Press release from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society:
1940s Fort Wayne locomotive to receive upgrades
Historical Society begins fundraising effort
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society announces the beginning of a major fundraising effort to cover the cost of upgrading a significant component of vintage steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road no. 765, a fully restored and operating 1944-built steam locomotive that was once on display in Fort Wayne’s Lawton Park before being removed and restored between 1974 and 1979 in the first locomotive preservation movement of its kind in the world for public enjoyment.
In a move to prepare the locomotive for high speed mainline passenger excursion service around the midwest, the FWRHS is converting the journal or “friction” bearing trucks of the locomotive tender to modern roller bearing wheel sets. Roller bearing wheels are more reliable and efficient and are standard in the railroad industry today.
This upgrade, historically enacted by the Nickel Plate Railroad in the 1950s on a number of their steam locomotives, expedites ferry moves on host railroads, eases engine maintenance, and makes the 765 a formidable machine, capable of meeting and exceeding railroad regulations and aides the Society in pursuing a broad spectrum of operations for public operation and exhibition.
This upgrade will cost over $60,000 and funds must be raised to meet deadlines to propose and secure operating plans that could see the engine operate in Indiana, Michigan, or Illinois. Donations are tax deductible and may be made by mail or online at www.fortwaynerailroad.org. As a non-profit, all volunteer organization, members of the public are encouraged to join in the process of railroad preservation as the Society moves to save, preserve and exhibit significant items from Fort Wayne’s industrious railroad history.
In an era where “high speed rail” has become a buzzword, no. 765 represents a bygone era of fast passenger and freight operation, where trains operating out of Fort Wayne, Indiana often reached speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour. Moreover, no. 765 is one of class of steam locomotive specifically designed to haul heavy tonnage at mainline speeds.
In 2009, following a comprehensive rebuilding that lasted from from 1999 to 2005, no. 765 returned to passenger excursion service after necessary work sidelined the locomotive in 1993, following fifteen years of exposition through thirteen states and over 52,000 miles. 2009 saw the 765 enjoyed by over 40,000 people through a variety of public excursions in Indiana and Michigan. In its second and third careers, the locomotive has pulled well over 100,000 passengers thanks to donations, support from members and volunteers, and meaningful support from today’s railroads which recognize the locomotive as a valuable public relations tool and ambassador for the American railroad institution.
The FWRHS presently maintains no. 765 in its locomotive shop at Casad Industrial Park in New Haven, Indiana. Volunteer work sessions occur every weekend, in addition to seasonal train rides, engineer for an hour sessions, facility and equipment rentals, other experiences with historic equipment are offered. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
For more information on the FWRHS or Nickel Plate Road no. 765, contact Secretary Kelly Lynch at 260-466-2766 or kelly@765.org. The FWRHS is also on Twitter @ftwaynerailroad, @nickelplate765, and on Facebook.
Visit the FWRHS’ table at the Fort Wayne Celebration of Railroading at Baker Street Station on February 27th and 28th.
Roller Bearings vs Journal Bearings
The use of journal or friction bearings on railroad equipment has greatly diminished, in part because of their increased maintenance requirements. As its name implies, a friction bearing rides on the wheel axle and is lubricated with journal oil supplied via cotton waste packing or the more common journal pad. Without proper lubrication, journal bearings can seize, causing equipment failures. In the early 1990s, most friction bearing equipment was outlawed from interchange and in regular use to the point where only handfuls of journal bearing equipped cars or motive power still operate.
Roller bearings, especially in terms of steam locomotive service, were considered luxuries that aided greatly in maintenance and performance, especially when applied to the running gear. The polished cylinders within a roller bearing act as a conveyer belt that comes into contact with the axle, freely moving over the axle as the wheel turns. Grease is compacted and sealed inside the roller bearing to provide lubrication, making roller bearings incredibly reliable.
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society website
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