Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 765 is kicking off a busy season of steam with excursions on Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad before heading “home” to lead the popular Indiana Rail Experience.

Last weekend, on April 25, locomotive 765 led its first excursion on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) since 2022 and will lead eight more runs this weekend. As of now, tickets are still available. The NKP Berkshire has been a regular visitor to the CVSR in the past; however, track issues on the tourist railroad have prevented it from visiting in both 2023 and 2024.

After the “Steam in the Valley” excursions, 765 will head to the Indiana Northeastern Railroad for the fourth season of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Indiana Rail Experience. Since its founding in 2022, the Indiana Rail Experience has welcomed thousands of passengers from at least 32 states and two countries. It was even named the “Best New Experience” by the Indiana State Tourism Association.

Recently, FWRHS announced a comprehensive schedule of events, including excursions that extend into January 2026. Things kick off on May 17 with a diesel-powered cigar train. Then, from May 23  25, locomotive 765 will make its first appearance of the year, leading Ice Cream Trains, a Wine & Whiskey Train, and Throttle Time experiences. Locomotive 765 is expected to appear in service in June, July, and October.

For more information, visit IndianaRailExperience.org. —Railfan & Railroad Staff