Nickel Plate Road 587
Nickel Plate Road 587: A Historic Steam Locomotive
Nickel Plate Road 587, a preserved H-6o class 2-8-2 “USRA Light Mikado” type steam locomotive, embodies the rich history of American railroading. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1918 for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad as No. 5541, this locomotive has undergone numerous transformations throughout its lifetime. From its initial service on the Lake Erie and Western to its retirement and restoration efforts, NKP 587 stands as a testament to the era of steam locomotion in the United States. This article delves into the locomotive’s history, service record, restoration journey, and current status, highlighting its significance within both the railroad community and American heritage.
Early History and Revenue Service
Nickel Plate Road 587 was originally constructed for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad (LE&W) in September 1918. Initially numbered as No. 5541, it served the LE&W faithfully until the railroad was acquired by the Nickel Plate Road (NKP) in 1922. Following a period of consolidation and standardization of locomotive numbers, No. 5541 was renumbered to NKP 587 in 1924.
The locomotive was primarily utilized on a route connecting Indianapolis to Michigan City, Indiana, where it became an integral part of the Nickel Plate’s operations over the next thirty-seven years. During its service, NKP 587 underwent an important overhaul in late 1943, during which its original cylinders were replaced with castings from Lima Locomotive Works. This upgrade allowed it to continue serving effectively until its last revenue run in March 1955.
Retirement and Display
In September 1955, after a long career of service, NKP 587 was retired and donated to the city of Indianapolis. It was subsequently placed on display at Broad Ripple Park. Before its display, the locomotive’s original tender was swapped with that of another NKP Mikado, No. 639, due to maintenance needs. The tender attached to NKP 587 during its display was a larger model capable of carrying more coal and water than its original configuration.
While on display in Broad Ripple Park, NKP 587 attracted public interest but also faced challenges related to maintenance and preservation. In 1976, concerns arose regarding its deteriorating condition, prompting efforts by the Indiana Transportation Museum (ITM) to secure ownership for restoration purposes. However, these efforts were initially unsuccessful due to bureaucratic hurdles with the Indianapolis Parks Department.
Restoration Efforts
In October 1983, after negotiations between the ITM and city officials regarding park development plans, NKP 587 was removed from Broad Ripple Park for restoration. A dedicated group known as “Friends of 587” conducted feasibility studies that revealed the locomotive’s potential for restoration. The ITM signed a twenty-five-year lease for No. 587 and secured space at Amtrak’s Beech Grove Shops to commence restoration work.
The restoration process involved extensive volunteer labor and financial contributions totaling nearly $250,000. Remarkably, upon beginning repairs, workers discovered that NKP 587 had been stored rather than fully decommissioned; ashes were still present in the ashpan from its last service runs. After years of dedicated effort, restoration culminated in a successful test run on August 29, 1988. NKP 587 officially returned to operational status when it pulled its first excursion train on September 17 of that year.
Excursion Service
Following its restoration, NKP 587 quickly became a centerpiece for the Indiana Transportation Museum’s excursion service. It primarily operated special trains such as the Fair Train between Fishers and Indianapolis during state fairs and other notable events across Indiana.
The locomotive participated in significant excursions throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s, including collaborations with other historical steam locomotives like Norfolk and Western’s No. 611 for various events. However, legal disputes concerning ownership arose between Friends of 587 and ITM in late 1989, halting operations temporarily until resolution was achieved in favor of ITM in early 1991.
Throughout its excursion service life until late 2002, NKP 587 continued to delight steam enthusiasts with numerous trips across Indiana and beyond until federal regulations required an extensive overhaul due to safety mandates concerning boiler components.
Downtime and Storage Issues
After ceasing operations due to regulatory requirements in January 2003 for necessary repairs and component replacements like tubes and flues, NKP 587 entered a prolonged period of inactivity. During this downtime, various components were disassembled for inspection and refurbishment; however, funding shortages limited further progress on restoration.
The ownership situation evolved; by June 2018, court rulings prompted ITM to vacate their premises leading to NKP 587 being relocated to Ravenna, Kentucky under an arrangement with Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation (KSHCO). Here it remained alongside other historical locomotives while awaiting future restoration efforts.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of March 2021, ownership of Nickel Plate Road 587 transitioned from ITM to a private individual who is currently collaborating with KSHCO regarding future plans for restoration or potential operational revival. Unfortunately, NKP 587 faced additional challenges when it was delisted from the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 2021.
Most recently announced plans included a public auction scheduled for January 2025 due to unpaid storage fees; however, negotiations among involved parties have led to discussions about potential settlement agreements instead of pursuing auctioning off this historic locomotive.
Cultural Significance
Throughout its history, Nickel Plate Road 587 has not only served as a working steam locomotive but also found roles in popular culture. It has been featured in documentaries such as Rediscovering America on Discovery Channel as well as children’s films emphasizing nostalgia surrounding rail travel like Old 587: The Great Train Robbery.
Conclusion
Nickel Plate Road 587 represents a significant chapter within American railroading history through decades of service across different owners and preservation efforts aimed at keeping steam locomotion alive for future generations. While currently facing challenges related to funding and ownership transitions, there remains hope among enthusiasts that this iconic locomotive will once again take to the tracks—preserving not just steel wheels turning against rails but also stories intertwined with America’s industrial heritage.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).