Expansion of New Haven restoration building will host the rebuilding of historic New York Central artifacts
NORTHEAST INDIANA — As the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society closes out its fourth season of the Indiana Rail Experience, the organization is announcing a major expansion of its New Haven restoration shop — the first addition to the facility in more than 30 years. The expansion comes as the nonprofit prepares for the arrival of New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001 and accelerates its growing slate of passenger car restorations.
Since launching operations on the Indiana Northeastern Railroad in 2022, the Indiana Rail Experience has welcomed over 70,000 passengers across 142 operating days, averaging approximately 500 guests per day. This rapid growth has driven the need for expanded facilities to support year-round railroad preservation, education, and excursion services.
In partnership with Toro Steel, the Fort Wayne Railroad will construct a 120 × 56-foot addition to its shop, nearly doubling its working footprint. A Special Projects Grant — made possible through the David Donoho Fund — includes a matching opportunity to help fund more than $300,000 in erection costs, including the structure itself, electric service, concrete, and additional track.
“This expansion couldn’t come at a better time,” said Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “No. 3001 and the same kind of passenger cars it once pulled will soon be brought back to life under one roof. Expanding our shop means expanding our impact – more riders, more memories, and more opportunities to pass on the skills that keep railroad history alive.”
The organization is also announcing two separate year-end matching funds:
- SHOP EXPANSION MATCH: Every contribution of $250 or more will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $149,000.
- NEW YORK CENTRAL 3001 MATCH: All contributions up to $10,000 toward No. 3001’s restoration will be matched through December 31.
The Fort Wayne Railroad continues to broaden its programming and capacity. Recent accomplishments include the exterior restoration of the Pleasant Lake depot, ongoing installation of more than 1,500 feet of track for passenger car storage and service, and restoration work on historic assets, including a 1950s refrigerated freight car, an Erie Lackawanna semaphore, and multiple passenger cars such as Silver Diner, Centlivre Park, and Lawton Park.
Volunteer recruitment remains a centerpiece of the organization’s mission, with more than 130 members participating in the most recent orientation. Upgraded volunteer lodging in a recently acquired sleeping car and expanded training opportunities aim to support the growing ranks of preservationists and excursion crew.
“Everything we do, from running excursions to restoring century-old machines, starts in the shop,” Lynch added. “This expansion ensures that the next era of the Fort Wayne Railroad is built on a strong, well-equipped foundation.”
Donations can be made at: fwrhs.org/donate
Checks may be mailed to: Fort Wayne Railroad, PO Box 11017, Fort Wayne, IN 46855. Our EIN number is 23-7255168.
Membership information: fortwaynerailroad.org/join
Check out our shop at work below!
ABOUT THE FORT WAYNE RAILROAD
For more than 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad has created unique, memorable experiences celebrating the Golden Age of Railroading — a transformative era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity spanning the 1930s through the 1950s. Founded in 1972, the nonprofit is best known for operating world-famous Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 in public exhibitions and passenger excursions that routinely draw visitors from all 50 states and several countries.
