A former Nickel Plate Road GP9 is headed to an Ohio tourist railroad where it will be restored to operation. Last week, the Cincinnati Scenic Railway announced a deal with the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society to acquire NKP GP9 532. 

GP9 532 entered service on the NKP in 1959 and eventually joined the Norfolk & Western, which later became part of Norfolk Southern. It was donated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation in 1984 and was later acquired by the NRHS chapter in 2015. Cincinnati Scenic is currently raising funds at nkpohio.org to restore the locomotive to operation. 

“Cincinnati Scenic Railway is excited for the opportunity to return another piece of historic rolling stock to our collection. Thanks to our friends at the Roanoke Chapter, future generations will be able to ride behind 532 and witness it in operation,” said railroad president Ray Kammer Jr.

Meanwhile, another piece from the NRHS Roanoke Chapter collection found a new home last week. N&W Tool Car 1407 has been donated to VMT to be permanently reunited with 4-8-4 611. The car was originally built in 1927 as a mail storage car. In the 1980s, the car was converted into a tool car for N&W 611. It remained in that service until the end of the Norfolk Southern steam program in 1994. The car was then acquired by the NRHS chapter. When 611 returned to the main line in the 2010s, the tool car was again matched with the locomotive. 

“The Roanoke Chapter is pleased to form this partnership with the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Together we can highlight the historic role of the 611 and 1407, from the 1950s through today, ensuring both artifacts continue to be together as they were intended,” said Roanoke Chapter President Tim Witt. 

The Roanoke Chapter maintains a large collection of historic equipment, including a Norfolk & Western Alco T-6, a “Redbird” GP9, and over two dozen other pieces. Earlier this year, the group announced it would be constructing a new restoration facility.

—Railfan & Railroad Staff