Nickel Plate Road 765

Nickel Plate Road 765 is a Berkshire-type 2-8-4 steam locomotive in New Haven, Indiana, part of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society collection. The black boiler and polished cab display typical features of 1940s American fast freight engines.

Lima Locomotive Works built this engine in 1944 for freight service during World War II, when railroads needed high hauling capacity. It remained in service until 1958, when American railroads switched to diesel power.

The engine carries the name of a railroad company whose nickname came from the nickel-plated tableware in its dining cars. Volunteers regularly run steam demonstrations and explain to visitors how the boiler and drive wheels operate.

The locomotive runs special excursions during different seasons across Indiana and neighboring states, with schedules varying based on maintenance needs. Visitors can tour the depot in Fort Wayne when the engine is not traveling.

The engine consumes roughly 18 gallons (68 liters) of water per mile and can burn coal or oil as fuel. The sound of its steam whistle carries for miles and follows historic signal codes once used to warn railroad workers.

Location: Indiana

Part of: Nickel Plate Road class S-2

GPS coordinates: 41.08778,-84.93722

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28