763 in Sugarcreek, OH.
Nickel Plate Road No. 763 is a 2-8-4 "Berkshire" type steam locomotive.
History[]
763 was built in 1944 by the Lima Locomotive Works for the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad.
The locomotive was built for fast freight service on the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad between Buffalo, St. Louis, Chicago, and Toledo.
During 1966 NKP’s new corporate parent, Norfolk & Western, transferred No. 763 to Roanoke, Virginia, for outdoor display at Wasena Park.
Ten years later No. 763 was moved to New Jersey for inspection and possible overhaul for use on the American Freedom Train, which at that time was proposed to be pulled by double-headed NKP Berks No. 763 and No. 755. However, that plan did not work out, so No. 763 headed back to Roanoke.
Today, this beautiful Berkshire sits in the Age of Steam Roundhouse, waiting for its turn to be rebuilt in the adjacent back shop and eventual return to service.
Trivia[]
- 763 was the original choice to pull the American Freedom Train.
- Years later VMT sold No. 763 to Jerry Jacobson of Ohio Central Railroad fame, and during 2007 the wayward No. 763 was repatriated to its rightful home in the state of Ohio.
- Taken out of service at Conneaut, OH in 1958, and was officially retired in October, 1964.