The second weekend in June will mark an historic occasion for rail fans with the return of the Nickel Plate Road’s locomotive No. 765 to the Chicago region.
Nickel Plate 765 charges past for this run-by as part of Steam Railroading Institute’s 2009 Train Festival . Photo by Nick Ozorak.
On Saturday, June 11, this 400-ton historic steam locomotive will make an appearance at Franklin Park’s annual Railroad Daze festival followed by its first public excursion trip in the Chicago region in more than 20 years on Sunday, June 12.
Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 will be on live-steam display for visitors to Franklin Park’s Railroad Daze from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 11.
On Sunday, June 12, No. 765 will pull “The Varsity”, an exclusive roundtrip excursion train between The Glen of North Glenview stop on Metra’s Milwaukee North Line and Janesville, Wis. The train will also stop for passengers at Metra’s Fox Lake Station.
“The Varsity,” as the excursion is called, will feature vintage passenger cars from the 1930s-1950s with accommodations in standard coach, deluxe coach, and first class and dome car.
No. 765’s excursion June 12 will be the first by a steam locomotive over portions of the route since 1953.
NKP 765 was originally built in 1944, restored in 1979 and completely rebuilt in 2005 and is maintained by an all-volunteer crew.
Tickets can be ordered online or by calling 888-718-4253. Additional information and frequently asked questions can be read at fortwaynerailroad.org/faq.
