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"Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust
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PRR T1 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TRUST ACQUIRES HISTORIC PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD PASSENGER DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
NEW HAVEN, INDIANA — The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society announced today the sale of two historic Pennsylvania Railroad E8A diesel locomotives to the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust, marking a significant milestone for both organizations and the continued preservation of Pennsylvania Railroad history.
Built in September and November 1952, No. 5702A and No. 5761A represent some of the last great passenger diesels of the streamliner era. Following the bankruptcy and liquidation of Iowa Pacific Holdings in 2021, the locomotives faced an uncertain future as assets were dispersed across the country. When the units failed to find a buyer during the bankruptcy proceedings, members of the Fort Wayne Railroad stepped forward to acquire and safeguard the locomotives, ensuring they remained available for future preservation efforts given the Pennsylvania Railroad’s once prolific presence in Northeast Indiana.
Over the past five years, several long-term preservation opportunities were evaluated as the organization stewarded over $40,000 in storage costs sponsored by a private donor, and the sale to the T1 Trust now ensures the locomotives will continue contributing to the preservation and interpretation of Pennsylvania Railroad technology and history.
The acquisition represents several firsts for the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust. Founded to construct the world’s first new mainline steam locomotive since the end of the steam era, the Trust is currently building Pennsylvania Railroad T1 No. 5550, a new-build replica of the railroad’s iconic streamlined duplex passenger locomotive. With the locomotive’s boiler, frame, and running gear now complete or under assembly and the project exceeding 70 percent completion, the E8s become the Trust’s first motive power acquisition and its first diesel locomotives; a fitting expansion of a mission dedicated to preserving the full technological legacy of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
“There is a wonderful irony in this acquisition,” said Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “These E8s were among the most advanced passenger diesels of their era and helped usher in the end of steam on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Yet when T1 No. 5550 is completed, it will actually be newer than the E units themselves. Both represent different chapters of the same story: the Pennsylvania Railroad’s pursuit of innovation in the golden era of railroading.”
The acquisition expands the T1 Trust’s growing collection of Pennsylvania Railroad heritage equipment and reinforces its broader mission of preserving not only the appearance of historic railroad technology, but also the engineering, craftsmanship, and industrial capabilities that created it. The Trust’s construction of T1 No. 5550 has attracted international attention as one of the most ambitious preservation projects ever undertaken, combining historic design with modern engineering and fabrication techniques.
“We are honored that the Fort Wayne Railroad has delegated these historic locomotives to the T1 Trust,” stated Brad Noble, D.O., President of the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust. “The Pennsylvania Railroad was a technological leader whose influence extended from steam locomotives to diesel passenger power and beyond. While our primary mission remains the completion of T1 No. 5550, this acquisition helps us preserve and interpret a broader spectrum of Pennsylvania Railroad innovation for future generations.”
The Pennsylvania Railroad purchased 75 EMD E8A locomotives, making them the largest fleet of this iconic 2,250-horsepower passenger engine. These locomotives have worn several identities throughout their careers, serving the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Green Mountain Railroad, and Central New York Chapter NRHS before becoming part of the Iowa Pacific fleet. The sale concludes a successful stewardship effort by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, whose leadership viewed the acquisition as an opportunity to prevent the loss of historically significant equipment during a turbulent period for railroad preservation. The locomotives will be shipped to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for evaluation and mechanical work.
“Preservation is often about timing,” Lynch added. “Sometimes the most important thing an organization can do is ensure that an artifact survives long enough to find the right home and the right time to part ways. We believe these locomotives have found that home with the T1 Trust, and we look forward to seeing how they contribute to telling the Pennsylvania Railroad story for decades to come.”
The two were painted as Lackawanna units by Central New York Chapter NRHS 30 years ago, and later sold to IOU Pacific but never used. Todd Hollritt photo.
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