Members of the the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society are men and women who travel from all around the midwest to volunteer in a group effort to preserve and restore railroad history.
These very people rebuilt the world famous steam locomotive 765 in an endeavor that lasted five years and consumed over 15,000 volunteer hours.
Now that this tremendous task has been met, new restoration projects are being undertaken and the 765 needs a crew of selfless stewards who will preserve, maintain and operate her for the world to enjoy.
Even if you can’t volunteer, your membership strengthens the backbone of the Society, making it possible to operate the 765, preserve the rich heritage of our country’s railroad history, and helps keep the lights on in our shop.
To become a member or volunteer sign up over the phone or by downloading this form. Members may volunteer, will receive advance notice of Society happenings and operations, a subscription to Short Lines, the official newsletter of the Society, special invitation to member’s only events, and may serve on the Board of Directors and participate in the annual election of board members.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
Volunteer Meeting
We will announce quarterly meeting times for volunteers in February.
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Otter, President
Member since 2005, formerly Secretary and Vice President. Grew up in sight of the Nickel Plate Road outside Cleveland, Ohio. Otter has 34 years in the industrial food industry.
Will Woodward, Vice President
Member since 2004, served on the board since 2010. With a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Butler University, Woodward is president of midwest mining company and co-chairs the 765′s operations task force.
Michael Guptail, Treasurer
Wayne York, Excursion Manager
Member since 1972, one of the original founders of the FWRHS. Engineered the removal of the 765 from Lawton Park in 1974. York served terms as President, Vice President, Secretary and Director for 28 years. York works in management and civil engineering in the public and private sectors, has restored and owned a variety of passenger cars, and helps plan a variety of the 765′s excursions.
Steven Winicker, Mechanical Manager
Member since 197X, served as Chief Mechanical Officer during the 765′s rebuild 2000-2005 and has held the office of President and Secretary. Oversees all of the maintenance and servicing of the 765. District Forester for the Department of Natural Resources since 1974.
Kelly Lynch, Communications Manager
Member since 2000, son of former Society President Dan Lynch. Has worked for and promoted the steam operations of the Ohio Central Railroad, RJ Corman, and others. Lynch’s company specializes in marketing and creative project development in the media and transportation fields and he handles public relations, marketing and outreach for the society.
Tom Nitza, Training Manager
Rick Popp, Director
Hank Germann, Director
EX OFFICIO MANAGERS
Rich Brinkley, Secretary
Richard Melvin, Operations Manager
Member since 1982, former Superintendent of Operations, Road Foreman of Engines for Ohio Central Railroad, Youngstown, Ohio. Presently an engineer with Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Melvin also coordinates the logistics of the 765′s excursions and has operated the locomotive over 32,000 miles in excursion service.
Al Rayner, Safety Manager
