FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Next weekend, train buffs familiar with a historic locomotive that has long resided in the Elkhart community will have to say goodbye. Fort Wayne residents, however, will soon be saying hello.
“The Mohawk,” New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001, has spent four decades on display in Elkhart and is in the process of being brought back to life. To do that, it’s being moved to Fort Wayne.
A yearslong project aims to have it up and running again, which would make the Mohawk the world’s only operating New York Central steam locomotive, according to Friday’s announcement from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
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Fort Wayne Railroad volunteers and members, along with Norfolk Southern, are supporting the efforts to restore the train through a tedious process estimated to cost $4.3 million, according to the press release. The locomotive will undergo careful disassembly, inspection and repair. Extensive work is expected for the boiler, firebox, running gear, tender, appliances and other systems…