MUNCIE, Ind. — Nickle Plate Road SD9 No. 358 is nearing the end of a lengthy process of restoration to operation by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, with Progress Rail returning the locomotive to its appearance as built in 1957.
The locomotive, donated by Norfolk Southern to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society in 2010, has been undergoing restoration for six years.
“It has been emotional for us to watch this machine transform from a derelict state to a museum-quality showpiece,” W.D. Miller, the society’s project manager, said in a press release. “Progress Rail’s support has been critical throughout the overhaul, and their commitment to making the locomotive look just as it did when it was built by Electro-Motive has our heartfelt gratitude. While our organization is known for operating a 1940s-era Nickel Plate steam locomotive, there is an entire generation of Americans who remember the enduring presence of these types of diesel-electric engines operating throughout the country.”
Progress Rail employees consulted original EMD diagrams in restoring the locomotives to the paint scheme it wore upon delivery.
“This project is a tribute to the design, durability, and quality of EMD locomotives,” said Art Erbacher, senior vice president of Progress Rail. “Supporting an effort like this is part of what makes working in the rail industry so rewarding.” Added Jose Ruy Sanchez, the company’s locomotive operations director in Muncie, “Being involved in this project has boosted morale within our team. We are excited to see the finalized unit and tell our family and friends we were part of the restoration.
More than 12,000 volunteer hours have been invested in No. 358’s restoration, along with more than $100,000 in financial and in-kind contributions. Along with Progress Rail and its employees, support has come from Steel Dynamics, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, Nickel Plate Railroad Historical & Technical Society, Crown Battery, Horizon Rail, and private individuals with locomotive expertise.
Upon its departure from Progress Rail, the 358 will be shipped to the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co.’s locomotive shop in Hudson, Ind. Miller said electrical work remains but the project is “90% there.” Following completion, testing, and a break-in period, the locomotive will operate as part of the Indiana Rail Experience, at commemorative events, and for guest engineer programs, he said.
