Indiana Rail Experience: Railroad Open House 2023

Over the course of the past year, the Indiana Rail Experience has assuredly made a name for itself in the world of steam railroading in America. Unveiled in the spring of 2022, the operation involves a collaboration between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and shortline railroad Indiana Northeastern, and commemorates the vital roles that the railroads played in the small towns and lush farm country of Northeast Indiana, as well as a chance to show the public what the golden age of traveling by train had in store for the soul. After a successful first season in 2022, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society wasted no time in organizing another well rounded schedule of events for 2023. One of the most anticipated was the first ever Railroad Open House, which took place on the last weekend of July, on Saturday the 29th, and Sunday the 30th. Serving as a celebration of Indiana’s railroading past as well as the impact of the Indiana Northeastern Railroad on the local communities, the Open House drew in over 2,500 visitors, and four different steam locomotives were seen under steam, all in the same place at the same time!

Hosted by the Fort Wayne Group, the event was staged at the Indiana Northeastern Railroad’s maintenance facility in Hudson, Indiana. The featured steam locomotives included the Little River Railroad’s 0-4-0T #1 and 4-6-2 #110, Jeddo Coal Company #85 of the nearby Gramling Locomotive Works, and of course, Nickel Plate Road S-2 Berkshire #765! The event featured a plethora of exciting events and excursions, including round trips to Hamilton, IN with #110 and to Steubenville with #1. The #765 led the final excursions of each day to South Milford, IN and return. Back at Hudson, #85 was on hand for the highly popular “Hands on the Throttle” sessions, giving the general public a very rare opportunity to operate a working steam locomotive. The Open House also saw the public debut of Nickel Plate Road SD9 #358, which has just recently completed a major rebuild that had lasted several years. She'll be ready for action very soon! Come join us as we take a detailed look at this one of a kind event!

Enjoy!