Uncategorized Archives - Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society

Oct 03

Fort Wayne Railroad appoints Kelly Lynch as first Executive Director

By Kelly Lynch Uncategorized

Executive Director appointed to lead new era of operations, restorations, development

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, an award-winning rail preservation non-profit organization in Northeast Indiana, has named Kelly Lynch as its first-ever Executive Director.

Lynch’s appointment marks a new era of growth and community engagement for the non-profit, as its Indiana Rail Experience, a new rail tourism program connecting Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023. He has served as a dedicated board member for the past 20 years, and steps into the role with a wealth of experience in non-profit administration, marketing, fundraising, and railroad operations.

Under his leadership, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience and has successfully raised over $2 million for the program since 2022, ensuring the continued preservation and celebration of Indiana’s rich railroad heritage.

“After 52 years as an all-volunteer organization, we have come a long way from restoring and operating a historic steam locomotive that was once displayed in Lawton Park,” stated Wayne York, founding member of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “With our growing tourist railroad operation and the restoration of the Pleasant Lake depot and several vintage passenger cars, we also have a few projects and surprises in the works to keep preserving and making railroad history in our region. Kelly is a second-generation volunteer and his special combination of skills and expertise make him a natural choice to shepherd these efforts.”

Lynch has two decades of experience in both the railroad and rail preservation industries and has worked in operations and administrative roles for dozens of railroads, non-profits, museums, and institutions dedicated to historic transportation preservation. He maintains relationships with various rail operations as a consultant for FMW Solutions and has recently served as a movie train advisor for television and film, including A Man Called Otto (2021) and Sinners (2025). Lynch also serves on the Locomotive Task Force Committee for the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

As a volunteer, Lynch oversaw the creation of the first steam-powered passenger excursions in downtown Chicago in over 45 years, spearheaded the collaboration between the Fort Wayne Railroad and Progress Rail for the restoration of a historic diesel locomotive, and negotiated the acquisition of over ten passenger cars for the organization’s fleet of historic rolling stock and the purchase of the Pleasant Lake depot. Between 2011 and 2016, he championed efforts to include the railroad attractions in riverfront development efforts in downtown Fort Wayne, setting the stage for the now flourishing Indiana Rail Experience.

Lynch is an award-winning filmmaker who holds a certification from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the New York Film Academy. Outside of his contributions to the rail preservation community, Lynch has previously served as the Video Creative Director at Sweetwater, and as a board member for Dekalb County Visitors Bureau and Angola Main Street. He is the son of former Fort Wayne Railroad volunteer Dan Lynch, a crew member from the 1970s restoration of Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765. For an in-depth interview on his rail preservation career, click here.

“It is one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the organization that has shaped so much of it,” expressed Lynch. “I deeply appreciate the extraordinary community behind the Fort Wayne Railroad for their support as we work to celebrate and save our rich railroad history and provide outstanding experiences while we do it. I want to especially thank the board of directors and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company for their trust in this great new adventure.”

Ridership on the Indiana Rail Experience has grown over 114% in three years and the Fort Wayne Railroad’s next offerings include the Fall Colors Steam Special on October 19th and 20th, the diesel-powered Autumn Limited trips on October 25th, 26th, and 27th, and the Indiana Christmas Trains in December. For tickets and information, visit indianarails.org.

Nov 16

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$50,000 Matching Grant Kicks off Restoration of New York Central fleet

By Kelly Lynch Uncategorized

A famous 1940s-era passenger train is destined for restoration as part of a growing rail tourism attraction in the Midwest

NEW HAVEN, INDIANA – Following the acquisition of seven vintage New York Central Railroad passenger cars to support its railroad tourism program, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has announced a $50,000 grant will match all donations of $250.00 or more through the end of the year. Built in 1941, each car will require upwards of $160,000 or more in mechanical and electrical upgrades and general repair work, with the goal to place one car in service in the region next year. For more details or to donate, visit greatsteelfleet.org.

“These cars once belonged to one of the country’s largest railroads and operated on one of its most famous trains. Each restored car will become a time machine that welcomes more visitors to our region, allowing us to preserve and showcase more of the country’s incredible industrial heritage,” explained Kelly Lynch, Vice President of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “With this generous matching grant, only 200 donors of $250.00 or more are needed to help us raise $100,000.”

The Fort Wayne Railroad inaugurated the Indiana Rail Experience program in 2022, and in 2023 the train rides and excursions were named Indiana’s Best New Experience by Visit Indiana. In its second year, the living history events – which include fall color trains, Christmas trains, a railroad camp for young adults, and wine, whiskey, and cigar trains – have hosted over 12,000 riders. Since 2022, events have continuously sold out.

Constructed for use on the Empire State Express, a flagship first-class passenger train of the New York Central, the cars will operate over former New York Central trackage in Indiana and Michigan. The fleet was purchased from the Rochester & Genesee Railroad Museum in 2022 and the cars arrived in Indiana in late summer.

Since 2022, the organization has raised over 1 million dollars to support a variety of rail preservation and tourism projects, including the Riding Mountain Park, a historic dome observation lounge car, and the New York Central depot in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Fundraising for these projects continues.

In addition to contributions, the Fort Wayne Railroad welcomes new members and volunteers to assist on-site. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org/volunteer.

FORT WAYNE RAILROAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences through its celebration of the Golden Age of Railroading – a special era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity between the 1930s and 1950s. The Fort Wayne Railroad has operated historic steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road no. 765 extensively in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and its events routinely welcome visitors from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. Its operations are made possible entirely through volunteers and funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.

THE NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD SYSTEM

Spanning more than 10,000 miles across 13 states and two Canadian provinces, the New York Central was one of the largest railroad systems in the east, connecting New York with Boston, Chicago, Montreal, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Today, many of its routes are now operated by Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation, with Amtrak operating a number of passenger trains like the Lake Shore Limited and the Wolverine over former New York Central tracks. An earlier iteration of the Empire State Express was first operated in the late 1890s and famous for breaking a land speed record of 112.5 miles an hour on May 10th, 1893 with steam locomotive no. 999, which is now on display at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. For more information, visit nycshs.org.

great-steel-fleet-arrives-new-haven-indiana

Aug 02

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Historic railroad dining car enters service in Indiana

By Kelly Lynch Uncategorized

After a year-long renovation, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) is once again welcoming passengers aboard the Silver Diner, a historic railroad dining car. Originally part of the famous California Zephyr fleet which operated between Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco, the Silver Diner is the first such dining car to be owned by the organization and it is making its debut as part of the Indiana Rail Experience this year.

“Railroad dining cars have been celebrated gathering spaces on passenger trains for 100 years, and railroads often competed based on their dining car service,” explained Wayne York, founding member of the FWRHS. “For the first time in several decades, we’re steadily building a first-class passenger train to operate behind our historic steam locomotive. We’re grateful that Amtrak chose to donate this car to us where it will continue to bring delight to thousands of riders.”

Work to recondition the car included extensive cleaning, HVAC repairs, cosmetic work, new window gaskets, and curtains, among a host of other items. The Silver Diner can host up to 40 passengers and includes a kitchen and buffet counter space, and provides on-board refrigeration and catering space for excursions and events.

Built in 1948, the Silver Diner was operated for nearly 70 years by both the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad and later Amtrak, which updated the car in the early 2000s. The car served as part of Amtrak’s Heritage Fleet until it was retired in 2017 and later donated to the FWRHS in 2019. It is one of four surviving cars from the Zephyr’s dining car fleet and volunteers contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours to its reconditioning. The renovation was directed by co-chairs Bill Otter, Rick Popp, and York, with additional assistance from AMC Rail and Current Mechanical.

The Silver Diner serves as a first-class lounge and dining car during excursions and events.

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May 31

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Indiana Rail Experience 2022 Events Announced

By Kelly Lynch Uncategorized

ANGOLA, INDIANA – Starting next month, the Indiana Rail Experience will bring a number of distinct train rides, community events, and special occasions to families, railroad fans, and people of all ages in the region.

Over four weeks between July and October, historic steam locomotive no. 765 and a vintage passenger train will operate throughout Northeast Indiana. Ticket sales begin at 6:00 PM on June 7th at indianarailexperience.org.

For group tickets and private charters for families or businesses, click here. For sponsorship inquiries, click here.

GET NOTIFIED WHEN TICKET SALES BEGIN

Indiana Ice Cream Train – July 8th, July 9th

Beat the heat, take a break from the lake, and enjoy complimentary ice cream on an hour-long train ride through the Indiana countryside. Our family-friendly passenger trains leave downtown Angola and depart four times daily. Tickets start at $15.00.

Indiana Wine & Spirit Train | July 8th, July 9th, September 23rd, September 30th

Revel in an exclusive 2.5-hour train ride aboard a first-class passenger train with the wine, whiskey, beer, cigars, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert of your choice. Guests will chase the magic hour into the evening and enjoy onboard entertainment during their trip. A selection of cigars will be available in our special open-air car. Guests may also charter an entire private car. Seats are reserved for passengers 21-years-of-age or older. Tickets start at $90.00.

Tri-State Scenic Steam Excursion | August 27th, August 28th, October 1st

This all-day, 100-mile train ride will treat railroad fans and passengers to a late summer trip from Edon, Ohio to Southeast Michigan for a three-hour layover in the historic downtown of Hillsdale. Upon arrival, guests can visit the local farmers’ market, and walking tours, and enjoy lunch on their own a variety of area restaurants. Deluxe Coach, Open Air, First Class, and Executive Class tickets are available. Select amenities include open window cars, open vestibules, onboard entertainment, and a photo runby. First Class and Executive Class tickets include complimentary appetizers and refreshments. Tickets start at $79.00.

Victory Flyer and the Angola American History Train | September 24th – 25th

Dress your vintage best and take a trip back in time to the 1940s aboard a steam-powered passenger train that departs Angola for a visit to a World War II troop camp, interact with re-enactors, and learn how the Greatest Generation and the railroads helped win the war. Before or after your trip, visit the Angola American History Days event near downtown Angola. Tickets start at $29.00.

Nickel Plate Photo Charter | Join Our Waitlist

Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 and historic EMD diesels will power freight and passenger cars over the Indiana Northeastern between South Milford, Indiana, Edon, Ohio, and Hillsdale, Michigan. Featuring a night photo session, period actors, and vintage vehicles, the weekend will treat photographers to dramatic scenes of railroading on former Wabash and New York Central Railroad territory. Tickets are available by invitation only. Click here to join our waitlist.

And more…

Events will be hosted in cooperation with the Little River Railroad, Norfolk & Western Business Car No. 300 Preservation Society, City of Angola, and City of Hillsdale, Michigan. Sponsors include Berne Apparel, JICI Construction, The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust, McRail Insurance, Trine University, Steuben County Tourism Bureau, and the Steuben County Community Foundation.

The 2022 season of the Indiana Rail Experience will feature vintage passenger cars from the 1920s through the 1950s, including accommodations in deluxe coach, first-class, lounge, and executive class cars. The event will also feature the debut of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s very own open-air car and dining/lounge car.

The Indiana Rail Experience is a partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc. and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company. Additional dates, times, and events may be added. Published times, dates, and details may be adjusted.

Mar 13

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Collaboration Between Indiana Communities and Fort Wayne Railroad Saves Historic Artifacts

By Kelly Lynch Uncategorized

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA – Thanks to a generous donor and the efforts of Noblesville, Indiana’s Parks and Recreation Department, and the City of Logansport, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has recovered over half a dozen pieces of vintage railroad equipment for preservation.

Throughout 2021 and into 2022, the Fort Wayne Railroad worked to identify and relocate surplus railroad equipment left at the former locations of the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville and Logansport, respectively. Stored in deteriorating condition and a barrier to mediation efforts at each site, the Fort Wayne Railroad, volunteers, and contractors undertook a Herculean effort to dismantle several locomotives for shipping and prep remaining equipment for stabilization and transportation by truck. Additional assistance was provided by the Nickel Plate Express, US Rail Corporation, and Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company.

The saved equipment includes:

Two Milwaukee Road F Units, no. 72-A, and 96-C
One Milwaukee Road B-Unit no. 68-B
One Pennsylvania Railroad hopper car no. 257784
One Lake Erie & Western/Nickel Plate Road boxcar no. 18013
One Louisville & Nashville boxcar no. 12177
One Wabash Railroad boxcar no. 49762

“We’re grateful that Noblesville and Logansport elected to partner with us to find new homes for these historic artifacts. It’s an unusual burden for a City to be faced with de-accessing railroad equipment of any size or age and an enormous challenge for a non-profit like ours to be able to intercede,” said Kelly Lynch, Vice President of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “Fortunately, a private donor stepped up to assist in saving these pieces of Indiana history. Everything relocated is destined for restoration and interpretation of some kind and will help tell the story of Hoosier railroading.”

Several mechanical components from the vintage locomotives have been made available to other rail preservation organizations, and at least one diesel locomotive is being considered for an interactive display. Plans call for a portion of the freight cars to be used in a variety of educational capacities as the Fort Wayne Railroad expands its programs and events, and continues work on establishing a regional railroad attraction in Northeast Indiana. Inquiries on locomotive parts can be made by clicking here.

The equipment is currently stored at a privately owned, rail-served facility where stabilization efforts will take place, along with:

Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 624 and Milwaukee Road reefer no. 37076, saved for preservation and relocated in a partnership with the City of Hammond in 2017
Former Louisville & Nashville auxiliary water tender no. 40985 and originally the tender to Louisville & Nashville Berkshire no. 1989, and later preserved for use with Bessemer & Lake Erie steam locomotive no. 643 and relocated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2019
Pennsylvania Railway Post Office Car no. 6523, purchased at auction from the Noblesville collection in 2018
Former Santa Fe baggage cars no. 1255 and 1257, acquired via a donation from Amtrak in 2019

Due to the active industrial nature of the storage site, the equipment is not currently available for public viewing or tours.

While this equipment is currently in storage, the Fort Wayne Railroad is hard at work to finish several important restoration projects, including our dining car Silver Diner, Nickel Plate Road diesel locomotive no. 358, or future open air car no. 3671. Click here to make a contribution.

For 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has dedicated itself to providing outstanding, hands-on educational and recreational experiences through the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts significant to Northeast Indiana. An all-volunteer, award-winning non-profit organization, it has operated Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 over 300,000 miles in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and routinely welcomes passengers from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. In addition, Fort Wayne continues to restore and exhibit other historic steam and diesel locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars from the Golden Age of Railroading. Its operations are funded entirely from memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For several years, the Fort Wayne Railroad has worked to establish Headwaters Junction, a rail interpretive facility and regional destination, for its successful events and programs. For more information, visit headwatersjunction.org.

Jul 15

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Railroad Society Announces 2021 Season

By Kelly Lynch Events, Excursions, Uncategorized

NEW HAVEN (July 15th) – The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) has announced its 2021 slate of events and excursions, the return of historic steam locomotive No. 765 to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Cleveland, Ohio, and the operation of the Autumn Colors Express in Huntington West Virginia.

“After hosting a successful but limited capacity event last October, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to educate and entertain the general public aboard our attractions once again,” said Joe Knapke, FWRHS President. “We’re grateful that our members, donors, and volunteers helped us weather 2020’s uncertainties.”

Nickel Plate Road locomotive no. 765 will be under steam at the Annual Open House in New Haven, Indiana in August, and operate over three weeks for Steam in the Valley at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic on September 3rd, 10th-12th, 17th-19th. Tickets for Steam in the Valley go on sale July 20th at cvsr.com at 9 AM.

Exclusive Throttle Time tickets will permit railroad fans to operate the iconic steam engine on September 13th for a six-mile round trip. Throttle Time ticket sales begin July 21st at 12 PM for FWRHS members and 6 PM for the general public at fortwaynerailroad.org.

Society members will also be co-hosting the Autumn Colors Express from October 21st through 24th. These all-day first-class passenger trains will carry passengers through the heart of the New River Gorge National Park during peak fall color. Tickets for these diesel-powered excursions are available now at autumncolorexpresswv.com.

The Society’s annual events in New Haven include the Railroad Open House and train rides on August 20th – 22nd and the Pumpkin Train on October 9th and 10th. This year, the 19th Annual Santa Train will return one week earlier on November 27th and operate the next three weekends in December, giving passengers more opportunities to take a train ride with Santa Claus. Ticket sales begin November 3rd.

The FWRHS is also teaming up with the Mad River & NKP Museum in Bellevue, Ohio for Berkshires in Bellevue – two weekends of events between September 24th and October 3rd. Bellevue and Fort Wayne were once major terminals for the Nickel Plate Road, and the 765 will operate train rides and special events at the museum to honor the community’s heritage as a railroad town.

CLICK HERE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN TICKETS GO ON SALE

CONTACT THE TICKET AGENT

Earlier this year, Society volunteers completed an extensive restoration of a century-old Wabash Railroad caboose, which will expand capacity for the organization’s popular train rides and offerings. In addition to the caboose, volunteers are in the final stage in the restoration of vintage Nickel Plate Road diesel locomotive no. 358. The classic diesel locomotive will be used on regional tourist railroads and in tandem exhibition and excursion with the 765.

Volunteers also continue to make meaningful progress on the rebuild of a one-of-a-kind Lake Erie & Western freight car, with a fundraising goal of $3,500 to complete the project. Donations can be made online at fortwaynerailroad.org/donate.

Crowds gathered as the historic steam locomotive No. 765 let out a whistle as it sat on the tracks during the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society's open house on Saturday.

The glossy black engine, which was the first locomotive to make its way across Fort Wayne's elevated railroads, had coals stacked high as conductors climbed aboard.