July 2018, an old steam excursion star is saved again from the scrappers torch. The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation (KSHCo) worked with the former Indiana Transportation Museum (ITM) in Noblesville, Indiana to move the historic locomotive to Irvine, KY. The locomotive has been on the KSHCo campus since the move in 2018.

In 2021, the locomotive was transferred in ownership from KSHCo to a unknown private individual. The private individual has reported been trying to work with KHSCo to find a bright future for Nickel Plate Road #587. However, it has been 3 years since that announcement was made about the ownership transfer. SIDETRACK PRODUCTIONS, other railfans, and many steam enthusiasts are concerned about 587's future.

Recently, SIDETRACK PRODUCTIONS visited the former site of the Indiana Transportation Museum in Forest Park, Noblesville, Indiana. While there we had a short off camera conversation with some of the volunteers at Nickel Plate Express (NKPX), established in 2017, about the former life at the ITM. There were a few volunteers who worked with the ITM and had seen the 587 in action. Many of the volunteers would like to see the locomotive return to Indiana and even possibly back home to Noblesville.

The NKPX volunteers informed us that they don't know what will happen to the 587; they hope for the best for the locomotive. As for the ITM, we were informed that the Museum only exists on paper with no equipment or home location to its name.

We do not know what will happen to Nickel Plate Road #587. From what we have heard, the parts that were needed to be replaced have already been fabricated. All that is need is to rebuild the locomotive, finish up the restoration, get FRA approved, and add a fresh coat of paint to the locomotive and tender. We hoper to see the locomotive running again in several years, but until then we can only pray for a bright future for the Nickel Plate Star.

For questions, concerns, or information please contact the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation:

Website - https://www.kentuckysteam.org/

Email Contact - https://www.kentuckysteam.org/contact

Phone - 1-833-KY STEAM  (1-833-597-8326)

Looking for a particular number of their team? Try their dial by name directory

(numbers will ring to voicemail after normal business hours)

809 - Chris Campbell, President

810 - Chad Harpole, Vice President

812 - Joe Nugent, Volunteers and Donors

815 - TJ Mahan, Grants and Logistics

816 - Joe Crawford, Estill County Development

Mail - Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp.

499 Kirkland Ave

Irvine, KY 40336

Brightline, a somewhat new American high-speed rail system, has been in the news quite a bit recently due to accidents at grade crossings. Brightline has taken into account the many injuries and fatalities and they are working on improving safety at the crossings. There are several ways these accidents happen; here are a few of them:

• not paying attention to flashing lights, bells, and train horns.

• driving around the crossing gates.

• seeing the warning signs, but crossing the tracks anyways.

• car or truck getting stuck on the tracks.

These accidents can be prevented if everyone payed attention to the warnings. Brightline has stated that they will be improving the safety precautions at grade crossings. These precautions include:

• adding crossing gates to sidewalks that cross the tracks.

• adding another set of crossbucks, crossing gates, and lights to grade crossings that don't already block both sides of the road.

• continuing promotion of Operation Lifesaver.

Brightline is taking those steps to ensure safety, but you can take some precautions, too. Here's what you can do and look out for when you are around railroad/grade crossings:

• "LOOK:

  • cross only where you can see a designated crossings.

  • always look both directions before crossing the railroad tracks."

  • find the blue sign on the crossing for emergency services and railroad contact info.

• "LISTEN:

  • trains are quiet, so be alert.

  • don't wear headphones or earbuds around the tracks.

  • there might not always be a train horn at every crossing.

• LIVE:

  • never cross the track when you see a moving train.

  • never trespass on train tracks - it's against the law.

  • never try to chase or outrun a train.

  • never walk or bike along train tracks."

For more from Brightline safety use this link: https://www.gobrightline.com/railroad-construction/safety-fact-sheet

Well-known for the second largest operating steam locomotive in the world, Western Maryland #1309, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has acquired the Georges Creek Division. On January 15th, 2024, an announcement was released on the WMSR's website documenting the acquisition of the Georges Creek Railway.

The WMSR secured a long-term lease for the Georges Creek Railway in southwestern Allegany County. The acquisition, made possible through a lease agreement with Eighteen Thirty Group, LLC, will result in the rebranding of the line as the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Georges Creek Division.

Building on the success of doubling visitor numbers on its existing line between Cumberland and Frostburg, WMSR's new Georges Creek Division aims to explore various revenue streams, including passengers and potential freight. The division will operate independently, drawing inspiration from successful short-line railroads like the Tennessee Valley, Everett, and Naugatuck Railroads.

Wesley Heinz, WMSR's Executive Director, sees this move as the result of over two years of discussions with Eighteen Thirty Group. The Georges Creek Division opens opportunities for limited freight services, fulfilling requests from CSX and other vendors. Heinz envisions economic development in the Georges Creek valley through tourism and rail services.

Known for its community-oriented approach, WMSR operates on Allegany County-owned tracks, offering various excursions and events. With "over 47,000 passengers in 2021" and nearly "75,000 visitors" in 2023, the nonprofit seeks innovative solutions to enhance rail experiences.

Heinz emphasizes that the Georges Creek Division initiative allows WMSR to shape its future, capitalizing on the charm of small towns along Georges Creek for new visitor experiences and fostering local economic growth.

The Georges Creek Railway, purchased in 2006 by Eighteen Thirty Group, LLC and Georges Creek, LLC, went dormant in 2019. WMSR plans include addressing overgrowth, ensuring safety measures, and collaborating with community leaders. Interest in developing bike trails alongside the railroad aims to replicate the success of the Great Allegheny Passage.

The partnership reflects a shared passion for history, positioning WMSR as a key economic driver in Western Maryland's communities along the Georges Creek railway. As WMSR embarks on this venture, it aims to revitalize the rail line, one railroad tie at a time.