Nickel Plate Road 779

The Nickel Plate Road 779 is a steam locomotive of the Berkshire type, a large freight engine with eight driving wheels arranged in a specific configuration. The machine sits on display at Lincoln Park as a static exhibit, showing its full frame, boiler, and all mechanical components without any active operation.

It was built in 1949 at Lima Locomotive Works and represented the final steam engine of this Berkshire class ever manufactured in America. After its retirement, diesel locomotives took over and steam power faded from regular railroad service.

This locomotive shows how steam power moved American railroads and reflects the craftsmanship of its era. Visitors can see up close the machine that workers operated every day, understanding the scale of industrial skill required.

The locomotive is located at Lincoln Park and can be reached from E Elm Street near a covered railroad exhibit area. Visitors can walk around the machine to view it from different angles, though some weather exposure is typical for outdoor displays.

During its working years until 1958, this engine traveled over 677,000 miles hauling freight across American rail networks. It stands as a reminder of when trains relied entirely on steam to move goods across the country.