One of the best descriptions of what its like to share Fort Wayne steam locomotive no. 765 with the country is that it’s a lot like taking a rocket ship down Main Street. We’ve used this comparison for several years and its evocative of the unusual wonder the locomotive inspires. As Space Shuttle Endeavor ventured … Continue reading
Filed under Tourism …
The Following of a Fort Wayne Landmark
The following of Fort Wayne’s steam locomotive has never been more evident. Last weekend, the locomotive’s caretakers experienced their biggest open house in history with thousands of attendees, over 1500 passengers, and consistent crowds for two days. Though modest in scope, the opportunity provides the public the chance to get up close and personal with … Continue reading
Harnessing the “Truly Powerful” – National Accolades for Fort Wayne Idea
Jim Wrinn, editor of TRAINS Magazine with 90,000 subscribers, recently submitted this letter to the City of Fort Wayne. Thanks for the support, Jim. Sept. 4, 2012 The presence of an operating steam locomotive is a powerful tool. It is a symbol nationwide of the great effort that it took to build America, the labor … Continue reading
“The Engine That Still Does” – Fort Wayne Locomotive a Tourism Draw Wherever it Goes
Pittsburgh newspapers captioned a photo “the engine that still does.” Fostoria, Ohio reported boosted tourism, Toledo, Ohio confided “it’s really going to give Toledo a shot in the arm — I think Toledo needs a lot of this”, Altoona, Pennsylvania recalls that “interest was intense.” Others called it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity that … Continue reading
Headwaters Junction and Legacy Fort Wayne
Read the Headwaters Junction Light Lease Proposal. In the initial years between 2006 and 2008, Headwaters Junction acquired a name, a dozen site sketches and layouts, and spent most of its time existing somewhere between imagination and college ruled paper. Its potential would be briefly seen in the efforts of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical … Continue reading
Vision
Headwaters Junction is a strategic endeavor to enrich the Fort Wayne experience by harnessing untapped potential north of 4th Street and its surrounding neighborhoods. It will: establish a new, dramatic gateway to downtown Fort Wayne create a romantic entertainment and education driven regional attraction define a new historic and cultural corridor create a walkable mixed … Continue reading
Background
On October 4th, 1955 the Nickel Plate Road opened a two-track overpass that elevated its busy rails above city streets and unleashed city development northward. Breaking the ribbon on that day was a Berkshire-type steam locomotive, no. 767. The 80 fast freight Berkshire-type steam locomotives constructed for the Nickel Plate Road earned the company a … Continue reading
Inception
Steam locomotive 765 already represents a remarkable national tourist attraction with a proven 30 year track record. Far from marginalization in a textbook, the 765 is not just living history, but our history, existing in operation, immersion, atmosphere, and experience. That experience happens with every sense: from the sounding of a steam whistle echoing gently … Continue reading
The Railroad
A new rail line on a historic right of way will expand passenger train service, encourage new businesses and economic development, and enhance the infrastructure of adjacent neighborhoods. As part of the recreated of railroad yard at 4th street, several miles of historic New York Central Railroad and Toledo & Chicago Electric Railway right of … Continue reading
The Collection
Locomotives Two rare, local steam engines find a home among a growing stable of revenue generating locomotives that include steam, diesel, and streetcars. Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 – the centerpiece to Headwaters Junction is landmark steam locomotive no. 765, a world-famous passenger excursion locomotive restored to operating condition in 1979 and completely … Continue reading
Headwaters Junction 