On May 20th, 2009, locomotive no. 765 and her train moved onto the former Nickel Plate Road tracks in New Haven to begin her trip to North Judson, Indiana.
Norfolk Southern dutifully escorted the special move past East Wayne yards, merging onto former Wabash and Pennsylvania Railroad lines to enable turning of the 765 and F40 diesel locomotive no. 452 just east of Baker Street Station near downtown.
From there, the train drew waves, cheers, and sighs of satisfied relief from the members of the crew who were present to participate in the move. Under perfect skies and to the tune of a liberated Nathan six-chime whistle, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the 765 had returned to their calling.
Following the Memorial Day and Fathers Day Weekend runs, the 765 and train returned home on June 22nd, saluting downtown Fort Wayne from the Nickel Plate overpass and giving the Monday evening rush hour a surprise helping of melodic enjoyment.
Before reaching the Society’s shops, the locomotive greeted Norfolk Southern’s Division Office with the kind of spirited thank you than can only come from the heart of an appreciative old gal.
