Two stablemates together again after about 55 years. While they were both alone in the Steamtown roundhouse, I bet there was a lot of catching up to do. Of the 6 surviving NKP Berkshires, these two are the only ones to see extensive service after the NKP ceased its beloved steam operations.
They were both built at Lima Locomotive in Lima, Ohio in 1944 and were two of a total of 80 Berkshires the NKP eventually acquired for it's famous fast freight service. As they were in the second group ordered, they are members of the S-2 class. No. 759 lays claim as the last steam locomotive out-shopped by the railroads main shops in Conneaut, Ohio in May 1958. As it was never put back into railroad service, this made it a prime candidate for it's second career as an excursion engine. After purchase by Steamtown's Nelson Blount and under the auspices of impresario Ross Rowland, the locomotive was used in a series of famous trips from 1968 to 1973 when it was returned to Steamtown. No. 765 was first plinthed in Fort Wayne then in 1979 became the first all-volunteer restoration of a steam locomotive to excursion service.
Don't worry, the fire is not coming out No.765's headlight. It does make for an arresting effect though.
