron
