News

NORTHEAST INDIANA – As part of its growing rail tourism initiative, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has hired its second full-time employee: non-profit leader and project engineer Matt Martini, who will serve as the organization’s new Railroad Mechanical Specialist.

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc. has significantly expanded its excursion, preservation, educational, and public outreach programs in recent years through the launch of the Indiana Rail Experience — a 100-mile rail tourism attraction operated in partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. This rapid growth has included the expansion of its vintage passenger car fleet and a dramatic increase in restoration activity. Since 2022, the organization has restored six pieces of historic passenger equipment, acquired three fully operable cars, and assembled a growing roster of eight additional cars awaiting future restoration, laying the foundation for one of the most impressive and capable heritage fleets in the Midwest.

To support this momentum, the organization created the position of Railroad Mechanical Specialist to lead the preservation, maintenance, and mechanical care of its historic rolling stock and facilities. Martini’s new role consolidates responsibilities previously shared among dedicated contractors and volunteers, providing full-time leadership while continuing to collaborate with the organization’s steadfast volunteer corps.

“Matt has been an adept and capable non-profit partner for our organization for several years,” said Kelly Lynch, Executive Director. “His love of history, technical acumen, and passion for public education and preservation make him a natural fit as we sought a full-time steward for our passenger car fleet and restoration efforts.”

Martini brings a diverse background in industrial tool-building, petrochemical work, electrical contracting, and design-build construction. He is also the founder of Lauer Farms 1944, a World War II living history experience based in Lima, Ohio. Inspired by his family’s connections to both the Pacific and European theaters of the war, Martini created Lauer Farms to honor that legacy, and through that endeavor, he gained a deep appreciation for the Lima Locomotive Works, builder of the Fort Wayne Railroad’s iconic steam locomotive, Nickel Plate Road no. 765.

Lauer Farms and the Fort Wayne Railroad have previously collaborated on major living history events in 2022 and 2024, drawing more than 6,000 visitors to the region across two weekends. Lauer Farms’ flagship events each fall regularly attract over 360 reenactors from 27 states and two countries, along with more than 1,500 public attendees.

Funding for the new role has been made possible through the Fort Wayne Railroad’s new Passenger Car Maintenance Fund — an investment trust established by the Indianapolis Foundation and the David Donoho Fund. This dedicated resource supports the restoration, care, and ongoing maintenance of the organization’s existing passenger car fleet.

Mechanical Work Begins on New York Central Steam Locomotive, $20,000 Fundraising Match Announced

ELKHART, IND. – The American Locomotive Project, a campaign to revive a distinctive 1940s steam-powered time machine from the New York Central Railroad, has reached 56% of its $500,000 kick-off goal as the engine’s custodians hold their first official work session.

To date, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has raised over $284,643, and a new $20,000 donor match has been announced for all contributions made between now and April 30, 2025. Donations can be made online at americanloco.org or by mail.

On Saturday, February 8, a small team of volunteers removed the locomotive’s original slide-valve, steam-driven air compressor – which had previously sustained freeze damage – in exchange for a newer model.

The swap was facilitated by FMW Solutions and arranged by the Abbeville Foundation, owners of Florida East Coast steam locomotive No. 253, which is undergoing a cosmetic restoration for a community exhibition in Abbeville, Alabama. The trade will provide locomotive No. 3001 with a more modern, recently refurbished air compressor, reducing restoration costs. More comprehensive mechanical prep work for 3001 is scheduled for September, during a planned break in Fort Wayne’s excursion season.

“Since October of last year, we’ve had over 500 donors contribute to push us past the 50% mark, with some gifts ranging between $20,000 and $50,000,” shared Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. “Our objective is to raise $500,000 by May, as it marks the 68th anniversary of the end of steam on the New York Central Railroad. This funding will support preparation, transportation, and initial restoration work. It will also demonstrate that this locomotive’s grassroots transformation into a cultural attraction has the required support to make it a reality in the 21st century—which we firmly believe it does.”

Since 1972, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has worked to restore and transform historic railroad equipment into operating cultural attractions, most notably Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765. For over 40 years, its dedicated volunteers have exhibited vintage rail attractions throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

In association with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience in 2022 and now routinely operates tourist trains between Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With growing attendance numbers and an economic impact of over $3 million, the 100-mile-long route was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023. Much of the current route for the Indiana Rail Experience includes former New York Central Railroad trackage and features restored passenger cars and railroad stations from the original railroad, creating a genuine, immersive recreation of an inspirational era in American industry.

In the first half of the 20th century, the New York Central Railroad was a premier means of travel for millions of Americans. The railroad carried citizens, workers, and vacationers from every walk of life aboard its renowned steel fleet of famous trains. The Central’s flagship trains, such as the 20th Century Limited, Empire State Express, Mercury, and others, symbolized the optimism of the Art Deco era and embodied a dedication to public service. This will be the first time since 1957 that one of its most recognizable icons has a clear path toward operational restoration.

Distinguished passenger car reunited with home railroad history

NORTHEAST INDIANA – The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has purchased the prestigious Pullman passenger car Kitchi Gammi Club from Virginia Rail Investment Group, which restored and operated the historic car for over 36 years under private ownership. This one-of-a-kind Pullman, which is also certified to travel on Amtrak passenger trains, expands the organization’s tourist train experiences and complements its existing collection of operating Nickel Plate equipment and its growing fleet of passenger cars.

“We’re honored to inherit not only this special historic gem but also to celebrate the work and passion that the car’s owners, Chuck Jensen and Chuck Akers, invested in preserving this unique piece of passenger rail history,” stated Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. “The Kitchi Gammi Club is right at home traveling behind the kinds of locomotives that once carried it throughout the railroad’s system. We’re especially thankful for our gracious donors and members who were able to quickly support this acquisition.”

“Virginia Rail Investment is excited to transfer ownership to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society so that the car’s legacy can be carried forward,” stated Chuck Jensen of Virginia Rail Investment.

Tickets to ride aboard the Kitchi Gammi Club will be available as part of the 2025 season of the Indiana Rail Experience and a schedule will be forthcoming at indianarails.org. As the only Amtrak-certified heavyweight open-section car operating in the United States, the Kitchi Gammi Club will maintain its Amtrak certification for the immediate future. Inquiries on Amtrak charters can be directed to contact@fwrhs.org.

Plans call for the organization to begin fundraising to return the car to its original Pullman appearance and to outfit the interior with authentic Pullman decor and furnishings. Donations for the Kitchi Gammi Club can be made at fortwaynerailroad.org/donate.

DONATE TO PRESERVE KITCHI GAMMI

Constructed in 1923, the elegant Pullman car was nearly scrapped after finishing its career in wreck train service, during which its ornate interior was almost entirely stripped. Between 1988 and 2019, Chuck Jensen and Chuck Akers meticulously overhauled and restored the car. In addition to operating in Amtrak service, the Kitchi Gammi Club regularly participated in National Railway Historical Society conventions and was routinely used as part of the Norfolk & Western steam program, eventually racking up tens of thousands of miles.

The acquisition of a Nickel Plate Road and Pullman passenger car represents a long-held curatorial interest for the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and its late founding member Glenn Brendel.

The Kitchi Gammi Club is the fourth operating car to join the organization’s fleet since 2024, following the renovation of two former Barnum & Bailey passenger cars, which have been converted into first-class open-window coaches, and one New York Central passenger car from the original 1941 Empire State Express fleet. The organization also owns an unrestored 1950s-era dome-observation car Riding Mountain Park.

Car acquisitions and restorations are largely powered by grants, donations, ticket sales, and volunteers. For more information on how to support these efforts, visit greatsteelfleet.org.

HELP SUPPORT THE FLEET

The acquisition of the Kitchi Gammi Club was made possible in part by the Journal Gazette Foundation, Olive B. Cole Foundation, Mac & Pat Parker Foundation, Howard P. Arnold Foundation, the ME Raker Foundation, and the Morel Family Foundation.

ABOUT

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences celebrating the Golden Age of Railroading—a transformative era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity spanning the 1930s to the 1950s. The organization has extensively operated the historic steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road No. 765 in public exhibitions and passenger train excursions, with events regularly attracting visitors from all 50 states and several countries.

In 2023, its rail tourism program, the Indiana Rail Experience, was named Indiana’s Best New Experience by Visit Indiana. Since 2022, its events have generated an economic impact of over $3 million on Northeast Indiana.

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s operations are made possible entirely by volunteers and funded through ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.



Collaboration sees Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society acquire 
New York Central Steam Locomotive no. 3001

ELKHART, IND. –  A partnership between the City of Elkhart, Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and the National New York Central Railroad Museum will create a new strategic plan for the Museum’s redevelopment and dispatch a noteworthy 1940s steam locomotive on a path toward restoration. For details and or to donate, visit americanloco.org.

In addition to acquiring New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001 from the Museum’s collection, the Fort Wayne Railroad has undertaken a study with local officials to develop guidance that will improve its outdoor railroad displays and position the institution as an anchor for neighborhood redevelopment.

“We have been the stewards of the Mohawk for many years,” said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson. “Although we have had no shortage of pride and admiration for this historic machine, we lacked the expertise to be able to preserve it in the way it deserves. We are thrilled to be able to announce this partnership and a new life for the Mohawk.”

Following an assessment of the National New York Central Museum’s collection, a de-accession plan for select rolling stock will be published, allowing qualified parties to solicit their interest. Public input opportunities for the National New York Central Museum’s master plan will be held in 2025.

“We treat this collaboration and the acquisition of the 3001 with great excitement and seriousness,” stated Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “The locomotive’s future has been uncertain for decades, but with consistent and demonstrated donor support, we believe it can become a major attraction as part of an authentic and immersive experience that will welcome thousands of people from around the world.”

Pending successful fundraising efforts, No. 3001 will be the only operating New York Central steam locomotive in the world. It will run over former New York Central trackage, pulling former New York Central passenger cars, between restored New York Central stations as part of the Indiana Rail Experience. Several railroads and preservation partners have been identified as suitable venues for the locomotive and train.

Fort Wayne has issued a $100,000 challenge grant to kick off the $4.3 million restoration of the 84-year-old machine, with the first goal to raise $500,000 by May 3rd, 2025. As a compliment to mailed or online donations, donor pledges can be made at americanloco.org for periodic drives for the restoration effort to meet its milestones. If fully funded, the multi-year effort would see significant repairs made to its boiler, firebox, running gear, and appliances. Donations can also be addressed to Re: 3001 PO BOX 11017, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46855.

“Rather than manage an unknowable ebb and flow of contributions, we encourage backers to join our pledge list,” Lynch explained. “We are planning pledge drives at the outset to meet our first critical fundraising milestones and to measure the feasibility of fundraising for such a massive project. The effort will not be able to move forward without broad and consistent donor support, which we believe we can forecast from the pledges. As much as this effort may be driven by emotion and history, it has to be driven by data and logic, too.”

In addition to the restoration shop and volunteers of the Fort Wayne Railroad, strategic partners for the effort include Norfolk Southern, FMW Solutions, Gramling Locomotive Works, Pluta Rail Options and Services, Horizon Rail, and the New York Central Historical and Technical Society. The initial acquisition effort was initiated by a mechanical inspection performed by FMW Solutions and sponsored by former Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman.

Since 1972, the Fort Wayne Railroad has worked to restore and transform historic railroad equipment into operating attractions, including most notably Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765. For over 40 years, its dedicated volunteers have exhibited vintage rail attractions throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

In association with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience in 2022 and now routinely operates tourist trains between Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With growing attendance numbers and an economic impact of over 3 million dollars, the 100-mile-long route was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023.

In the first half of the 20th Century, the New York Central Railroad was a celebrated way for millions of Americans to travel. During this time, the railroad carried citizens, workers, and vacationers from every walk of life aboard its great steel fleet of famous trains. For many, the Central’s name trains – such as the 20th Century Limited, Empire State Express, Mercury, and others – symbolized the effusive hope of the Art Deco era, and embodied a dedication to public good and service. This will be the first time since 1957 that one of its most recognizable icons has a clear path toward an operational restoration.