NKP 624

Finally have a Nickel Plate Road photo taken in my state of Indiana. This beautiful loco was built by Lima in October of 1922 and served the Nickel Plate until being retired in December of 1954. The loco was later dontaed on 9/13/1955 to the city of Hammond, IN, where is remained on display for many years as this photo shows. Just within the last few years, it was moved to Fort Wayne, IN for restoration by the same group that rebuilt NKP 765. Hope to see it running the rails again!!! No photographer was listed for this photo.

Actual date unknown.

Fifteen of these were built by Lima in 1922 as a class H-6d with 63" drivers and developing 200 psi. One of only three preserved NKP 2-8-2's, this one was donated to Hammond, IN on 9/13/55 and is still there but in much worse shape. The photographer C.W. Burns noted on the photo back "One of the first engines given to a city for display. Now in sad shape, but are trying to fix it up. Also will fence it." August, 1970 reprint.

Date unknown.

From a distance, the Nickel Plate Road 624 looks like its on a local run through downtown Hammond like it used to do over 70 years ago. Sthll a testament to the skill of thousands who designed, maintained and ran these puffing giants of steel.

The Nickel Plate Road tender to NKP 624 lettering still looks sharp although its wheels are caugot by entangling vines.

The Nickel Plate Road 2-8-2 sits across from the Hammond Civic Center as it has since 1955. Vines now encircle its wheels and the cab window sill hangs loosely in a forelorn way.

Up close, its face shows the ravages of the years - missing parts like the bell, light and number plates, amd more serious, cancerous rust holes

Bathed in the morning sun, Nickel Plate Road 624 (2-8-2) looks good from the distance but enmeshed in weeds around its wheels.

Hillary Clinton came to town for a speech to drum up Indiana votes. I'm no fan of hers, but I'm certainly a fan of the NKP steam locomotive. Also part of the group that has plans to restore it to operating condition. www.nwirps.org

Missing Mars light, number boards, and other various items.

shot from the tender. yes the local gang bangers were there.

washing out the ash in the loco

she sits rusting away with homeless men living in the box car

On display since 1955 (and, sad to say, steadily deteriorating).

On display at Sohl Avenue (since 1955).