NKP 765

Marion, Ohio

On July 30, 2012, NKP 765, leading NS Heritage unit NKP 8100 (ES44AC), several maintenance cars   (including four loaded coal hoppers for fuel), made  a deadhead run south from Bellevue, Ohio through Marion toward it's destination Portsmouth, Ohio.

Built on September 8, 1944 for the Nickel Plate Railroad, NKP 765 was configured as  a 2-8-4 steam locomotive and used primarily on the road's fast freight trains.  Retired in 1958, NKP 765 was donated as a park museum piece to the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1963.

After years outside, NKP 765 was deteriorating and so in 1975 the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society was formed and it led a successful campaign to restore the engine to operating condition.

In 1982, 765 was ready for mainline operation as a railfan excursion locomotive and has been active to this day.