Project Manager: WD Miller
NICKEL PLATE ROAD DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE NO. 358
With its 16 cylinders, six axles, and imposing black and gold pinstriping, diesel locomotive no. 358 was one of 20 constructed to replace the Nickel Plate Road's steam fleet in 1957. Designated "Special Duty," the more efficient SD9-type locomotive helped end the of era steam power on the railroad and went on to serve the Norfolk & Western and Norfolk Southern for decades before it was retired and donated in 2010.
"Project 358" has succeeded in restoring the locomotive to its original cosmetic appearance and returning it to operational condition, and now helps the Fort Wayne Railroad tell the story of the end of steam and the beginning of the modern railroad era.
The 358 is the only operational Nickel Plate SD9 to look as it did when new and the only one to operate in rail tourism service. The 358 entered service after additional mechanical and electrical work in late mid-2024.
More than 13,000 volunteer hours and six years have been invested into the 358’s restoration, and the work was also supported by over $100,000 in financial and in-kind contributions.
In addition to Progress Rail, successor to Electro-Motive, and its employees, supporters have included Steel Dynamics, Nickel Plate Railroad Historical & Technical Society, Crown Battery, Mid America Railcar Leasing, Horizon Rail, and numerous private individuals with locomotive expertise.
PROJECT SPONSORS
PROJECT UPDATES
STATS
Serial Number: 23173
Builder: Electro-Motive
Type: SD9
Height: 15ft
Weight: 360,000 lbs
Length: 60’- 8.5”
Tractive Effort (starting): 90,800lbs
Tractive Effort (continuous): 75,000lbs
Maximum Speed: 65MPH
Fuel: Diesel
TIMELINE
Built: 1957
Renumbered N&W 2358: 9/66
Renumbered NS 2958: 1983
Renumbered NS 57: 6/91
Retired: 2007
Donated: 2010
Rebuild: 2016 – 2024
