Steam In The Valley

Steam In The Valley

I spent a wet Saturday morning travelling into the Cuyahoga National Park to experience Railroad History. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad was hosting its annual Steam in the Valley attraction, which featured Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive 765. Once a fast-freight and passenger locomotive for the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, built by the Lima Locomotive Works, the 765 is now a celebrated ambassador of American innovation. Owned and operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, this engineering marvel has been meticulously restored to its original 1944 glory by the dedicated team at the Lima Locomotive Works. Historic steam locomotive no. 765 is a high-stepping, fourteen-wheeled time machine that stands 15 feet tall, weighs 404 tons and can go over 70 miles an hour. It was one of the famous class of steam locomotives called the Berkshire; one known for its “superpower” technology and aesthetic charm.

The 765 is one of only a handful of operational mainline steam engines in North America. Its visits are rare, and its presence is a testament to the enduring legacy of steam railroading. The 765 was a beast to see and experience in person and a blast to photograph.

Thanks for Stopping