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NEW PICS - 11/5/07
2-8-4 #763

NEW PICS - 9/18/07
2-8-0 #33

NEW PICS - 9/18/07
4-6-2 #1293

4-8-4 #6325

4-6-0 #1551

2-8-0 #13

0-4-0 #3

4-6-2 #1278

2-6-0 #96

NKP 763 IS HOME!

November 5, 2007
From Ohio Central Master Mechanic - Steam, Tim Sposato

The 763's deadhead move to Ohio began when we departed Roanoke at 7:30am Thursday Nov.1. The engine ran well, no issues, no hot bearings, no nothing, just stops every 50 miles for inspection, grease and oil. She took those curves on the 'Pokey Div' nicely. The NS crews were pleasant and very helpful as they kept the special train on the move through the beautiful scenery surrounding the main line, passing many NS freight trains in the process. The local residents were surprised as we rolled through small towns along they way at the posted Special’s speed of 25 MPH. The only layover we had was at Portsmouth from 4:30am to 9am Friday for a fresh crew. The picture above was taken in Portsbouth just before we left.

Nov. 2nd dawned cool and sunny as we inspected the 763 for it final day on NS, departing Portsmouth at 10am, north towards Columbus Ohio. At the 50 mile point we stopped to meet a few opposing freights and inspected and lubricated 763.

In the shot above, we are just entering Ohio Central property in Columbus, Ohio. The 763 arrived on its new owner’s rails at 5:16pm on November 3, 2007 at which time the NS engine was removed and replaced with a Ohio Central locomotive for the final leg of her journey to Morgan Run Shop. We stopped at Newark and dropped the idler hoppers and turned the 763 on the wye. This move allows a better position in the shop for rebuilding later on. Morgan Run was reached at 12:15am Nov. 3rd, completing the 515 mile, flawless trip from Roanoke. A big accomplishment from and engine that has been mainly stationary since 1974. This was one of the best dead engine moves I have ever made. We got over the road in good time and had no problems with the engine.

We look forward to the 763's new life on the Ohio Central, now that she's back in her home state of Ohio.

Phase Two of 763’s second career is not far off.

This message was found written on the flank of the #763 on 07-24-2007 prior to leaving Virginia Museum of Transportation property

Ohio Central employee Steve Olinger squirts oil onto #763’s spring rigging as the loco is pulled out of museum on 07-24-2007
On July 22, 2007, ex-Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #763 is pulled through the back gate of the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke as the Berkshire begins its long journey home to the locomotive’s new owner, the Ohio Central Railroad in Coshocton, Ohio. Plans call for rebuilding the locomotive and returning it to operation.

Now lettered OHCR (Ohio Central RR), ex-NKP 2-8-4 #763 is pushed along NS main line from the museum to the Norfolk Southern East End Shop in Roanoke on 07-24-2007

Ohio Central employee Jerry Ballard inspects the 6-wheel Buckeye trucks underneath the tender the 763 in Roanoke on 07-24-2007

NKP #763 sitting under cover at NS Roanoke Shop area on 07-24-07 as Ohio Central employees prepare loco for movement back to Ohio.

Ohio Central Railroad’s Chief Mechanical Officer—Steam, Tim Sposato, works on the friction bearing trailer truck of former NKP 2-8-4 #763 in Roanoke prior to the locomotive being shipped to Ohio

Ohio Central employee Scott Czigans works on friction bearing in trailer truck of former NKP 2-8-4 #763 to prepare loco for movement back to Ohio

Ohio Central employees Scott Czigans and Steve Olinger working in pit underneath former NKP 2-8-4 #763 at NS Roanoke Shop on 07-24-2007

Ex-NKP 2-8-4 #763 is displayed inside Norfolk Southern’s
Roanoke Locomotive Shop on September 8, 2007,
during an open house celebrating the facility’s 125th anniversary.

This steam locomotive will be brought back to Ohio for restoration back to service by the new owner, the Ohio Central Railroad System.

Norfolk Southern’s Roanoke Locomotive Shop superintendent, Gary Naff, poses on the pilot of ex-Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #763 during a September 8, 2007, open house celebrating the facility’s 125th anniversary.

This engine was recently purchased from the Virginia Museum of Transportation by the Ohio Central Railroad which plans to rebuild the Berkshire back into operating condition at its Morgan Run Shop.

Ex-Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #763 rides on the turntable at Roanoke Shop during the facility’s 125th anniversary celebration on September 8, 2007. Recently purchased from the Virginia Museum of Transportation by the Ohio Central Railroad System, #763 will be headed to its new home in Ohio where it will be rebuilt for return to service.

Ohio Central’s steam department employees Steve Olinger, Scott Czigans (in gangway), Tim Sposato and Jerry Ballard (in cab) pose with the #763 in Roanoke as they prepare the Berkshire for movement back to Ohio .