NKP #765 Memories On The C&O

October was once a charismatic month along the C&O main line between Huntington and Hinton with the running of the annual New River Trains. Scheduled for two consecutive weekends, an interested party had four days of which to choose a beautiful fall excursion through the scenic New River Gorge. Even if one did not elect to ride the excursions, there were four days that could be spent trackside watching the passing of this spectacular train. Steam power was the preferred first choice for the events when it was available. If it was not, attempts were made to at least secure classic diesel power to pull the trains. The trains were long and consisted of private cars from numerous fallen flag railroads---a potpourri of colors and car types but impressive nonetheless. It was a far cry from the more homogenized Amtrak version that has been used for the past two decades. 

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The magnificent #765 Nickel Plate Road Berkshire at Charleston. A fine excursion locomotive then just as she is again today in the 21st century. Dan Robie 1985

1985

The #765 is slowing for the station stop at Charleston in this 1985 view. This was probably the first weekend run as there is not yet much color on the trees even for the Capital City. Dan Robie 1985

The timeless fascination of the steam locomotive. Admirers stand and look at a marvel created by man that is a virtual living breathing machine. Dan Robie 1985

A close up of the #765 on that first weekend run in 1985. The arrival of the train in Charleston was a big event for spectators as McCorkle Avenue came to a virtual stall as traffic slowed to view the scene. Dan Robie 1985

Reflecting on the rail excursions during that era, probably a third of the passengers were die hard rail or steam enthusiasts. They enjoyed the trip because of the train and locomotive and were fascinated by the excursion from primarily a railroad perspective. Listening to the #765 blow its whistle at the numerous grade crossings, the cadence of its exhaust, and the smell of burnt coal in the crisp autumn air harkened with nostalgia or perhaps introducing the experience for the very first time. Others simply looked upon it as an opportunity for a unique trip through the scenic upper Kanawha and New River valleys amidst the vivid fall foliage and to visit the Hinton festivals that took place in conjunction with the New River Trains.

This was likely the second day of the 1985 excursions as the sun and blue sky are present. First of two in sequence of the #765 arriving in Charleston. Dan Robie 1985

The morning sun canvassed the scene perfectly as the #765 slows for the station stop. This image speaks a thousand words as to why the fascination with steam locomotives. Dan Robie 1985

A long tangent exists on the C&O between the station and the curve at 39th Street in Kanawha City from where this photo was taken. Upon departing the Charleston station, the #765 quickly accelerates on this stretch even with its long, heavy train. This was a great location to watch her gain speed and to hear the cadence of the acceleration. Dan Robie 1985

1986

Every excursion trip I ever took, the majority of the time was spent standing in a vestibule. Once my legs grew tired from standing for long periods of time, the seat would beckon but for only brief periods of time. I would again return to the vestibule for the next round. Occasionally my dad would stay out there with me for a stint and in later years, my wife. Both enjoyed the sights passing by and the smell of burnt coal but probably not to the extent that I did. Although the family did not see much of me on the train, there was more unity at Hinton as we stayed together walking through the town. It would be appropriate to include here that these were cherished family outings and the passing of the years has elevated the fondness of these memories especially now since mom and dad are no longer with us.

A freeze frame with a 120 camera at 39th Street in Kanawha City on one of the following year's runs. Dan Robie 1986

All of the New River Trains would include a photo run-by and these were typically located at the ghost town of Sewell in the Gorge. Many folks were trackside for these and clean shots were difficult to get. Dan Robie 1986 

On the service track at Hinton the #765 is serviced for the return trip. So many changes since this time. The Hinton yard, still immersed in Chessie flavor, is but a shell of its former self today. Passengers would not be permitted to stand about in a yard today due to liability concerns in this lawsuit obsessed society. Dan Robie 1986

A photo taken from the passenger car through the glass at the locomotive on the service track. The Chessie crane and cabooses complete the scene although by this date it is now CSX. Dan Robie 1986

Front half profile of the #765 with two of the crew who serviced her. Surely wish I had a better camera in those days. Dan Robie 1986

If I have any regrets from this era it would be the number of photos I did not take. Looking back, I spent more time enjoying the rides rather than burning up the shutter. A better quality camera is also a hindsight wish but I am grateful for what is on this page and to share here almost thirty years later.

Another view at the Hinton service track as coal is loaded into the tender. Dan Robie 1986 

My favorite image of the Hinton series. The seldom seen rear of the tender free from trailing cars and the locomotive from a back to front profile. Dan Robie 1986

1990s

Chilly morning air of October greeted the sunrise in this daybreak image at Huntington. I was boarding an excursion train from Huntington to Parkersburg that was running concurrently with the New River Train. The #765, tranquil here, would soon unleash her mighty power on another run to Hinton. The first half of the 1990s was a golden time as there were excursions on routes that had not seen passenger trains for years. Sadly, it was to be short lived. Dan Robie 1990

1991 witnessed a #765 powered excursion that was a scenically marked contrast to a ride through the New River Gorge. The Collis P. Huntington Historical Society sponsored a Labor Day Excursion to Cincinnati that year with a layover in the Queen City to watch a Reds game. After the game ended, the excursion returned to Huntington before terminating at Saint Albans. Of note, the Charleston station was not utilized that year because the owner of the building denied the use of its facilities. The exact circumstances of why not I am not certain. In any event and despite its duration, the trip was an enjoyable excursion along the Ohio River on the Kentucky side.

The return trip is what I specifically remember. The baseball game lasted longer than anticipated and over the road delays caused the train to arrive in Saint Albans past midnight. The engineer opened the throttle on the #765 east of Huntington and I thought for certain the train would come off the track at Scary Creek curve just west of Saint Albans.

Rounding the curve at Covington, KY as the train passes the tower---"Cabin" in C&O jargon---at KC Junction. Dan Robie 1991

The 1991 Labor Day Excursion approaches the bridge as it prepares to cross the Ohio River into Cincinnati. Dan Robie 1991

Two years later in 1993 marked the final appearance to date of the #765 on the New River Train and on CSX rails altogether. To commemorate the heritage of the run, the #765 was repainted into a C&O Kanawha---the name the road chose for this class of locomotive instead of Berkshire--- and renumbered as the #2765 which was correct for the occasion. 1993 also ended the first excursion career of the #765 and it was mothballed needing an overhaul. It would be thirteen years before it returned to mainline excursion service again. Just as in 1991, the Charleston station was not used and the family and I boarded the train at St. Albans.

Dressed up as a C&O Kanawha and with #2765 as its number, the NKP Berkshire slows for the station stop at St. Albans on the first weekend of the 1993 New River Train. An overcast morning that would remain throughout the day. The near track in this photo no longer exists. Dan Robie 1993

The times were changing in regards to steam powered excursion trains on Class I railroads. Insurance rates rose and regulations became more stringent in regards to safety and liability concerns. As a result, both CSX and Norfolk Southern ended steam powered excursions in 1994. The final steam powered run on the New River Train was by Milwaukee Road #261 of that same year. For the past two decades, only Amtrak power has been used for the train. Although the annual train continues as a success, a bit of charisma has been lost. If one is a rail buff or historian, the ride is missing the nostalgic element that was so prevalent in the past.

The stop at Montgomery for passengers. Large crowds would gather here to watch the most eastward passenger stop of the New River Trains. Dan Robie 1993

Running east through the town of Thurmond. A portal back into time. Dan Robie 1993

The photo run-by of the #2765. Minor modifications were made to the locomotive to "convert" it from a Nickel Plate Berkshire to a C&O Kanawha. Note the change in the headlight as one example. Dan Robie 1993

In 2006, the overhaul on the NKP #765 was completed and the locomotive began its second career in excursion service. The greatest boost was the announcement by Norfolk Southern that it would revive its steam program after twenty years of dormancy. The #765 was used for employee excursions in 2012 and 2013 and will be a participating “member” of the company 21st Century Steam Program. This revival is popular among the rail enthusiast and historical communities and best of all, introduces the steam locomotive to generations young and older that had not experienced the thrill of seeing them in service. The #765---in addition to other locomotives---will not disappoint.

Unfortunately, the outlook is bleak in regards to the #765---or any other steam locomotive---powering the New River Train once again. CSX is not a participant---nor to date has not expressed an interest--- for a steam program in the foreseeable future. Unless a change of philosophy occurs in Jacksonville, steam powered locomotives on trains will not be how tomorrow’s excursions move. How wonderful it would be to see steam run again through the beauty of the New River Gorge amidst the vivid foliage.

As of this date, I have not seen the NKP #765 since 1993 and hope for the opportunity in the near future as the 21st Century Steam Programs expands.

Additional NKP #765 Sources

For more detailed information about the locomotive and its history, here are two links:

Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society

Wikipedia

Plenty of high quality photographs have been taken of the #765 and can be easily located on the web.